WARNING: Never breathe HHC-O vapor or fumes as described in the article. When heated, the acetate form of cannabinoids can produce ketene, a dangerous lung toxicant. This risk first became apparent during research with THC-O, but applies to the acetate form of all cannabinoids.
Like Delta 8 before it, HHC is a darling of the legal cannabis industry. This is what you would expect from a federally legal cannabis derivative with effects comparable to delta-9 THC. HHC Cart and his HHC Edibles may not completely rule the hemp world, but they have become the go-to.
The cannabis community’s response to HHC has been positive. Of course there are negative opinions, but that applies to popular products. Many users praise the euphoric and dream-like euphoria, while others claim it feels more foggy and disorienting than other types of psychoactive hemp.
Although using HHC can get you high, the experience is milder than using delta-9 THC, the main intoxicating compound in marijuana. Despite the differences in potency, the types of high are relatively similar in the two. Delta-9 and HHC also appear to have some side effects in common.
As with all trendy cannabinoids, manufacturers are eager to produce new products under the name “HHC.” By slightly adjusting the chemical structure of the substances, HHC-P and HHC-O were created.
Before trying these newcomers, we recommend checking their effects, advantages, and disadvantages. In the case of HHC-O, there are even important safety risks to keep in mind.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a naturally occurring cannabis compound, or phytocannabinoid. Although hemp naturally contains trace amounts of HHC, it is not practical or cost-effective to extract it directly. Manufacturers use hydrogenation to convert the more easily produced CBD into HHC. Delta 8 THC acts as a mediator in this process.
Science has focused on HHC for longer than many emerging derivatives, including Delta-10 THC and THCV. HHC cannabinoids are Discovered by American chemist Roger Adams In the 1940s, around the same time as CBD and Delta-8 THC. Further research on HHC has not yet been extensive.
be HHC analogs may be able to slow tumor growth in breast cancer patients. Some users report that HHC helps relieve pain, and this is supported by research. In 2007, another team of chemists created the first Relationship between HHC and pain reduction. None of these studies involved humans.
under 2018 Farm Bill, HHC is a hemp derivative that is legal in the United States. This was reiterated by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022, clearing up remaining confusion over the legality of psychoactive hemp.
If you’re looking for a high similar to marijuana, but with less intensity, HHC is for you. A heart-melting cerebral high is common, while some people may also experience muscle relaxation and mild pain relief.
Hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHCP) is a minor hemp cannabinoid. Unlike its cousins THCP and CBDP, it is unknown whether HHCP has ever been isolated naturally. HHCP is structurally different from HHC due to the extended carbon tail. If you compare THCP and THC, you’ll see the same thing.
HHCP carts are the most common type of HHCP product, but you can also see tinctures and disposable products on dealer websites. The cannabinoid blend is particularly notable. Gummies in particular seem to only exist in this blended form. The formula contains cannabinoids such as THCA, THCP, and of course HHC.
The only study on HHCP is 2023 paper aiming to identify stereoisomers, right next to HHC. What we know about the effects of HHCP is based on its chemical structure, early understanding of THCP, and user accounts. It’s possible that HHCP shares properties with his THCP, but as it turns out, no supporting research exists.
Similar to THCP, HHCP is anchored by a seven carbon chain. It exceeds the alkyl side chain of delta 9 THC and HHC by two carbon atoms and is extremely important in the scope of weed chemistry. There is evidence that the longer the side chain, the better. Leads to improved cannabinoid receptor binding affinity And the result is higher potency. So if you get high from HHC, you’ll probably get even higher from HHCP.
However, all rules have limitations. We don’t know at what point the receptors become overwhelmed and efficacy becomes limited. Even if you are taking highly potent cannabinoids, their effects may not always be consistent. There is more to learn about the binding affinities of the endocannabinoid system, its effects on the body, and the interactions between the two.
That aside, user accounts support the idea that HHCP will hit hard. Most people report that HHCP causes a strong and long-lasting high. There are conflicting claims regarding HHCP and sleep quality. Some people say that HHCP helps them sleep better, while others say that HHCP makes them more restless. If you tend to vape before bed, do so with caution.
Do not consume large amounts of HHCP during the first session. New cannabinoids require gradual familiarization, and this is especially important if the compound is potent. Start with a small amount and take it from there.
Benefits and medical applications of HHCP
There is no evidence of medicinal efficacy of HHCP. Even if they exist, we currently don’t know what they are or how effective they are. HHCP is poorly studied and estimates are limited. It’s possible that HHCP shares medicinal properties with HHC, but that’s all we have to go on.
Several sellers claim that HHCP has anti-inflammatory or anti-anxiety properties.However, this claim seems to come from something 2012 paper on hexahydrocurcumin, also abbreviated as “HHC”. Hexahydrocurcumin is not a cannabinoid and, as far as we know, has nothing to do with hemp-derived HHC or HHCP. It’s actually a metabolite of curcumin, which is found in turmeric and has nothing to do with cannabis.
