You may think that with the ever-increasing popularity of cannabis and the numerous research studies on its benefits- the world now knows everything about it. But surprisingly, this assumption would be far away from reality. The cannabis plant is incredibly complicated and constitutes several different chemical compounds. They are known as cannabinoids, and each has a different effect on the human body.
Till now, scientists have discovered some 119 different cannabinoids. And with time, this number will surely increase. As a result of these studies, we now see a new compound, HHC (or Hexa-hydrocannabinol), in the cannabinoid industry. This product is quickly gaining popularity and could become the next big name after CBD, THC, and Delta-8. It is crucial to note that there has been little research on the potential benefits of HHC, and thus whatever we know about the compound is only based on the experience of its users. Consequently, nobody has all the information about it, and many questions remain unanswered.
Luckily, we have summarized whatever we know about HHC in this article. Its origin, forms of consumption, effects, benefits, and if you can use it to treat conditions such as dementia. Read on to find out more!
What Is HHC, And How Did It Originate?
It might be confusing to learn about different cannabinoids as the cannabis plant offers a wide range of compounds under acronyms such as CBD, THC, and HHC. But what does the HHC stand for?
It is an acronym for hexahydrocannabinol. It is a chemical compound derived from the hemp and cannabis plant in scrap amounts. Just like the compounds CBD and THC- it also connects with the ECS (or endocannabinoid system) inside our bodies. Consequently, it produces several feelings and effects on our physical and mental health.
It was first created in the year 1944 by Roger Adams. He was an American chemist who also discovered CBD in the same decade. Adams found that adding hydrogen molecules to Delta 9 THC by the hydrogenation process induces a chemical reaction and converts the THC compound into it. In the initial years, THC obtained from cannabis plants was hydrogenated to create HHC. But nowadays, it is primarily derived from hemp.
How Can One Consume HHC?
Like CBD and THC, you can also consume HHC in several ways and forms. However, owing to its newness in the market, its consumption forms are not widely available. Still, you can find and consume it in vapes, tinctures, and edibles.
Can HHC Get People High?
To straightforwardly answer the question- it is a yes. You can experience a high after consuming it. However, you should also note that this experience could differ for everyone due to their body makeup, unique physiology, overall health, and tolerance-limit of cannabis products. Moreover, if someone has tried other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-9 THC, itwill give you a different experience.
The information about the effects of it is primarily a collection of its consumer reports. Most of the users have experienced a cerebral and smooth high. This high lies somewhere between Delta 8 and Delta 9 in terms of potency. Most consumers feel that the high provided by it is mellower than that of Delta-9 and more energetic than that of Delta-8.
Will You Be Tested Positive In A Drug Test After Consuming HHC?
Even though HHC is not considered THC, there have been mixed reports about it resulting in a positive in drug tests. While some consumers have tested positive in a drug test after consuming HHC, others have passed it without any such difficulty. But all points considered, it is not 100% safe for you to take a drug test if you have consumed HHC in the past month.
What Benefits Can HHC Offer To Its Consumers?
As HHC is similar to Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC, consumers have reported that HHC provides similar benefits. We have summarized some of these benefits below:-
- HHC possesses lesser psychoactive properties than Delta 9 THC. Thus, it is a viable alternative for THC users who get anxious when they don’t enjoy the potent psychoactive experience that consuming THC triggers in them.
- On the flip side of the same coin- it possesses stronger potency than CBD and Delta-8 THC. Moreover, CBD is primarily consumed for its medicinal benefits and thus does not guarantee a psychoactive experience to its consumers.
- Several consumers have also reported that it can offer potential benefits like stress relief, pain relief, increased appetite, and more. These benefits are similar to several other cannabinoids, even CBD and THC.
Can HHC Help Cure Dementia?
Dementia is a condition that is chronic and progressive. Dementia patients experience a deterioration in their cognitive abilities (cognitive abilities are responsible for processing thoughts). This deterioration is significantly faster than the natural effects of biological aging. Dementia weakens thinking, learning capacity, memory, comprehension, orientation, language, calculation, and judgment. However, it does not affect consciousness. As dementia impairs the cognitive function of humans, it can also result in changes in emotional control, motivation, behavior, or mood.
HHC can potentially benefit dementia patients by helping them reduce their inflammation. It can also help in protecting their nervous system and stimulating their brain. Moreover, it can also help reduce stress and anxiety. The icing on the cake is that it can even reduce the pace of declining cognitive functions like memory.
Conclusion
Even though HHC is reportedly safe to use like other cannabinoids, there is still a considerable need for more research studies to confirm it. Most information about HHC is based on anecdotal reports by its users and not on scientific studies. So even if you feel safe while consuming it, you should still do detailed research on the product before consuming it. Make it a point to buy your HHC product from a reputed vendor who maintains transparency by publishing third-party lab reports on their website. Some vendors even offer the service to answer all your questions about their product and clear any doubts. Hence, only buy your HHC from trusted vendors and keep a check on your dosage. This way, you can derive the most benefits and even manage conditions such as dementia.