Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that can be found in cannabis and hemp plants. It shares a close relationship with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient that gives marijuana its intoxicating effects. Like THC, HHC does not provide a “high” due to its non-psychoactive nature.
There is some ambiguity about the legality of HHC in the UK. In the UK, it’s not stated clearly as legal or unlawful, but it’s also not stated clearly as either. It belongs to a class of chemicals called “novel psychoactive substances,” which the UK government regulates.
A temporary ban on the import and sale of hemp products was imposed by the UK government in 2020 due to worries about the product’s possible psychoactive effects. But in late 2021, the prohibition was repealed in light of additional evidence indicating HHC is not appreciably psychotropic.
HHC is becoming more and more well-liked in the UK as a legitimate substitute for THC, despite its legal status. Because HHC may have therapeutic advantages without having any psychotropic effects, it attracts a lot of individuals.
HHC: What is it?
Trace levels of the naturally occurring cannabinoid HHC are present in hemp and cannabis plants. Although it has structural similarities with THC, it is non-psychoactive and less powerful.
Compared to THC, HHC has far less potent psychoactive effects, yet some users report experiencing a little physical high that is comparable to CBD. HHC’s effects, however, might differ from person to person and rely on ingestion methods and dosage.
By adding hydrogen atoms to the THC molecule, a process known as hydrogenation, HHC is created. Through this process, THC is changed into HHC, which has a lower potency and a lower propensity to cause psychoactive effects.
How Does the Body Use HHC?
The endocannabinoid system, a sophisticated network of receptors dispersed throughout the body, is impacted by HHC. Mood, hunger, sleep, pain, and many other physiological functions are all regulated by the endocannabinoid system.
HHC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, much like THC does. It is less strong and non-psychoactive, nevertheless, since it binds less tightly than THC.
Research indicates that whereas THC has more potent effects on the body, HHC has comparatively milder effects. Potential therapeutic advantages include pain alleviation, anti-inflammatory actions, and anxiolytic qualities.
What Possible Advantages Does HHC Offer?
Even though further study is required, preliminary findings indicate that HHC may provide a number of possible advantages, such as:
Pain relief: Because HHC has been demonstrated to lower inflammation and modify pain signals in the brain, it may be helpful in the management of chronic pain.
Effects against inflammation: Studies have demonstrated that HHC has anti-inflammatory qualities, which may help to treat inflammatory diseases including arthritis, migraines, and other ailments.
Anxiolytic properties: Research indicates that HHC may have anxiolytic effects, which might help with stress and anxiety management.
Effects on neuroprotection: HHC may be able to prevent damage to the brain and nervous system due to its potential neuroprotective qualities.
HHC may have the ability to promote sleep, which might make it helpful in treating insomnia and other sleep problems.
How Do You Consume HHC?
Generally, HHC is taken in the same manners as other cannabinoids, which include:
Vaping: Two common ways to consume HHC are via disposable vape pens and HHC vape cartridges. Rapid onset and excellent bioavailability are made possible by vaping since the HHC is breathed directly into the lungs.
Edibles: For those who would rather take their cannabis discreetly and steadily over time, edibles like candies, tinctures, and capsules are a popular choice.
Topicals: HHC topicals, which include salves and lotions, can be administered topically to target certain body parts for the reduction of inflammation and pain.
HHC tinctures are concentrated extracts that may be incorporated into food and drink or taken sublingually, or under the tongue.
Raw flower: HHC-infused flower is become more and more well-liked since it lets consumers enjoy the whole entourage effect of the cannabis plant without getting high.
The strength and quality of HHC products might vary, thus it’s critical to get items from trustworthy and credible suppliers.
In the UK, is HHC legal?
As previously stated, there is some ambiguity around HHC’s legal standing in the UK. It isn’t stated as clearly unlawful, but it’s also not stated as clearly legal. It belongs to a class of chemicals called “novel psychoactive substances,” which the UK government regulates.
A temporary ban on the import and sale of hemp products was imposed by the UK government in 2020 due to worries about the product’s possible psychoactive effects. But in late 2021, the prohibition was repealed in light of additional evidence indicating HHC is not appreciably psychotropic.
Numerous companies in the UK still offer HHC goods in spite of the uncertainty surrounding the law. The legal position of HHC may be reevaluated by the UK government at any time, therefore it’s critical to be informed and up to speed on any new developments.
How to Select UK-Made High-Quality HHC Products
Selecting premium materials from reliable suppliers is crucial given the rising popularity of HHC in the UK. The following advice will assist you in selecting the top HHC products:
Seek for independent lab testing: Reputable brands will subject their products to independent lab testing to guarantee their safety and precise HHC content. Seek for items that have lab test results supplied by the seller or made public on the website.
Select reliable brands: Go for companies who have a solid track record of manufacturing high-quality goods and a solid reputation. Look at forums and online reviews to find out what other customers are saying about the brand and the items.
Steer clear of inexpensive or badly reviewed items: It’s essential to stay away from products with questionable reviews or that seem unusually low. Products of low quality could have impurities or substances that are incorrectly labelled.
Select items with full spectrum HHC: A variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other advantageous substances included in the cannabis plant are included in full-spectrum hemp products. Because of the entourage effect, these products could provide increased therapeutic effects.
Choosing brands that are open about their goods and the components they include is a wise decision. Reputable companies will give comprehensive details on the manufacturing process and the source of their substances.
Potency and serving size should be taken into account: Potency and serving size should be taken into account while selecting HHC UK products. Seek for items where the doses are properly labelled, and select a potency that suits your requirements.
To sum up, without the inebriating effects of THC, HHC is an intriguing cannabinoid with potential medicinal advantages. Despite the rather ambiguous legal position of hemp in the UK, a lot of companies still offer hemp products. It is crucial to give quality, safety, and legality first priority while selecting HHC goods.
Look for goods with full-spectrum components, reliable brands, and independent lab testing when selecting premium HHC items in the UK. Steer clear of items that are inexpensive or have bad reviews and choose brand transparency. When choosing goods, take strength and serving size into account. You should also keep up to date on any changes to the legal status of hemp in the UK.
Before beginning to take HHC, like with any supplement or drug, it is vital to speak with a healthcare provider. This is especially true if you are pregnant or nursing, have pre-existing medical issues, or are on medication. Consistently get items from reliable vendors and adhere to the suggested doses.
In conclusion, the field of hemp-derived cannabinoids is one that is both fascinating and expanding quickly. For individuals looking for a non-psychoactive substitute for THC, HHC may provide a number of potential advantages with appropriate research, an emphasis on quality, and a dedication to careful use.