There are no safety studies on HHCP, but there is also no indication that it is dangerous. More detailed investigation is required to uncover potential risks.
Anyway, don’t miss out on buying the first HHCP cart you find at your local smoke shop. Hemp-based products are unregulated and skepticism is understandable. There is no requirement for third-party testing, but all reputable brands perform their own testing.
HHCP is legal for the same reasons as HHC. As long as the HHCP vape product or edible contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it is legal to distribute as hemp in the United States. However, states may enact their own policies regarding hemp or specific cannabinoids.
HHC-O-acetate (HHC-O or HHCO) is the acetate ester of HHC. From what we know about THC-O and its formation, we can infer that HHC-O is synthesized from HHC via acetic anhydride.
Unlike HHC and HHCP, HHC-O may not occur naturally in hemp. Direct extraction may not be possible at any capacity. As we witnessed with THC-O, this can put HHC-O in an awkward legal situation. The 2018 Farm Bill only protects naturally occurring hemp cannabinoids. Man-made synthetics are not given the same leeway.
Legality aside, there are some legitimate safety concerns associated with acetate. Thermal degradation has various effects on compounds, but in the case of HHC-O, Very likely to produce ketene. This toxic gas causes severe long-term lung damage.
Before I get into the details, let me emphasize right away. No matter how favorable the effects may sound, you probably shouldn’t vape HHC-O. Inhaling ketene can cause severe lung damage.
Adding acetate groups may enhance the effects of psychoactive hemp. HHC-O seems to be probably significantly more powerful than his normal HHC. This leap in potency was also the main attraction of THC-O. THC-O is currently considered a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), so HHC-O seems like an obvious alternative.
The full extent of HHC-O’s effects is unknown, but we can form a rough idea from THC-O and user anecdotes. Both HHC-O and THC-O can cause a psychedelic high. Many users corroborate this and also highlight the power of HHC-O. Normal HeHHC usually does not cause psychedelic effects.
We do not recommend vaping HHC-O, but if you are using the edible version, start slow. New users should start with no more than half a gummy, or even a quarter of a gummy, before checking their body. Adjust dosage as necessary.
Benefits and medical applications of HHC-O
Research on HHC-O is virtually non-existent, and we don’t know if it will be done anytime soon. Take everything you read online with a grain of salt.
There aren’t many health claims made by sellers, but some say HHC-O reduces nausea and pain. The origin of this is unknown. Perhaps this is a general claim that applies to some other cannabinoids as well, so pushing it to HHC-O felt believable to the seller.
HHC-O safety and legality
There are no laws yet regulating or prohibiting the sale of HHC-O carts or food products. Since this does not appear to occur naturally in hemp, HHC-O may not meet the standards set by the Farm Bill. Whether legal or not, avoid smoking HHC-O or the acetate form of cannabis compounds.
More research is needed to confirm exactly how dangerous HHC-O is when it comes in contact with heat, but there is good reason to be concerned. Thermal decomposition of acetate can produce ketene. This pulmonary toxicant played a major role in the 2019 “EVALI” epidemic.
The vitamin E acetate filler was converted to the same gaseous substance. Vitamin E acetate is an additive used by unreliable cannabis oil producers seeking to reduce production costs at the expense of quality and user health. Widely rejected by the vaping community As a researcher and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you still want to try HHC-O, choose the gummies. It is also necessary to closely monitor the evolving legal situation. HHC-O could also follow the same path as his THC-O, especially if it attracts attention.
HHC vs. HHCP vs. HHC-O: Overview
Most users agree that HHC is the least intense of the three, falling just short of Delta 9.
A typical HHCP or HHC-O high is probably at least as strong as Delta-9 THC, and probably stronger. It’s not always fair to compare. The type of high is unique, especially considering the psychedelic characteristics of HHC-O. The high levels of HHCP are reminiscent of HHC, but the duration is longer. Of these three cannabinoids, HHC is the only one with published research supporting its benefits, but nothing exists regarding its recreational effects.
Structurally, there are important differences that impact both efficacy and safety. HHCP’s long carbon tail seems to increase potency and amplify the blow. The addition of an acetate group also increases the potency of HHC-O, but also raises safety concerns. HHC-O should only be taken in edible form, as thermal degradation can produce ketene in the vape.
HHC occurs naturally in hemp and was first isolated several decades ago. It is plausible that trace amounts of HHCP are present in hemp. The chemist has already separated THCP and CBDP. However, HHC-O is most likely synthetic.
Finally, do not consume HHC, HHC-O, or HHCP products that are not guaranteed to be safe. Visit the manufacturer’s website for test results and ensure it is up to date. You can also contact a store representative for more information. Without rigorous testing, there is no guarantee of a product’s actual cannabinoid content or that it is free of fillers.
