Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC is another cannabis-derived product that is gaining popularity over time. Since it is found to occur scarcely in its natural resources, scientists have been focusing on synthesizing it scientifically in laboratories.
As far as the question revolves around ‘What does HHC do?’ and what are the HHC effects?, there is a lot that it can do.
How Does HHC Work in the Body?
For understanding the whole deal with Cannabis and different variants of its family, it is also important for one to understand what happens when it enters the human body. Knowing about this would help in further deepening our understanding about the topic in great depth.
Usually, what happens is that when a person consumes HHC in any of its forms (gummies, oil, tincture, etc), it interacts directly with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) present in the body. This ECS system contains two major receptors that help it to function normally, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors.
It is because of the functioning of these CB1 and CB2 receptors that several functions in our body are carried out normally and smoothly. Some of the important functions that are regulated through these receptors include the modulation of pain and its intensity, emotional controls, mood regulation, management of the sleep cycle, and appetite control as well.
The HHC effects are simply seen to result from the interaction of HHC with these receptors. It is because of this interaction with either of these receptors that it works to either increase or decrease the intensity of these functions in the human body.
These HHC effects have helped it gain popularity among several medicinal and non-medicinal uses, thus further making it of great use for human beings who do not want to tolerate the other unwanted side effects of drugs and medicines. However, it is best to practice moderation when using HHC.
The Psychoactive Effects of HHC
Both HHC and THC (also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol) are often compared with one another because of their similar effects. However, it is important to note that THC is quite different in many manners from HHC, such as the former being more potent and powerful as compared to HHC when it comes to exerting its effects, which is comparatively lighter or milder in intensity.
This distinction makes HHC a potentially more approachable and gentler option for individuals who are newcomers to the world of Cannabis, as opposed to THC, which may be better suited for those with a more extensive history of use.
To gain a better understanding of HHC’s potential effects, it’s beneficial to delve into what this promising product can achieve within the human body.
Here’s an overview of some of the psychoactive effects associated with HHC, as reported by individuals who have consumed it.
Relaxation
Working in association with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, HHC makes sure that the stress levels of an individual are kept to a minimum. This ensures a calm and relaxed demeanor of the person.
Euphoria
One of the major and most yearned-after effects of HHC is euphoria. Its usage allows a person to feel ‘high’ and ‘happy’. However, unlike THC, a person is unable to strongly feel these effects, since they are short-lived and not too intense.
Sleep
HHC is also seen to impact the sleep cycle. With HHC, people can experience better quality sleep which could be helpful in fighting insomnia.
Potential Side Effects of HHC
Like everything has advantages, there are also some disadvantages or side effects of using a product. These unwanted effects only show up when a product is consumed either in excess or taken without any proper monitoring or supervision.
This allows for the product to fully unleash its ‘bad side’ or the side that includes the adverse effects and reactions that it possesses.
In such circumstances, it might get difficult for you to deal with the effects of HHC because you would have never expected them to occur in the first place.
Some of the most commonly experienced side effects due to the usage of HHC include the following.
Hallucinations
If a person uses HHC at a very high dose, then they might experience hallucinations or get visions of people or things that are not actually there. This altered sense of perception can cause other health risks too.
Impaired Focus
Using too much of HHC might alter the cognitive centers of your brain. In the long run, this will ultimately cloud your decision making and judgment skills, and would also cause you to live with an impaired, poor memory.
Respiratory Issues
The most feared and the most uncomfortable side effects to be experienced by anyone taking too much of HHC or any other cannabis-related products are related to the respiratory system. Symptoms of bronchitis, irritation, and asthma might occur in people.
Safety Considerations and Drug Tests
Since the usage and promotion of Cannabis, THC, and all its variants has always posed quite a controversial role in the society, it is important to take into consideration the different safety factors and rules that every drug is supposed to undergo to pass and be labeled as ‘safe to use’ by its consumers.
Regarding HHC, there are various considerations to keep in mind. To begin with, it’s essential to recognize that HHC is a “synthetic” substance, and the production and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids can be characterized by significant variability, posing risks associated with substandard manufacturing practices.
Contaminants, inconsistent dosages, and impurities may pose serious health hazards to users. These uncertainties make it challenging to predict and manage potential side effects, increasing the overall risk associated with HHC consumption.
Secondly, synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC can induce robust psychoactive reactions, akin to the naturally occurring cannabinoids present in cannabis. Anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations are also potential adverse outcomes.
HHC use may have significant implications for drug tests. The majority of common drug tests, such as urine, blood, and saliva tests, are formulated to identify the existence of THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis.
Moreover, because THC and HHC share structural similarities, there is a possibility that consuming HHC could yield a positive result on a cannabis drug test. Such an outcome may lead to undesirable repercussions, including workplace complications, legal entanglements, or the endangerment of one’s professional or academic reputation.
Is HHC Safe to Use?
All in all, it should be safe and in fact, beneficial for a person to use the best HHC brand. It can provide several short-lived benefits that might be helpful for an individual.
However, the careless and unchecked usage of HHC might also lead to a few natural scares and so, it is best to use it within the specified quantities.
Moreover, there is still plenty of room left to research HHC and uncover its real potential in front of the whole world. Until then, it is best to use it for short-lived and small benefits only, which it would be more than happy to provide you with!
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Andleeb Asghar - Pharmacist
Andleeb Asghar holds a “Pharm-D” degree from Lahore College for Women University, Lahore. She is an official Registered Pharmacist (RPh) in Punjab, Pakistan. She has also got a “Master of Philosophy” degree from the University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Lahore. Andleeb has worked in various practice settings as a clinical Pharmacist and has a wide range of experience. She has been cited in Healthline and Telehealth for her expertise. She has also served as a distinguished guest speaker at various local hospitals and high-profile organizations. She has been writing Cannabinoid & Marijuana related content for the past five years for different reputable companies. She is passionate about serving others by crafting information and helpful pieces for her readers.
