This era has been the most exciting for cannabis enthusiasts worldwide. As they start getting used to a specific type of cannabinoid, such as cannabidiol (CBD), another one pops up. These varying versions have different benefits, and users cannot get enough of them. The most recent hemp-derived cannabinoid to hit the market is HHC-O. However, most people do not know what it is. So, what is HHC-O, and why is it taking the hemp industry by storm?
Before HHC-O, there are various brands that sell HHC products, and HHC gummies became one of the most popular and consumable by cannabis lovers.
What is HHC-O? Do They Actually Get You High?
HHC-O is still relatively new to the market. Hence, you mostly won’t find much information about the chemical online. HHC-O, also known as HHC Acetate, is a more potent and efficient version of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). HHC is a cannabinoid with effects that rival delta-8 products. You can find it in the pollen and seeds of hemp. This cannabinoid is a hydrogenated version of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is why it has similar effects or it can be more potent than delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
The hydrogenated form of THC may help with pain and has other recreational benefits. Cannabinoids like CBD products do not have the psychoactive effects of cannabis but come with all the health benefits. On the other hand, HHC-O has that psychoactive effect and still possesses all the health benefits of the cannabis plant. Companies have taken the effects of HHC to another level by synthesizing HHC-O, which has more powerful effects.
However, the full effects and benefits of this synthesized cannabinoid are still being researched. The “-O” you find attached to HHC signifies that the chemical has been mixed with acetic anhydride to increase its efficiency. Essentially, you can call this substance a “super HHC.” By undergoing this process, the cannabinoid becomes almost twice as powerful as before.
The process of making HHC-O is similar to that of THC-O-acetate (also known as THC-O). The only difference is that you use HHC instead of THC. The changes this process makes are optimal for increasing either chemical’s effects. You can find HHC-O products, such as HHC-O vape cartridges, pre-rolls, and gummies. These products are pretty popular and are gaining more traction each day.
How Does HHC Mixed with Acetic Anhydride Work?
You can only enjoy the benefits of this HHC-derived substance after you ingest it, and your body metabolism creates an active pharmaceutical agent. The substance will most likely pass your blood-brain barrier. The cannabinoid receptors in your body can easily access HHC-O and feel its effect quickly because of the enzymes which work during your metabolic process.
HHC-O quickly binds to your body’s cannabinoid receptors as soon as you ingest it, which is one of the reasons why it is more potent than HHC. Due to the similarity of HHC-O acetate to HHC, you get similar health benefits but more intensively. One significant difference is that HHC-O works faster in the body. You should be able to feel the effects of this cannabinoid in 15 to 30 minutes.
If you want to increase the potency of HHC-O acetate, you can combine it with other cannabinoids. This will create an entourage effect, which, in turn, should lead to you seeing better results from using these products.
What Are the Benefits of HHC-O?
Researchers still need to do a lot of work to determine the full and long-term effects of HHC-O. However, numerous people have tried HHC-O and have reported a few benefits. Keep in mind that this information is subjective and has no valid scientific backing yet.
Also, note that these benefits might not take effect on you, so do not take HHC-O thinking you will undoubtedly see positive effects. We do not suggest you take HHC-O products in the hopes that they will prevent, cure, or treat any condition or ailment you may have. You might take HHC-O and not feel anything.
The effects of this substance vary from user to user, and not everyone will have the same experience. Here are some potential benefits of HHC-O.
Heavy and Intense Feeling
Many people reported that they enjoyed HHC-O because it gave them an intense euphoric feeling that lasted for a long time. They likened these effects to that of delta-8 and delta-9.
Physical and Mental Improvement
Some people reported that they saw an improvement in their mental and physical health. This means they had less anxiety and panic attacks. They also reported that they had more energy. Some users also claimed that it helped with their feelings of depression.
More Relaxation
After taking HHC-O, many users claimed they could relax properly. They mentioned that the sensation gotten from this cannabinoid helped them stay calm and not worry about issues bothering them. Some even reported that they could sleep better due to this substance.
Pain Relief
People who experienced pain in the past claimed that using HHC-O helped to relieve some of that pain. A few people even claimed that HHC-O works better than delta-9. Most people used CBD gummies for pain as well, this got very popular among consumers when they tried CBD for pain.
General Feeling of Happiness
Using HHC-O apparently improved the mood of some people. They claimed that using the substance helped to keep them happy and excited all day long.
Increased Appetite
Those who had trouble eating claimed that after ingesting HHC-O, they could eat due to the increased appetite they got from using the chemical.
Weight Gain
Some noticed an increase in their weight. This could be because of increased appetite, meaning they ate more food. If you are worried about an excessive weight gaining, you can always opt for the weight loss supplements people use to lose belly fat and shred extra weight.
Is HHC-O Safe?
