HHC And The Endocannabinoid System
In recent years, HHC has made quite the impact as an alternative to traditional delta 9 THC. Users love the less anxious, stimulating high of this “new” cannabinoid. But how does HHC actually work within our bodies? The answer to this question lies within the relationship of HHC and the endocannabinoid system. Read on to learn all the specs on both, and what happens internally when we consume HHC.
In the meantime, if you want to explore the relationship of HHC and the endocannabinoid system for yourself, be sure to check out our extensive product selection! Choose from prerolls, gummies, disposable vapes, and recently added blunts.
What is HHC?
The cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, was first synthesized in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams. He did this by adding hydrogen molecules to cannabis-derived THC. Currently, most if not all of the HHC on the market is made from hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as delta 8. Like delta 8, HHC is technically federally legal due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized hemp on a federal level. This bill unintentionally legalized cannabinoids (whether they’re psychoactive or not) as long as they come from hemp. Hemp is legally defined as cannabis containing .3% or less of delta 9 THC.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
Cannabinoids exist both within our own bodies and in plants. Those within mammal bodies are technically endocannabinoids, while those found in plants are phytocannabinoids. In terms of molecular structure, the two are very similar. Our bodies contain an endocannabinoid system which serves to interact with our endocannabinoids. Since the cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis are so similar to our own, they attach to the receptors in our ECS and produce various effects.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys, while the CB2 receptors exist in the immune tissues. Each of these receptors is responsible for regulating various functions within the body. For example, the CB1 receptors in the brain handle the release of neurotransmitters. They also regulate appetite and metabolism. In contrast, the CB2 receptors play a role in regulating inflammation.
HHC and the ECS
HHC is less potent than traditional delta 9 THC. This is because, through the process of hydrogenation, HHC becomes less able to attach to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. If you consume a higher dosage of HHC, the effects do start to mimic those of THC. Hydrogenation also makes HHC more shelf-stable and less susceptible to damage from light, heat, and oxygen.
When the cannabinoids found in hemp or cannabis interact with the CB1 receptors, they produce a high. CBD does not interact with the CB1 receptors which is why it doesn’t get its users high. However, its interaction with CB2 receptors results in anti-inflammatory effects.
Just because HHC interacts with the ECS less than THC doesn’t mean it won’t get you high. The benefit of HHC being less potent is that users will experience a high, but are less likely to suffer from anxiety and paranoia.
What to expect from an HHC high
A high less intense than delta 9 is not necessarily a bad thing. I find HHC to be more mentally stimulating than traditional THC. It’s the ideal cannabinoid if you are looking for an uplifting buzz at really any point in your day. I love that the high isn’t as all-consuming as delta 9. After the high’s over, I don’t experience the level of burnout and fatigue that I do with THC. When I smoke HHC, I still feel capable of focusing and executing tasks. Since both HHC and THC target the CB1 receptors, you can still expect a euphoric and relaxing experience.
The bottom line
HHC is an uplifting, euphoric alternative to delta 9. Hydrogenation makes the cannabinoid less potent, which can actually be a good thing. If you’re craving a higher high, just consume more of the product and you’ll be sky high in no time. How you feel after consuming any type of cannabinoid found in hemp or cannabis all comes down to its interaction with our endocannabinoid system.
Since HHC is more shelf-stable than delta 9, you can stock up on all your favorites without worrying about them going stale too quickly. Shop our collection at DVNT. All of our products are lab tested and made from organic ingredients, so you can relax, focus on enjoying the interaction of HHC and the endocannabinoid system, and stay lit without the paranoia.