What Is the HHC Cannabinoid & Should You Vape It?
Until relatively recently, the majority of people were not aware of the fact that there is more than one compound in Cannabis sativa that can cause an intoxicating high.
What is often referred to as simply just THC is actually delta-9 THC and is the most widely known and used phytocannabinoid. The success of delta-8 THC over the last few years has helped to raise awareness of the many other cannabinoids within cannabis plants that can cause similar effects to those of delta-9.
One of the latest phytocannabinoids to grab people’s attention is HHC. In particular, HHC has been turning heads among those who enjoy vaping, with an increasing number of people looking to try using an HHC vape pen like this https://purekana.com/products/hhc-vape-pens-900mg/, to test the effects of HHC for themselves.
So, what exactly is HHC, and is it really worth vaping?
What Is HHC?
HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol and it’s a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol. HHC is a type of phytocannabinoid that can be found in trace amounts in Cannabis sativa plants.
Since HHC only occurs in tiny quantities within cannabis, it is much more expensive to use in products like HHC vape oils and liquids than other popular phytocannabinoids.
One way that companies have been getting around this issue is by making HHC products using synthetic processes.
The majority of cannabinoids can be converted into other types of cannabinoids through a process known as hydrogenation which alters the chemistry of the cannabinoid molecules. This is particularly useful for manufacturers making products containing cannabinoids that only occur in very small quantities, like HHC.
The most common choice when synthetically making HHC is to use hemp-derived CBD. There are two main advantages to this. Firstly, CBD occurs in large quantities in hemp plants and so is much cheaper to source than HHC.
Secondly, CBD tends to have a much better reputation than many other cannabinoids due to its long list of health benefits.
How Does HHC Affect the Body?
Not all cannabinoids affect the body in the same way. For example, CBD and delta-9 THC have such a different impact on the body that many people wrongly believe they come from different plants.
Despite many HHC vape products being made from CBD molecules that have been altered using hydrogenation, its effects are much closer to those of delta-9 THC. The reason for this is that HHC is still technically a THC.
While the effects of HHC are close to THC, they do not have the same strength, and it can sometimes be challenging to know what to expect when vaping HHC.
HHC that has been synthetically produced contains a mix of both active and inactive HHC molecules. In practical terms, this means that roughly only half of the molecules are able to bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors in the body and cause the psychoactive effects that are associated with THC.
The effects of HHC are therefore much milder than delta-9 THC and are often described as being closer to delta-8 THC in many ways.
Does HHC Have Any Side Effects?
Given the much lower potency of HHC, people often assume that it will be less likely to cause adverse side effects. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and when it comes to the list of side effects, be aware that HHC is much closer to delta-9 THC than any other cannabinoid.
Just like THC, the most commonly reported side effects from vaping HHC include dry mouth, red and itchy eyes, feelings of anxiety, and sudden hunger.
Luckily just like with delta-9 THC, the chances of side effects are minimal when consuming only small quantities of HHC. The likelihood of experiencing side effects increases the higher the dose that is taken. The most extreme side effects tend to only be reported in cases where large quantities of HHC have been consumed.
Is It a Good Idea to Vape HHC?
There is currently a lack of research when it comes to the potential medical benefits of HHC, and for this reason, it is mainly used for recreational purposes.
Vaping is the ideal way to enjoy HHC as it is both social and offers the delicious range of flavors that vape oils come in. From soothing vanilla to bright blue razz, there is almost no end to the list of flavors to choose from when shopping for HHC vape products.
Vaping is a fun way to consume HHC; it also helps to set the mood ready for the uplifting effects that HHC can have, especially in social situations. There is no better way to try HHC for the first time than with a few close friends and a flavor-packed vape pen.