Anyone interested in the thriving, albeit new, minor cannabinoid scene has probably heard about hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). It is a compound that provides an intoxicating high between 70% and 80% as potent as delta-9-THC.

Now that it is technically legal, as long as products follow the rules outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill, manufacturers are quickly churning out products containing HHC. HHC vape pens are among the most popular sellers because they provide a fast-acting high. Furthermore, brands sell their wares in an array of delicious flavors.

However, before purchasing an HHC vape pen, it is a good idea to figure out the high that likely awaits you. This article investigates how HHC can make you feel but first, let’s learn a little more about the cannabinoid.

HHC Explained

HHC is a “minor” cannabinoid found in cannabis. While it occurs naturally, there is such a minute amount that manufacturers cannot extract it cost-effectively.

The majority of cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa L. plant can be converted into other cannabinoids by changing the chemistry of their molecules. As with delta-10 and delta-8, the HHC you find in your vape pen is manufactured using hemp-derived CBD.

Roger Adams, the famous chemist, was the first to discover HHC in the 1940s. He added hydrogen to the THC molecule and altered its physical properties in a process known as “hydrogenation.” It changes delta-9-THC’s structure by swapping a double bond for two hydrogen atoms. This practice alters its molecular weight and ensures greater stability.

How Will I Feel When Using an HHC Vape Pen?

Technically speaking, HHC isn’t a THC, yet it produces very similar effects. Lab-created HHC combines active and inactive HHC molecules. While the active HHC binds to the body’s cannabinoid receptors quite well, the inactive version doesn’t.

To date, brands selling HHC find it difficult to separate the high-potency version of the cannabinoid from the low-potency one. When you buy an HHC vape pen online, it is tricky to know whether the product will prove effective. However, sticking with brands that offer updated third-party lab reports with the pen is essential. This way, you increase your chances of buying high-quality HHC.

As for the high, many users claim it is similar to delta-8 and delta-9. It is slightly more potent than D8 but not quite as strong as D9. In many ways, it is a ‘sweet spot’ of intoxication for relative novices or individuals who find the standard marijuana high slightly overwhelming.

Ultimately, you’re likely to experience euphoria. Users often suggest that a few puffs from an HHC vape pen is a great way to unwind in the evening. The high is pleasant and uplifting; if you’re already feeling fatigued, it could help you relax enough to get to sleep. Also, if you vape the substance, you can expect the effects to become noticeable pretty quickly.

Could I Fail a Drug Test After Using HHC?

This is a difficult question to answer. A school of thought says HHC will NOT appear in a drug screening because it might not break down in the body as THC does. It is believed that HHC doesn’t metabolize into 11-hydroxy-THC like delta-10, delta-9, or delta-8, although some experts think that it does.

Ultimately, very little has been confirmed, so to be safe, it is best to approach HHC with caution if you believe a workplace drug test is imminent. Also, no one can tell whether the compound leaves any evidence of use in the hair, urine, or blood.

Final Thoughts on the HHC Vape Pen & What You Might Expect

Overall, if you’re seeking a pleasant intoxicating high similar to what delta-9 offers but is a little milder, HHC is a cannabinoid that might interest you. Once you use an HHC vape pen, you might feel a gentle cerebral high that improves your mood and induces you to relax.

As you are vaping the substance, the onset of the high is likely to occur much faster than if you use edibles, although its duration will probably be much shorter. On the plus side, you can take a puff of your HHC vape pen whenever it is convenient. 

image courtesy of unsplash.com