HHC-O and THC have similar mental and physical effects, so there are mostly no issues with taking HHC-O. That said, our bodies differ, and you might react negatively to HHC-O. This does not mean that the substance is bad or has adverse effects; it simply means your body cannot handle it. This also happens with THC. There are people with sensitivities to certain substances, and they should avoid taking them.
Furthermore, you might experience some side effects of using this HHC acetate. Some of these effects include dry mouth and headaches. Most people only notice this side effect when ingesting HHC-O for the first time. After some time, they should stop seeing these side effects. However, if you keep noticing these effects, it is best that you stop and seek your doctor’s advice.
If you are using HHC-O for the first time, we recommend you start with a small dosage and slowly increase your intake over time. Starting out this way allows you to figure out the dose that works for you. Furthermore, you get to build your tolerance along the way. Lastly, keep in mind that you might not see the effects of HHC-O for up to two hours, and during this period, you should use caution.
Be patient and wait to see the effects of your dose before deciding it is not effective enough for you. Overdosing can lead to intense effects that you might not be able to handle. If you overdose and start to feel intense side effects, it is best to lie down and rest. However, if you believe the effects are too strong, you can visit the hospital and ask for help.
Types of HHC-O Products
As we stated earlier, HHC-O is still relatively fresh on the hemp market, so you won’t find many companies making HHC-O products yet.
Therefore, the variety right now is limited. However, this does not mean you cannot find a suitable product to use and feel the effects of HHC-O. Here are some HHC-O products you will find should you choose to buy one.
HHC-O Vape Cartridges
HHC-O vape cartridges are similar to the standard vape carts that you know. They are 510-threaded cartridges, and you can find them in different strains. Also, they use vape oil which mainly contains HHC-O isolate and terpenes.
HHC-O Disposable Vapes
These HHC-O vapes are exactly like the disposable ones most people know and love. However, the only difference is the inclusion of the active compound, HHC-O. You can also find this product with various strains.
The best part about these vapes is that you throw them out once they run out, so you do not need to worry about maintenance.
HHC-O Pre-Rolls
You can find HHC-O pre-rolls made with hemp flowers containing HHC-O. These pre-rolls come with different strains and already have the hemp rolled in paper for you. This is the most convenient product for hemp smokers because it saves users from the stress of having to grind the plant and roll a joint themselves.
If you need a simple solution to rolling hemp without any preparation, then HHC-O pre-rolls are for you.
HHC-O Gummies
HHC gummies are arguably the best way to take HHC-O because they are delicious and discreet. You can take a gummy, and no one would even notice because there is nothing to smell.
Someone might even see you ingesting the candy and simply think you are having a tasty treat. So, if you have a sweet tooth and would rather not have people know that you want to take HHC-O, gummies are the way to go. You can find them in flavors such as mango and others.
How to Use HHC-O?
Seeing as there are limited products, learning to use the few that exist shouldn’t be so hard. Vaping is probably the only method with a learning curve, but you should be able to master it in no time. When you are ready to vape, turn on the device, and wait for it to reach the appropriate temperature.
Afterward, drag the vapor and hold it in for about 5-15 seconds. You should do this for each hit because we find that this is the best way to enjoy your HHC-O fully. Pre-rolls do not require any prior knowledge. Since the product is already rolled for you, all you need is a lighter, and you are good to go.
Using HHC gummies is the easiest method because you are basically just eating. Simply ingest the gummies and wait for the effects to take place. However, keep in mind that the effects might take a while, so do not take more if you do not feel the effects on time. You should wait for about two hours before deciding that the product is not working for you. Also, limit the number of gummies you take.
In most cases, you only need to take one or two gummies. However, this number varies, but the product you purchase should have instructions on how to take the gummies.
Where Can You Find HHC-O?
As mentioned earlier, HHC-O products are new, so there are not a lot of places that sell them. However, you can check local stores in your area and ask if they have any of these products. You might be surprised to find that they have precisely what you are looking for. Another great and possibly better option is to check online.
You should be able to find some HHC-O products. Before you purchase any product online, confirm the validity of the product. You can do this by reading online reviews and seeing what others have to say. Another thing to look out for is the certificate of analysis (COA), which shows that a brand took its product to a third-party lab to test for impurities. Top-notch brands always have this information on their websites.
If you are looking to vape, the best products should come with about 90% HHC-O distillate in every vape. This amount of HHC-O may allow you to enjoy the full effects of the product.
HHC Vs HHC-O Vs Delta 9
Due to its popularity and effects among customers, it is only normal to want to compare delta-9 THC with other hemp-derived cannabinoids to determine how potent they are. So, you might be wondering which substance has the most powerful effects. Is delta-9 still the reigning champion? How does it compare to HHC-O or even HHC?
