There’s been a lot of talk about HHC lately. Some people swear by it, while others believe it’s a passing fad. So what is HHC? Is it the same as THC? How legal is it? And which is better: HHC Vs. THC? This article will answer all these common questions to help you understand more about hemp and HHC.
We’ll also examine whether or not HHC will show up on a drug test and try to clarify some confusion surrounding this buzzy cannabinoid!
What is HHC?
HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It’s similar to THC in that it has psychoactive effects, but it’s not as potent as pure THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in illegal marijuana. HHC is thought to provide a more mellow high than THC and is shorter-lived. Some say that HHC is a “legal high” because it’s found in hemp plants, which are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
However, it’s important to remember that not all CBD products are created equal. Some contain higher levels of HHC than others, and the legality of these products is still unclear. In general, it’s best to check with your local laws before purchasing any CBD products.
Tetrahydrocannabinol wins the HHC Vs. THC argument in terms of potency. However, HHC tops THC in the HHC Vs. THC debate according to its legality within the federal level.
How does HHC work?
HHC works by binding to the CB receptors in your body. These are the same receptors that THC binds to, which is why HHC has similar effects to THC. However, because it’s not as potent as THC, HHC provides a calmer high and is shorter-lived, so the effects won’t last as long.
Some say that HHC is an excellent alternative to THC because it doesn’t make you as paranoid or anxious. However, there is still not enough research to know how HHC affects the mind and body.
Like most cannabinoids, HHC is biphasic. The lighter concentrations induce head euphoria, while more potent samples give the user a high serotonin dose.
Will HHC show up on a drug test?
This is a common question, but the answer is not so clear. Because HHC is found in hemp plants, which are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, it’s unlikely that it will appear on a drug test. However, there have been some cases where people have tested positive for THC after using products that contain HHC.
Can I Pass a Drug Test After Using HHC?
The hemp-consuming community has a huge myth that HHC doesn’t register on drug tests. Most arguments are based on anecdotal evidence, which would be purposefully biased to push a specific agenda. While HHC does, in theory, have a lower chance of being detected compared to delta 9 THC, there’s no reason why HHC won’t be caught in a drug test. Below are two main reasons why HHC is more likely to be detected than not in a drug test.
- The HHC structure is nearly identical to THC’s, making it a tetrahydrocannabinol analog. Its effects, however, are similar to delta 9 and delta 8. Scarce research also displays the similarities in these cannabinoids’ metabolites. The truth is that HHC can be detected in a drug test, but the experience varies from one person to another.
Some data found on Reddit showed that a user agrees that HHC will register in a drug test, but they didn’t provide any scientific research that would back or deny the claims. To dispel doubts and get the answer to this question, buy yourself a top-quality drug test and get your own results.
- It may be argued that HHC isn’t going to have traces of THC, but the truth is there’s a chance of cross-contamination. Most sellers won’t provide basic contamination and testing reports for the products. Unless you’re careful, you might buy illegal products that exceed the allowed 0.3% delta 9 THC threshold. In some instances, the product might claim traces of THC but falsify the figures.
Please do your due diligence and only buy from transparent and reliable sources that provide a Certificate of Analysis with their products. Even if a product is legal, especially in full spectrum products, there will be trace amounts of delta 9 THC. This can cause a build-up if the user consumes HHC a couple of times a week and cause the THC to register during a drug test.
What Are the Benefits of Using HHC?
HHC is used for its calming and relaxing effects. It’s also said to help with pain relief, anxiety, and insomnia. Some people use HHC as an alternative to THC because it doesn’t make you as paranoid or anxious.
However, there is still not enough research to know for sure how HHC affects the mind and body. Moderate doses of HHC cause a euphoric sensation similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is More Potent: (HHC Vs. THC)?
HHC is not as potent as THC, but it’s still unclear how much less potent it is. HHC produces a calmer and shorter-lived high so that the effects won’t last as long. Some say that HHC is a great alternative to THC because it doesn’t make you as paranoid or anxious.
Which is Legal: (HHC Vs. THC)?
HHC is legal according to federal law under the 2018 Farm Bill, but its legality may change from state to state law. THC, on the other hand, is still illegal under federal law, with very few exceptions. These exceptions include the research on marijuana CBD and the potential wellness and health effects it poses.
Does HHC Fail Drug Tests?
HHC may show up on a drug test, but the experience varies from one person to another. The evidence on this topic is entirely anecdotal, making this one of the most debatable questions in the hemp community. While HHC shouldn’t technically show up during drug tests, there are a few factors that might cause changes. For instance, if the HHC was cross-contaminated with THC.
THC metabolites will be present. On the same issue of metabolites, some argue that since THC and HHC have a similar structure, it would be likely that hexahydrocannabinol will detect during a drug test. To be sure, grab yourself a good quality drug test and run the test yourself for definitive results.
How Long Will HHC Stay in the Body?
Like any other cannabinoid, the period HHC will remain in the body depends on several factors. For instance:
- How much HHC was consumed
- The frequency of consumption
- The individual’s weight and metabolism
- Type of drug test used
- The type of hexahydrocannabinol(HHC) used
Generally, HHC will stay in your body for anywhere between a week to a few months. Please remember that everyone will react differently to HHC. As a rule of thumb, stop using HHC once you’re sure you have to do a drug test.
Does HHC Contain THC?
Yes. HHC contain THC. Any legal HHC product has o.3% THC or less. This amount is legal under the federal law.
Unfortunately, some might make illegal HHC that contains in excess of the allowed percentage. To avoid these products, ensure you buy your HHC from reputable actors that provide different verifications including a Certificate of Analysis.
HHC Vs. Delta 8
HHC and Delta-8 are similar in many ways, but some key differences exist. For starters, Delta-Eight is much more potent than HHC. Both cannabinoids will offer a euphoric high, but the high from Delta-8 will last much longer—up to 12 hours in some cases. Delta-8 is also said to offer more psychedelic effects than HHC. These effects can include:
- Hallucinations
- Increased anxiety
- Paranoia
So, Which Should You Choose?
The choice between HHC or Delta 8 is a personal one. If you’re looking for a long-lasting high that’s more potent, then Delta-8 is the cannabinoid for you. But if you’re looking for something less potent that won’t make you paranoid, then HHC is probably a better choice.
HHC Vs. Delta 9
HHC and Delta 9 are two completely different cannabinoids. For starters, Delta 9 is the most well-known cannabinoid because it’s the main component of marijuana. On the other hand, HHC is a minor cannabinoid found in smaller quantities in hemp plants. Delta 9 is much more potent than HHC and will offer a stronger high. However, the high from HHC is shorter-lived and won’t last as long. Some say that HHC is a good alternative to THC because it doesn’t make you as paranoid.
HHC Vs. Delta-8 Vs. Delta 9?
In terms of potency, Delta-Nine is the most potent cannabinoid, followed by Delta 8. HHC is the least potent of the three. This is important to remember because the effects of Delta 9 and Delta 8 will be much stronger than HHC.
So, if you’re looking for a potent high, Delta 9 is the cannabinoid you want. But if you’re looking for something less powerful, then HHC is probably a better choice.
What are the Side Effects of HHC?
The side effects of HHC are similar to the side effects of THC. These side effects can include:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Increased appetite
- Sleepiness
These short-term effects will resolve once the HHC “high” wears off.
The Bottom Line
HHC is a hemp component that is gaining popularity because it produces similar effects to THC but without high levels of anxiety and paranoia. HHC is legal under federal law, but its legality may change from state to state.