Understanding whether is HHC safe is a very important line of discussion. This article will help you with that discussion. So stick around till the end to get a conclusive answer to this burning question of the hour.
What Is HHC?
Before we can even answer ‘is HHC safe,’ we need to understand it. HHC, or Hexahydrannabinol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that can be found in the cannabis class of plants.
HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. However, it is not as abundant as Delta-9 THC. As a result, companies have to synthesize this cannabinoid using artificial methods. The conversion method is the most popular method for forming HHC. In this method, hemp-derived CBD is transformed into HHC.
HHC is very closely related to the more popular THC. The similarities are so stark that these cannabinoids are often called cousins. Both cannabinoids provide a mild euphoric high along with an amazing sense of tranquility and peace.
HHC is only found in trace amounts. As a result, scientists are yet to make landslide progress in studying the cannabinoid. Maybe this is why the substance is still an enigma to several cannabis scientists who are looking to exploit the substance for medicinal benefits.
How Does It Work?
HHC or the Hexahyrocannabinol is a very close isomer of the famed THC. As a result, HHC binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors similarly to THC. The endocannabinoid system is a very important system that regulates several important functions of the body like sleep, memory, pain, hunger, etc.
Cannabinoids that are derived from cannabis bind with the system and alter its workings. HHC works in a similar way. However, the overall potency of HHC is lower than THC. Still, the substance has some psychoactive effects that users can feel. As a result, the question of safety is something that really bothers new users.
Is It Safe?
HHC is a relatively new cannabinoid that has been discovered by scientists. As a result, scientists do not have solid conclusive proof to answer this question once and for all. There is not enough research to prove that HHC is safe and has no long-term effects. Still, we do have something to go forward with.
HHC shares some remarkable similarities with the more popular delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC. Therefore, scientists believe that we can use these other cannabinoids as references to answer the question, ‘Is HHC safe.’
Effects Of HHC?
The foremost thing that we need to study is the general effects of HHC on the human body. Users claim that HHC feels similar to THC on most accounts. Users claim that their bodies felt lighter after consuming HHC. You can physically feel the effects of HHC.
Some other users claimed that they felt relaxed and euphoric after consuming the cannabinoid. In fact, users with anxiety claimed that the substance calms the mind and makes them feel relaxed. So the substance also has some mind-altering effects that other substances lack.
Meanwhile, some of the prominent side effects of the substance include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Cottonmouth
- Red Eyes
- Low blood sugar.
- Couch-lock.
Legality
Legality automatically comes into the conversation if we are talking about the safety of a psychoactive substance. Legally speaking, HHC lives in a bit of a gray zone. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, Hemp-derived HHC is legal. The bill states plants or products containing 0.3% THC hemp-derived THC are legal.
However, the problem arises when we take into consideration the manufacturing process. Synthetically manufactured cannabinoids are illegal according to the Federal Laws. This is because scientists claim that synthetic cannabinoids do not function in the same ways that organic cannabinoids do. As a result, they do not have enough data to back up the claim that synthetic HHC is safe. And this is why the DEA is yet to legalize synthetic cannabinoids.
However, the DEA has yet to put a ban on semi-synthetic cannabinoids. The reason behind this is that these cannabinoids have not been on the radar for public safety concerns. However, if you do source this cannabinoid, just make sure that it is done from a respectable and authorized source. Otherwise, you might be subjecting yourself to sub-par products.
Will It Show Up In Drug Tests?
Ever since its inception, HHC products have made waves as an alternative to the more popular THC. There is a general rumor that HHC does not show up on drug tests, unlike THC. Hence, cannabis enthusiasts flocked to the dispensaries to procure this cannabinoid. However, things are not as straightforward as people might think it to be.
Technically speaking. THC and HHC share a lot of similarities. The primary one is the molecular structure between the two. Therefore, it is assumed that the metabolites of these two cannabinoids are similar. So, any drug screening that is looking for THC metabolites will definitely be able to detect HHC metabolites in your bloodstream.
Some Key Takeaways
After analyzing some of the major aspects of the discussion, we have reached the very end. I personally believe that HHC is a fairly safe substance to try if you are looking for something that is mild, shares characteristics with THC, and is relatively new, then HHC is something you might give a try.
However, things get tricky when we talk about legality. HHC is a legal cannabinoid. However, that legality comes with certain underlying conditions. Therefore, be careful of the downsides of the substance
Final Note
Is HHC safe? If you take our word for it, it is a relatively safe substance to consume. But, due to its legal connotation and the way the substance is seen, there are some areas in which the substance can do you more harm than good. Keep this in mind next time you go to pick up the new and understudied HHC.
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