You should not be comparing these substances for their individual potencies. Instead, you should be more concerned with how they work with other elements in the hemp plant to give the best results. As we mentioned earlier, mixing cannabinoids creates an entourage effect. This is more so when you use whole plant items, like living resin and fresh flowers. When you ingest these natural plants, the flavonoids, terpenes, and other components work together to give you that euphoric feeling.
Some might argue that synthesized substances are bad for you. However, this is not always the case, as long as professionals make these substances in a safe and sterile environment. Also, they should follow proper guidelines to make these synthesized products the right way. Synthesized materials are very beneficial, and people can use them in various fields, such as medicine or recreation.
With that said, HHC-O does not provide the same euphoric effect you would feel from products containing delta-9, especially delta-9 gummies. Nevertheless, you will still enjoy what this substance has to offer. Ultimately, you might find that it is futile to try and compare the strengths of various hemp-derived products, especially when comparing them from two states where the recreational use of marijuana is illegal. This is because these states have a limited supply of recreational marijuana, so it is best to make do with what you find.
What Is the Difference Between HHC-O and THC? Does HHC-O Show Up In Drug Tests?
Typically, drug tests are done to detect the use of specific substances. People who use cannabis occasionally should be able to pass the test within a few days. On the other hand, it might take heavy users weeks to completely rid their system of this substance. However, you do not have to worry about this with HHC.
THC is structurally different from HHC and is not affected by the THC-COOH enzyme, which is picked up by the drug test. Hence, the standard drug test used to detect THC will not detect HHC. This is because our bodies do not produce the same metabolites for HHC that they do for THC. Therefore, HHC-O might be optimal for people who want to feel the psychoactive effects of hemp and still pass an upcoming drug test.
That said, there is not enough information to completely back up this claim. Furthermore, a drug test designed to look for delta-9 THC metabolites might be able to catch HHC-O metabolites. Hence, it might be best to stay away from HHC-O if you have an upcoming drug test, especially for work or school. Another difference between HHC-O and THC is their potency levels. Both substances give that euphoric effect, but one more than the other. The potency of HHC-O is somewhere between delta-8 and delta-9, so the psychoactive effects are quite strong, but not so strong that you cannot handle them. Thus, HHC-O is perfect if you want a mid-range experience.
Furthermore, the anxiolytic and psychoactive properties found in HHC-O may allow you to enjoy each session feeling relaxed and refreshed. Lastly, since it is synthesized, HHC-O is relatively more stable than THC. This means that HHC-O has a significantly lengthier shelf life than THC.
Is HHC-O Considered One of the Psychoactive Cannabinoids?
HHC is a psychoactive substance that provides the euphoric effects found in the cannabis plant. So, it is safe to say that HHC-O (a more potent version of HHC) is also a psychoactive substance. The effects of HHC-O far supersede that of HHC and last about one to two hours. If you ingest this cannabinoid, the substance should have similar effects to that of delta-8 and delta-9.
You can never truly determine how potent HHC-O will be because the potencies for this substance vary, and you might end up with effects ranging between the effects of delta-8 and delta-9. Ultimately, HHC, HHC-O, delta-8, and delta-9 all use the body’s endocannabinoid system to deliver the psychoactive effect. With that said, the non-psychoactive effects of HHC-O, i.e., health benefits, are not entirely known because the substance is still relatively new, and researchers are still trying to figure it out.
However, due to the glaring similarities between HHC-O and THC, most people assume that they should have the same health benefits.
Are HHC-O Legal?
Now that you know most of what there is to know about HHC and HHC-O, you must now wonder, “is HHC-O legal?” Well, we have some good news for you. These substances are federally legal. In theory, HHC-O is considered legal because it is not a new type of cannabinoid.
Rather, it is a result of a chemical change done on HHC, and this cannabinoid is protected by federal law. However, note that state laws vary and change rather quickly. Sometimes, these rules change without a valid reason. Therefore, it is best to keep up with your state’s latest laws governing HHC and HHC-O products.
If it is not legalized in your region, you do not need to worry because legalization is growing increasingly popular. So, your state might just legalize using HHC-O products soon enough. Currently, HHC-O products are legal in most states, and you can order them online and have them delivered to your doorstep.
The Newest Cannabinoid Is Here: HHC-O
HHC-O is an acetate form of HHC, meaning it has similar effects but is more potent. This cannabinoid is not as famous as other cannabinoids, but this substance reportedly has similar features to cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9.
Therefore, it can potentially become a powerful ingredient in improving human health. While the health effects of HHC-O are still being studied, this substance does have psychoactive components, so you are likely to get a euphoric feeling from it.
Conclusively, HHC-O is yet another cannabinoid in the cannabis industry you should look out for because it has all the makings to be truly spectacular, from its potential health benefits to its ability to bypass drug tests.
