There is a huge wave of new cannabinoid products hitting the market. This has many asking the experts at CBD Supply Maryland what is HHC? It is easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the new products on the marketplace like Delta 8, Delta 10, and THC-O. HHC is yet another one of these new and popular cannabinoids on the market. Making sense of HHC can be difficult as many retailers aren’t even selling it yet. So, let’s take a deeper look at what HHC is in this article to help you understand if this cannabinoid is right for you.

HHC or hexahydrocannabinol as it is technically referred has been known to exist for a very long time. In fact, it was first discovered in 1944 by American chemist Roger Adams. Adams was doing experiments with THC and he added a hydrogen molecule to Delta 9 THC. This process is referred to as hydrogenation. It will convert a THC molecule to an HHC molecule. This process may seem scary, but it happens all the time around us. In fact, hydrogenation is used every day to convert vegetable oil to margarine.

While HHC can be created in a hydrogenation process, it is also naturally occurring in a cannabis plant. HHC can be naturally found in the seeds and pollen of a hemp or marijuana plant. And while HHC is not THC it can have very similar effects. Many will report that HHC will give them a euphoric feeling like THC and can be helpful with pain, nausea, and more.

Ok so now that we know that HHC and THC will have a similar effect, the question is what is the difference? HHC has been shown to bind well to CB1 and CB2 receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is the system of receptors located throughout our body that process endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by our body and closely resemble cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. This system has receptors located in the brain, skin, bones, digestive tract, and more.

On a chemical level THC and HHC are both able to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in our body. The difference then between the cannabinoids is not as much in the way it works with the body, but with its legal status. The main difference in HHC and Delta 9 THC is federal and state legality. HHC is fully federally legal and legal in nearly all states, while Delta 9 THC is federally illegal and illegal in most states.

Like any cannabinoid the potency is partly determined by the strength of the product. The higher the concentration of HHC in a product, the stronger the product can be. Many will often describe the effects of it as somewhere between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC. This means that you have a product that can be effective at helping with pain and inflammation, while also giving you a euphoric sensation.

As we said before HHC is fully federally legal and legal in nearly all states. You may be asking yourself how is this the case? Since products contain only HHC made from 100% hemp extract, companies can legally manufacture, distribute, and sell to consumers in the United States. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, ratified and signed into law in December 2018, cannabis containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC is legally classified as hemp and thus is legal for all intents and purposes under federal law. Let’s also not forget, THC itself isn’t federally illegal, only specifically Delta 9 THC is.

As one of the newest products on the market, HHC is currently available in two primary forms. These include edibles and vape cartridges. There is a difference in how your body processes HHC depending upon the way in which you consume it.

An HHC vape product will typically come in either a vape cartridge or disposable vape bar. These products will have a nearly instantaneous effect because of the way that the HHC is absorbed in your body through your lungs and into your endocannabinoid system. In a vape form HHC will typically last in your system for about 2 to 3 hours.

HHC edibles are typically in a gummy form although other edibles can exist like brownies or crispy treats. An edible uploads in your body slightly differently than a vape product because it must process through your digestive system and liver. With these types of products, it may take up to two hours for the HHC to take effect. However, the effects will be felt for a much longer period, usually between 8 to 10 hours. So, there are benefits to this method of consumption, particularly for those dealing with chronic pain that need a longer release time.

There is some evidence to suggest that HHC does not show up on traditional drug tests that are looking for THC. This is the case because it is not THC. HHC may evade common drug testing regimes if this proves to be true. However, there is no hard evidence that it does not show up on a drug test for marijuana. Don’t bet your job or career on anecdotal evidence that it may not show up if you are concerned about drug testing.

Like any other cannabinoid products, it is important to purchase HHC from a reputable source. Since these products are so new to the marketplace there are many companies creating products that are untested or unsafe. Going to a reputable source like CBD Supply Maryland will ensure that you get a high quality and safe products. After all you are putting these products in your body. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are ingesting something that is dangerous or harmful. So, before you purchase make sure that your source is trustworthy and able to provide you with only high quality products.