The cannabis plant contains over 400 cannabinoids and terpenes that may have health benefits. Cannabinoids are thought to interact with neurotransmitters to produce a variety of effects that support healthy immune function, a sense of well-being, relaxation, and may aid in stress management and sleep.
While the majority of cannabis research has focused on cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), there is one cannabinoid that has received less attention. It’s called hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), and it’s quickly gaining popularity in the wellness space due to its similar effects to delta-9 THC’s chemical structure.
HHC Liter has very similar effects to natural THC in terms of recreational intoxication for those interested in using cannabinoids to support their wellness goals.
This article investigates what federally legal HHC Liter is, how it is produced, and what it means for the future of cannabinoids for therapeutic use HHC vapes.
What Exactly Is HHC and How Does It Work?
HHC Liter is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in minute amounts in cannabis. Manufacturers force a chemical reaction in abundant hemp-derived cannabinoids like natural cannabinoids CBD and THC to transform it into HHC Liter molecules in order to sell it on the market [1].
When American chemist Roger Adams added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC in 1944, he created HHC Liter. This is referred to as “hydrogenation.”
Hydrogenation is not a novel method used in the cannabis industry. The same hydrogenated cannabinoids are used to improve the shelf-life of food products by converting butter into margarine.
Adams originally used this technique to produce THC from marijuana plants, but since the 2018 Farm Bill went into effect, legalizing cannabis crops containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, more manufacturers are using cannabinoid hydrogenation to produce HHC from CBD.
What Are the Consequences of HHC?
HHC Liter is a psychotropic compound that produces feelings of euphoria, changes in perception, altered cognition, as well as potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, similar to delta-9 THC.
As people seek a legal way to experience the intoxicating effects of marijuana, we’ve seen a surge in the use of THC isomers—variants of the notorious delta-9 THC molecule. THC cannabinoid analogue isomers that are popular include delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC derived from hemp crops.
Many users compare HHC to delta-8 THC in terms of providing a more relaxed high rather than a stimulated one. In terms of potency, hemp-derived THC delta-8 is roughly half as potent as delta-9 THC, and HHC Liter is more potent than delta-8 but less potent than delta-9.
Because hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is still relatively new, there aren’t many studies that look into its potential effects and safety.
According to research, what are the potential benefits of HHC?
Those who keep up with cannabis news may have already experienced some of the benefits of HHC Liter products, but there is still so much we don’t know about this hydrogenated cannabinoid. Those who have tried it report that it provides a pleasant and mild high as well as minor muscle pain relief.
While it is important to note that studies on this topic have a somewhat limited scope in terms of what was studied and how far-reaching their results were, they are still valuable pieces of information for those interested in the future of cannabis products for wellness.
1. HHC Has a Potentially Longer Shelf Life
Cannabinoids are heat and UV sensitive, and their potency diminishes over time when exposed to oxygen.
HHC has a much longer shelf life than naturally occurring cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which is one of its most notable advantages.
HHC has more hydrogenated carbons than THC, and THC lacks one of its ester molecules. These molecular changes result in a more stable compound with greater heat resistance, giving it a longer shelf life than delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC.
2. HHC may improve mood and relaxation in preparation for restorative sleep.
Many people think of cannabis as part of their self-care routine, to help them unwind from a stressful day and get a good night’s sleep.
HHC is classified as a psychotropic because it activates the same CB1 receptors in the brain that can alter perception and induce euphoria. The difference between HHC and delta-9 THC is that HHC Liter, like delta-8 THC, provides a sense of relaxation rather than stimulation.
People describe HHC as being a more relaxed and clear-headed version of the typical marijuana high.
3. Pain Relieving Advantages
One preclinical study on rats suggests that HHC Liter has analgesic (pain-killing) effects [2]. Again, there isn’t enough evidence to support its use as an effective muscle relaxant and pain reliever, but preliminary research suggests that this cannabinoid could be useful in future trials.
Some argue that HHC is far more effective at relieving pain than delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
What Are the Key Differences Between THC and HHC?
There are numerous misconceptions about the distinctions between THC and HHC, so here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know.
