The emergence of legal highs like HHC products has been one of the most exciting and unexpected developments of hemp going legal. We’ve heard a lot about delta-8 and delta-10 products, but the HHC cannabinoid offers the most realistic cannabis experience yet.
Today, I want to give you a full review of HHC. We’ll be looking at the substance itself and how it differs from THC and other cannabinoids. We’ll also be exploring the pros and cons of the various types of HHC products on the market right now.
Let’s start with my top five HHC products.
1. ELYXR LA – HHC Cartridges (1 gram)
A specialist in legal hemp-based highs, ELYXR LA, has come good with these 1-gram HHC cartridges. They have six strains available, all comprised of HHC distillate and botanical terpenes – you are spoiled for choice!
Produced in Los Angeles with hemp sourced from Colorado and Oregon, ELYXR LA prioritizes using the finest ingredients and the leading manufacturing methods.
KCA Labs provides a third-party certificate of analysis for these carts, which work with 510-threaded vape batteries. The report shows 87% (870mg) HHC and a dash of non-intoxicating cannabinol (CBN) – but not a smidge of THC!
Strains: Apple Fritter (Indica), Pink Rozay (Indica), Amnesia Haze (Sativa), 99 Problems (Sativa), Bonkers (Hybrid), Kush Mints (Hybrid)
2. ELYXR LA – HHC Tincture (1000mg)
HHC tinctures are perfect if you want a speedier high than edibles or capsules but want to save your lungs from the harmful effects of vaping and smoking. These delicious HHC oils from ELYXR LA pack 1000mg (33mg/ml) of extract into a 30ml bottle.
Harnessing nanotechnology to increase the bioavailability of HHC, each dose goes further than it would as part of a regular hemp extract. While not the first brand to utilize nanotechnology in the industry, ELYXR LA is the first I’ve seen try it with HHC.
The third-party analysis from KCA Labs confirms ELYXR LA’s tincture is the real deal, with no THC, no impurities, and impressive amounts of HHC.
Blends: Lemon Verbena (Awake), Blueberry Lavender Lemonade (Relax), Mellow Grape (Sleep), Citrus Orange, Peppermint
3. Work – HHC + Delta-8 THC + Delta-10 THC Disposable
Work combines the three hottest hemp cannabinoids available right now – HHC, delta-8, and delta-10 – in these fascinating and mammoth 2.5-gram disposable carts. The energizing delta-8 pairs well with the soothing HHC to deliver a well-balanced high.
Marketed as the ‘Sledgehammer’, these are the largest disposable carts I’ve seen by some distance. That said, they aren’t oversized and have an ergonomic design. Unfortunately, the presence of delta-8 and delta-10 makes a failed drug test more likely.
Oddly, the third-party certificate of analysis from Encore Labs details the amount of delta-8 and delta-10 but not the quantity of HHC. We’re left taking their word on things to some extent, but everything else on the report looks good, with zero THC detected.
Strains: Rainbow Candy, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Slush, Watermelon Punch
4. HHC E-Liquid by Genesis
If you aren’t keen on the limitations of disposables and cartridges, these standalone HHC e-liquids may be more to your liking. You have full control of the vape juice – which comes in a 100ml (10mg/ml) bottle – for you to do with as you please!
Maybe you want to mix HHC vape juice with a CBD e-liquid, or perhaps you’re intrigued by an HHC and delta-8 combo. At 10mg/ml, these Genesis e-liquids suit the curious vaper more than the hardcore user, but their versatility and flexibility are attractive to all.
For a tasty HHC experience, give these Genesis vape juices a try! Third-party tested with zero detectable THC.
Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Bubble Gum, Starburst, Watermelon
5. HHC Disposables by Genesis
Enjoy the perfect HHC high with these mighty 2000mg disposable carts. Flavored with delicious natural terpenes and infused with pure HHC distillate, expect psychoactive effects comparable to those from real weed!
The disposable pens have a sleek, lowkey design, giving you lots of discretion if you want to vape in public. The device fits nicely in the hand and produces thick, consistent vapor – no need to worry about clogging!
Choose between five HHC strains and a mixture of sativa, indica, and hybrid carts. Charge the pen using a USB type C cord. Third-party tested with no detectable THC.
Strains: Purple Urkle (Indica), Slurricane (Indica), Maui Wowie (Sativa), Ekto Cooler (Hybrid), Pink Kush (Hybrid)
What is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is one of many psychoactive cannabinoids to have emerged of late after the federal government’s move to legalize hemp.
Used primarily for recreational purposes, HHC induces mind-altering and euphoric effects that are like THC’s. However, experts estimate that HHC is around 20% less potent and more sedating than THC.
HHC is also the hydrogenated derivative of THC, hence why the two cannabinoids have a comparable profile of effects. Both cannabinoids primarily work by linking up with CB1 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
However, HHC was mostly unheard of until the government passed the 2018 Farm Bill. In legalizing hemp, the government also legalized its naturally occurring components.
