For a long time, THC was one of the most popular cannabinoids of the hemp industry but research develops regularly.
There are more and more new cannabinoids discovered that have various different health and wellness benefits.
One of these new substances is HHC. While it has been around for some time, its use and effects are only a recent discovery.
With each new cannabinoid, there is the question of legality. In some countries, HHC legal (see also “Is HHC Stronger Than Delta 8?“), while others prohibit the possession and use of HHC products.
In this article, we find out if HHC is legal and if it’s safe to use.
What Is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol, also better known as HHC, is a compound that can be found in the hemp plant.
HHC is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in cannabis plants. The plant produces very little HHC. That’s why, it’s a minor cannabinoid.
This is the reason why HHC products can be very expensive. It’s also difficult to extract from the plant which makes the production process more laborious and time-consuming.
Instead, most HHC producers make their products in the lab using THC as the main substance.
There is very little research on HHC, so it is difficult to specifically pin down benefits, side effects and a comparison to other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.
Is HHC Legal?
HHC is legal in the USA under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, this bill only covers THC and it is generally assumed that HHC, which can be extracted from THC, has the same status.
This means that products that contain a certain amount of HHC and THC can be legally bought and shipped across all US states.
However, the legality of HHC in other countries varies. Many governments across the world struggle to keep up with laws and regulations when it comes to cannabinoids.
In the UK, HHC is also legal as it is part of other hemp-derived substances. As long as HHC products meet the THC concentration of 0.2% or lower, they are deemed safe for use.
However, if you are looking to buy HHC products, then make sure that you look at the different brands and that they adhere to the laws.
This is not just important for the quality and potency of an HHC product but also for your safety.
Check the concentration of your HHC product before you buy it.
As HHC is derived from THC, some manufacturers bypass the full extraction process which results in higher THC concentrations than allowed by the law in the production country.
Keep in mind that laws are changing all the time, so make sure to check HHC legality in your country and state with your local authorities.
Is HHC Safe To Use?
There is no scientific research that indicates the safety of HHC. Due to the lack of evidence, it is impossible to say whether HHC is safe or not.
There is also no specific proof about its potency, benefits and side effects that might cause long-term health concerns.
Can HHC Show Up On Drug Tests?
Standard drug tests check for any THC metabolites which are commonly THC-COOH and 10-OH-THC compounds.
While it’s very likely that HHC metabolizes into one of these two compounds, there is no specific proof that this is the case.
As HHC is slightly different to THC, it is difficult to know if it would show up on a drug test.
If you are due a drug test (see also “Does Target Drug Test?“), then it’s a good idea to stop consuming HHC at least four weeks before your test. This will allow all traces of HHC to leave your system.
Potential Benefits Of HHC
Due to the lack of studies into HHC, there is no scientific proof of the different HHC benefits.
However, there is various anecdotal evidence. Plus, it is fair to assume that HHC works in a similar way to other cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
This part of our body controls a variety of different functions, such as memory, appetite, sleep, fertility and mood.
The cannabinoids in marijuana attaches to the endocannabinoid receptors in our system and controls bodily functions related to our nervous system.
This being said, scientists haven’t done any research yet on how HHC behaves when it connects to these receptors, and the health effect it has on our body.
Anecdotal evidence from HHC users suggests that it creates a similarly stimulating effect to THC but it’s more relaxing.
Some HHC product users also say that it is very similar to consuming Delta-8 THC.
Potential Side Effects Of HHC
Similar to the potential HHC health benefits, there is little to no evidence about the side effects consuming HHC may have.
There are only anecdotal reports from people who tried HHC. They noticed confusion, increased heart rate, anxiety, memory loss, high blood pressure and red eyes as possible HHC side effects.
Some HHC users also report slower reaction times, difficulty with coordination and tiredness as symptoms.
As there is no research done into HHC yet, we don’t know the potential long-term effects on our health.
Is HHC Harmful?
HHC may possibly be harmful but there is no scientific evidence or studies that reports on the health benefits or side effects of HHC.
Plus, the cannabinoid industry isn’t yet well-regulated by laws and governments. This means that HHC products may be potentially harmful because they may contain other substances.
It’s possible that HHC has similar psychoactive effects to THC. This means that a higher dose of HHC may be similar to consuming too much THC.
Taking high doses of THC can cause dizziness, paranoia, nausea, anxiousness and lethargy.
Final Thoughts
While HHC is legal in the US and the UK because it is derived from hemp, laws and regulations around cannabinoids change regularly.
If you want to buy a HHC product, then it’s important that you check with your local authority. Find out the maximum HHC concentration in your product and check if this is permitted in your state.
If you liked this article, you might enjoy our post, ‘How To Say Weed In Spanish‘.
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