Hey, we get it; shopping for cannabis can be confusing. With all the acronyms out there – THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, THC-A, THC-P — you might feel like you need a chemistry degree to figure out exactly what you need. 

Don't worry; we're here to take the guesswork out of everything.

So today in class we're going to be taking a look at one particular compound you're likely seeing a lot of — HHC — in order to understand what it is, how it differs from run-of-the-mill THC, and if it's the right choice for your Cannabis needs. Before we do that though, we first have to understand cannabinoids as a whole.

What Are Cannabinoids? 

So if you've been around the block, you've probably heard of cannabinoids. These are a diverse group of chemical compounds that can be found in cannabis plants, known for their ability to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help regulate various physiological processes, including your mood, your sleep, your appetite, and how your body recognizes and responds to pain. Pretty cool stuff.

While there are dozens of other cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, THC is probably the most well-known for its psychoactive effects, responsible for the characteristic "high" a lot of folks are looking to achieve. THC, though, has quite a few variants, from THC-A, which won't get you high at all, to THC-P, which is extremely potent.

So, what is HHC then? Glad you asked.

Understanding HHC

Hexahydrocannabinol — HHC for short — is a lesser-known cannabinoid that has recently gained attention in the cannabis community. Simply put, HHC is a form of THC that has undergone a process to add hydrogen atoms to the THC molecule. Unsurprisingly, this process is called "hydrogenation."

So why would you want to stick more hydrogen into a THC molecule? To alter its stability and effects of course! HHC is less susceptible to oxidation and degradation compared to THC, which can potentially extend the shelf life of certain products and offer more consistent experiences.

While HHC shares some similarities with THC — such as its psychoactive properties — its effects can be somewhat different. Some folks feel like HHC produces a milder, less intense high compared to THC. However, the scientific research on HHC is still pretty limited, and its full range of effects, benefits, and potential risks are not yet completely understood.

Is HHC Natural?

So there's a lot of debate around this in the cannabis community. The answer though, is that it's both natural and naturally derived. What does that mean exactly? First, HHC is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid, but it occurs in such small quantities in cannabis plants that there's no practical way of accumulating enough of it for it to be of any consequence. The HHC you're likely to encounter when you're shopping around for cannabis products is "naturally derived," meaning it's a modified naturally occurring compound. In this case, THC. 

Functionally speaking though, natural and naturally derived HHC are the exact same compound that will deliver the exact same effects. 

What Are the Benefits of HHC?

Even though we've known about HHC since the 1940s, research on its potential benefits are in the early stages. However, preliminary insights suggest there are several areas where HHC might offer some advantages:

Enhanced Stability

Like we said above, one of the notable benefits of HHC is its chemical stability. HHC is less prone to oxidation and degradation compared to THC, which means it might have a longer shelf life and maintain consistent potency in products over time. This is good news for folks interested in the medicinal properties of cannabis and the manufacturers trying to tweak formulations for medical applications. 

Different Psychoactive Effects

Users have described HHC as providing a more balanced and less intense high compared to traditional THC. That's good news for folks looking for a subtler experience while still enjoying the psychoactive effects and other benefits of cannabis. Its different chemical profile can result in a different experience, potentially offering a more comfortable option for some users.

A Novel Cannabinoid Experience

For cannabis enthusiasts and researchers, HHC is a new frontier in cannabinoid exploration. Its distinct properties and effects add to the diverse number of cannabinoids already available, allowing for a broader range of new experiences and therapeutic possibilities. It's important to note though, that the research on HHC is still ongoing. As more studies are conducted, we'll gain a better understanding of its full range of effects and applications, so for now, it's best to approach HHC with a little curiosity and a little caution.

The Legality of THC and its Variants

So you might be wondering to yourself at this point if this is legal. It's a fair question — not a lot of people understand how edible THC and its variants aren't getting people thrown in jail.

It all has to do with a piece of legislation called the 2018 Farm Bill. Before it was drafted, there was a lot of confusion about the differences between hemp and marijuana, but we now have a clear definition of which is which, what is legal, and what's federally prohibited.

Anything with less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight is considered hemp, which is perfectly fine to cultivate and produce. Anything above that threshold is considered marijuana, which is federally illegal. As such, anything derived from hemp plants — like all of the products at Sherpa — are totally fine to possess and consume. 

A More Mild High? THC vs HHC

So like we said above, although research is pretty limited on HHC, a lot of experienced cannabis users say the high it produces is a little less intense than the high from traditional THC. It might not be as mild as Delta-8, but a lot of folks feel like it's a lot more manageable. If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of THC without feeling out of control, we have a few products that you might be interested in.

First, our 2mg tablets are a great way to microdose — that is, taking just enough to start feeling the effects in the background. Our 5mg sleep enhancement gummies are also a good way to start seeing the benefits of cannabis without feeling seriously intoxicated — just a little dreamy and floaty. Finally, our 10mg Relax, Recover, and Relief gummies can help your body and mind repair without feeling too cloudy. 

Got the edible you want to try picked out? Great! Here are some tips on getting the most out of them.

Tips on Taking Low-Dose Edibles

Low-dose edibles can be a gentle introduction to the effects of cannabis — a great choice for folks new to this or those just trying to get a more mild experience. To make the most of low-dose edibles while making sure you have a positive experience, here are a few tips. 

Read the Label Carefully

The most important thing to understand is the THC content of your edible. Always check the product label for dosage information and recommended serving sizes. Understanding how much THC is in each serving will help you manage your experience and avoid any unintended effects or negative experiences.

Wait Before Consuming More

No, seriously. You need to be patient! Edibles can take between 30 minutes to two hours to take effect. Don't fall for the classic blunder of taking more before you feel the effects of the first dose. Give your body time to process things. That'll help you gauge the effects more accurately.

Consider Your Setting

You want to choose a comfortable and familiar environment when consuming edibles. Being in a relaxed and safe space can enhance your overall experience and help you manage any effects more effectively. Chill out with your cat and watch Netflix. That's a great afternoon right there.

Eat a Little Something and Stay Hydrated

Edibles can sometimes cause dry mouth, so staying hydrated can help mitigate those effects and keep you comfortable. You also probably want to have a light meal or snack beforehand — the effects of THC are a little more pronounced on an empty stomach, so eating something can help moderate their impact and provide a more balanced experience.

Avoid Mixing with Other Substances

It might sound appealing to have a glass of wine with your edible to help you wind down, but avoid doing that — especially at first. To maintain control over your experience, stick to one thing at a time. This will help you better understand how the edibles affect you on their own.

Be Mindful of Ingredients

Not all edibles are created equal. The potency and effects can vary significantly between products. Read the label and make sure you understand everything that's in there. If you don't, do a little research — exactly like you're doing now. 

Final Thoughts on HHC

While HHC is a pretty exciting new path for research, it's not exactly groundbreaking in terms of experience for most users. If you take an HHC gummy, you're likely going to have a pretty similar experience to a THC gummy, albeit with some slightly nuanced changes. If you're an inexperienced cannabis user, it's unlikely that you'd feel any difference at all. 

That said, we're excited that you've decided to bring the benefits of cannabis into your life. The fact that you're researching things this intensely means you're curious, which is definitely a positive. As long as you approach things mindfully, we're confident you're going to see a lot of useful effects. 

As always, stay safe, stay responsible, and have fun.