The cannabinoid industry is an ever-expanding one. After the popularity of the Delta-9 isomers like Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, the vendors have just introduced a new cannabinoid in the market called HHC or Hexahydro Cannabinoid. Though research about HHC is still ongoing, it has become quite popular among cannabis lovers.
Recently, vendors launched HHC infused drinks in the market, and people love them. Some say that they are the next best alternative to alcoholic beverages. Sound crafty? Well, it isn’t. Experts believe that HHC drink is a safe and reliable way to get high sans the adverse effects of alcohol. This article will explore what HHC drinks are and why they are considered the best alternative to booze.
What is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinoids, abbreviated as HHC, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid formulated in the laboratory to make something new for cannabis lovers. HHC is prepared by hydrogenating (adding more hydrogen molecules) to the base element THC.
HHC shares a similar chemical arrangement with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) except for a few more hydrogen atoms. HHC has two extra Hydrogen atoms than THC, thanks to which it has a longer shelf life.
Though a new addition to the cannabinoid family, HHC is not a discovery. An American chemist known as Roger Adams first developed HHC in 1944 who thought of infusing Delta-9 THC with more hydrogen. When hydrogenated, the double-carbon bond of the THC molecule breaks up and releases HHC.
Why are HHC Drinks Gaining Popularity as an Alternative to Alcoholic Beverages?
Manufacturers have made multiple products infused with HHC to meet its growing demands. One of the most famous among them is the HHC drink. Manufacturers claim HHC drinks are healthier than alcoholic beverages and can be the perfect replacement for a light beer.
Also, studies have shown that hydrogenated cannabinoids are more effective than non-hydrogenated cannabinoids. The HHC molecules have higher bioavailability than THC or CBD. It means that HHC drinks stay in your system for a longer duration.
HHC drinks are carbohydrate-free and contain no sugar. They are not too intense and not too weak, which means you have a perfectly balanced drink that produces a mild entourage effect. In addition, HHC drinks come in a wide range of flavors, such as cherry, watermelon, berry, etc., which makes them more desired.
Due to the additional hydrogen atoms in its chemical morphology, HHC is more stable than regular alcohol. As a result, HHC drinks have a longer shelf life than other alcoholic beverages. They are less expensive too.
Do HHC Drinks Get You High?
HHC Drinks can also induce a chilled vibe and relaxing effect. Usually, HHC drinks contain 94% of HHC distillates and 6% terpenes. Besides producing a mild body buzz, combining these two compounds produces a well-balanced mind high.
When asked to describe the “high” delivered by HHC, people stated that they felt a smooth buzz that is mellower than the psychoactive effect produced by Delta-9 THC. However, compared to the “high” produced by Delta-8 THC, it is more powerful.
The after-effects of consuming HHC drinks mimic the hangover produced by alcoholic beverages. The common symptoms of HHC hangover are:
- Anxiety and depression
- Agitation and aggression
- Disrupted sleep
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Muscle and joint weakness
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Unquenchable thirst
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
Do HHC Drinks Have Therapeutic Benefits?
Like most cannabinoids, HHC does not disappoint you when it comes to the therapeutic benefits. HHC acts as a mild anxiolytic agent. The psychotropic properties of HHC affect the nervous system of our body and stimulate the synthesis of different neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters induce a feeling of relaxation and help calm you down.
HHC also helps relieve pain and inflammation. Similar to the effects of THC and CBD, the molecules of HHC bind with receptors in the nervous system and influence the pain transmission pathway. As a result, it blocks the pain sensation and helps alleviate chronic pain.
Scientists are actively involved in finding out more about the therapeutic benefits of HHC. Some evidence has shown that HHC helps shrink tumors. Experts also believe that consuming HHC drinks can also benefit patients with cancer.
Does Drug Test Detect HHC?
Yes, it can. HHC acts in the same way as Delta-9 THC, i.e., interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Like THC, Hexahydro cannabidiol might show up on a drug test. So, if a person has a drug test coming up soon, we advise you to steer away from it.
Is HHC Legal?
Like all cannabinoids, the legal status of HHC is currently ambiguous. The 2018 Farm Bill deleted hemp from the Controlled Substance Act and stated that any hemp-derived product containing less than 0.3% THC is legal. As HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid, it contains no part of THC. Thus, there is no federal law that restricts the use and sale of HHC.
The sale, possession, and use of HHC are fully legal in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico. However, several states have banned HHC or other natural or synthetically-derived cannabinoids. The states where HHC is entirely illegal are Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, and Nebraska. New York, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
The Downside of HHC Drinks:
Scientists have not yet been able to study the full extent of the adverse effects of consuming HHC drinks. As of now, people believe that as HHC has similar effects to THC, they might share the adverse effects too. Thus, if you consume excessive amounts of HHC drinks, you might experience side effects such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Coordination problems
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Slower reaction times
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
Other Health Concerns:
Like most other cannabinoids, the federal agency does not regulate the production and trade of HHC and HHC-infused products. It means that low-grade and counterfeit products often find their way to the cannabinoid market. Thus, we recommend purchasing HHC drinks from reputable vendors only.
The Bottom Line
A new member of the cannabinoid club, HHC has won the hearts of many. This synthetic cannabinoid undergoes a hydrogenation process; they last longer than any other cannabinoid product. HHC drinks are devoid of sugar and carbs and produce a mild entourage effect when consumed.
Though it is psychoactive, experts assume that HHC is safe to consume. However, as HHC has a similar chemical structure to THC, it might cause similar effects. We hope we were able to answer why people recognize HHC drinks as an alternative to alcoholic beverages.