The first major distinction is their naturally occurring concentrations in cannabis plants—THC is abundant in marijuana strains, whereas HHC Liter is present in trace amounts. The HHC products available online are synthetic and not naturally derived through the hydrogenation process.
The next distinction is the two molecules’ stability. HHC is a more stable compound than THC, making it more resistant to heat and UV rays and thus having a longer shelf life.
Both HHC and THC variations have the potential to produce psychotropic effects in terms of effect profiles. HHC produces a calmer, more relaxed high, whereas delta-9 THC produces a much more stimulating high.
What Are the Key Differences Between CBD and HHC?
CBD is one of the most active compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is most abundant in hemp strains, but high levels of CBD can also be found in marijuana strains.
CBD, unlike THC and HHC Liter, is not psychoactive. Even at high doses, it does not produce intoxicating effects in the majority of people.
CBD has no affinity for the CB1 or CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. It is thought to increase receptor sensitivity to cannabinoids produced internally and may have distinct effects at specific receptor sites such as GABA (in the brain) and vanilloid receptors (perceiving pain in the peripheral nervous system).
There is also far more research on CBD than there is on HHC.
There is one FDA-approved drug made from pure CBD for the treatment of difficult-to-manage seizures, and there is ongoing research into CBD’s use as an analgesic, anxiolytic, and immune-supportive agent.
Why Is the Medical Community Interested in New Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids have been the subject of an increasing number of medical studies over the last decade. Cannabis has been used by humans for millennia, dating back to at least the third millennium BCE. Many people use the plant to support their wellness goals, such as muscle relaxation, sleep support, and stress management.
Cannabinoids appear to be relatively safe and well-tolerated, with a low risk of addiction and lethal overdose, making them an ideal compound for therapeutic research. It’s difficult to ignore when one humble plant can provide so many different types of support for individuals, and it appears that CBD and THC will face more competition in this space fairly soon.
Is HHC secure? HHC Adverse Reactions
There have never been any safety studies for HHC Liter, so any information currently available about its safety is speculative. According to anecdotal reports, the side effects of HHC are very similar to the effects of taking too much THC. These negative effects include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness
- Paranoia
- Feelings of anxiety
- Appetite changes
- Mouth dryness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Eyes that are red
Is HHC a legal substance?
There is much debate about the legality and safety of cannabinoids such as HHC and delta 8 THC.
Companies like Bearly Legal claim it’s “completely natural” because they’re simply converting one cannabinoid into another via hydrogenation, but that process doesn’t happen all that often in nature.
Some states may have different guidelines regarding HHC, so if you’re going to shop for HHC online, you should do thorough research into your local laws. However, because of the dangers associated with K2 spice and other synthetic cannabinoids, if the compound is deemed “synthetic,” it is technically federally illegal.
Where Can You Purchase HHC?
The new cannabinoid market is quite exclusive and thriving, which means there are a lot of sellers, even though finding a reliable HHC source is difficult due to HHC’s lack of safety and standardization.
Take care when purchasing HHC.
Many scam companies release new cannabinoid products early in order to take advantage of the lack of competition. These so-called “cannabis” extracts may even contain harmful chemicals that are not listed on the label, or worse, unknown compounds whose effects could be harmful if consumed without knowledge or understanding of what is being put into your body.
The Bottom Line: HHC and Cannabinoids in the Future
The cannabis plant contains a plethora of compounds. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids. However, over 100 cannabinoids have been discovered to have psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a minor cannabinoid that has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as the potential for mild psychotropic effects.
Cannabinoids research has exploded over the last several decades, and our understanding of these chemicals now far exceeds that of other drugs like opiates or cocaine—but there are still many challenges when it comes to clinical use.
We know that the cannabinoid market is still poorly regulated, and while new studies about cannabinoids’ future emerge, regulation in production and marketing remains hazy. When shopping for hemp-derived products on the market, be cautious because not all brands have their customers’ health and best interests in mind.
Look into the company via third-party review websites and forums for customer experiences, and refer to the certificate of analysis for an overview of the compounds in the extract.
