Hexahydro-what?!

Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is just 1 of over 100 cannabinoids that come from hemp. Up until recently there’s only been a handful of cannabinoids that have been available on the market or even well known enough to find information on, however, since legalization and regulation have become more widespread than ever before, the access to research and development is much more accessible. Because of this scientists have been able to study each individual cannabinoid in-depth in order to better understand their unique healing properties. HHC is one of the latest to step on the scene, so what do we know about it thus far? How does it work? Where does it come from? What are some of the potential benefits? Let’s start at the beginning;

HHC Origins

The cannabinoid HHC is naturally occurring in the hemp plant, but only occurs in such small trace amounts it typically isn’t detectable on a standard lab test. It was first discovered in 1944 by American organic chemist, Roger Adams, who used a hydrogenation process in order to make the cannabinoid more stable. Hydrogenation is most commonly used to make margarine out of vegetable oil. By adding hydrogen atoms to a chemical structure through hydrogenation the chemical structure will then become more stable. Roger Adams realized that by saturating Delta-9 THC in hydrogen atoms under high pressure the result of the HHC cannabinoid was much more stable. Roger Adams performed this using high THC plants, and while his process of obtaining HHC is still used today, it typically is derived from hemp. Fast forward to 2018 when the US passed the 2018 Farm Bill hemp extracts were made legally available, hemp manufacturers were able to pick up where Roger Adams left off and develop methods of consumption for not just HHC, but a plethora of other minor cannabinoids that all provide their own individual potential benefits.

Natural or Synthetic?

Since hemp has become widely available with regulation, more people than ever are looking to replace their pharmaceuticals with something more natural having less side effects than man-made drugs. While HHC is naturally occurring in small traces throughout hemp, the hydrogenation process must be performed in order to create a product with any significant amounts HHC. HHC products available on the market are naturally derived and molecularly identical to HHC that occurs in hemp, however, because human intervention is needed to safely extract the HHC, it is classified as a “naturally derived synthetic chemical”. This means that HHC is actually in ways better than its Delta 9 THC counterpart, as it can be extracted in a controlled setting, in high amounts, and is much more stable. HHC is also more accessible than Delta 9 THC, which is generally still illegal in many places.

How will I feel?

Because HHC is a minor cannabinoid that is relatively new to the market, there aren’t nearly as many studies regarding effects as there are for Delta 9 THC or CBD. For now, what we know about HHC effects are purely anecdotal and based on the personal experience of individuals. It is important to note that everyone has an endocannabinoid system that is unique to their own body chemistry, and because of this, experiences can vary widely between person to person. Once more studies can be completed on HHC and other minor cannabinoids, there will be more accessible information predicting general effects or potential benefits. Since HHC is molecularly akin to Delta 9 THC the anecdotal accounts indicate that effects are very similar to traditional Delta 9 THC. HHC users report feelings of an alert, psychoactive high as well as an elevated mood, alleviated pain, and lower stress levels. Because HHC distillate does not contain terpenes (natural compounds found in plants that can determine strain effect), Strain Snobs reintroduces terpenes into their HHC distillate cartridges in order to enhance effects and provide an "Indica" or "Sativa" influence.

Potential Benefits

HHC is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC, so many of the potential benefits are also similar. Many of our customers are using Strain Snob’s HHC gummies for relaxation, to alleviate stress, and for pain relief. Quality produced HHC is known to be comprable to many medical grade cannabis products. HHC typically has much more tranquil effects than that of traditional Delta 9 THC, providing a generally more focused high. Strain Snob’s HHC products are some of the most reliable and high strength HHC products on the market today. Our customers who are seeking similar potential benefits to that of Delta 9 THC are using Strain Snob’s HHC because of its similar characteristics, affordability, and accessibility.

How Should I Shop for HHC?

Because HHC is so new to the market, it is extremely important to make certain that your HHC products are coming from a safe, ethical, and reliable source. When a new cannabinoid product is released to the market, oftentimes companies will rush production in order to get it on their shelves, therefore sacrificing the safety and quality of that product. One of the most important things to look for in a reputable manufacturer is where the hemp used is being sourced. Strain Snobs HHC products are created using only non-GMO hemp sourced from Southern Colorado. Strain Snobs require their hemp to pass a soil test as well as 3rd party lab testing for heavy metals, contaminants and mold. Strain Snobs also provides a QR code on every batch, of every product to guarantee that the consumer can rest assured they’re consuming the best products on the market.