The bill only restricted the well-known and notorious delta-9-THC (THC), the cannabinoid almost exclusively responsible for making cannabis psychoactive. The Farm Bill caps levels of THC in hemp-derived products at a meager 0.3%.
The bill effectively stops companies from making marijuana products and marketing them as hemp. But by fully de-scheduling the likes of HHC and delta-8, the Farm Bill has accidentally opened the door to hemp-based legal highs!
Nothing is stopping companies from making hemp products highly concentrated in HHC but with tiny amounts of THC – or, more often, none.
Side Effects of HHC
Like marijuana, HHC may cause side effects. The mind-altering nature of the psychoactive experience can cause anxiety and paranoia in some. However, this is typically less severe with HHC, given that it isn’t as potent as THC.
In theory, HHC could be addictive. We know that cannabis carries a low but real risk of addiction. Since HHC has a similar effect on the body, assume the same here.
Dry mouth, dry eyes, and nausea are other common HHC side effects to watch out for. Psychosis and schizophrenia are very rare, but you should not take HHC if you have a history of these mental disorders in your family.
There is a lot of uncertainty regarding HHC and drug tests. While we know that other hemp-based legal highs like delta-8 and delta-10 show up, this may not be the case with HHC as it’s not a THC analog.
Therefore, the metabolite of HHC may be different from that of THC. If so, drug tests might not be able to detect HHC. I’ve seen stories of HHC users passing drug tests, but there’s no way of confirming if their stories are legit.
Until we learn more, I’d recommend being cautious about taking HHC if you get drug tested regularly. If you decide the risk is worth it, choose products made with pure HHC distillate.
Avoid HHC flowers, as hemp buds contain trace amounts of naturally occurring THC. In contrast, HHC e-liquids or edibles made with HHC distillate are typically THC-free. Steer clear of brands mixing HHC with delta-8 or delta-10.
Types of HHC Products
Disposables and vape carts: Vape HHC and you’ll be feeling sky-high in minutes without exposing yourself to the harmful chemicals created by smoking.
“Disposables” describes single-use pens with built-in batteries, while “carts” refers to cartridges attached to separate batteries.
Flower: Like marijuana and hemp flower, you can smoke, vape, or make other products (e.g., edibles and tinctures) with HHC flower.
But there’s a slight difference. Rather than producing the HHC naturally, HHC flower refers to hemp nugs that have been sprayed with or dipped in HHC distillate.
Tinctures: Designed for sublingual absorption or ingesting (by mixing with food and beverages), HHC tincture oils work well for those opposed to inhalation methods. HHC oil becomes active fastest when taken sublingually and has a more gradual effect when ingested.
Edibles: HHC gummies are the most popular edibles right now – but expect to see other candies and HHC treats as the market flourishes.
A delicious and discreet way of getting high with HHC, edibles kick in slowly but can make you high for twice as long as other HHC products.
What to Look for When Buying HHC Products
Whether you’re shopping for gummies, tinctures, e-liquids, HHC buds, or something else, there are a few things to look for that are applicable to all HHC products.
If you’d prefer not to scout out a product yourself, remember to give my top five list a second glance. But if you want to become an HHC connoisseur, keep reading!
Third-Party Lab Reports
I immediately disregard HHC brands that don’t supply third-party lab reports or refuse to make them publicly available.
Independent testing has become a cornerstone of the market, increasing standards and bringing de facto regulation to this otherwise unregulated industry.
Any company selling genuine HHC products should have no issue publishing a complete and recent independent certificate of analysis. Check for Farm Bill compliance, HHC potency, and product purity in these reports.
HHC Strength
Companies cater to consumers wanting intense HHC highs and those seeking something milder. As such, always find out the strength of an HHC product before buying.
When shopping for tincture oils and e-liquids, look for the amount of HHC per mg (mg/ml). With edibles, establish how much HHC you get per serving (i.e., in each gummy).
Terpenes
Terpenes imbue an HHC product with flavor and effects. For example, when purchasing HHC e-liquids, you’ll see indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Respectively, these enhance energy, deepen relaxation, and offer a balanced high.
How to Store Your HHC Products
Store all HHC products in a dry, dark, cool place, out of the reach of children. Dry and dark conditions are vital for stopping moisture, contamination, and light degradation.
As a psychoactive substance, HHC is extremely dangerous for children. Keep products in a locked drawer or cupboard if you have one.
How Long do HHC Products Last?
Much depends on how well you store them, but a well-kept, unopened HHC product should remain fresh for 12 months or more. But after breaking the seal on a product, it could begin losing effectiveness within weeks. Don’t forget to reseal the packaging after use!
Purchasing HHC Products Online vs. Shops Near Me
Perhaps you’ve already seen HHC products available at a shop near you. But don’t rush out just yet! Let me explain why buying HHC online is cheaper, safer, and more convenient, too!
Online shopping is renowned for being cheaper than buying at the store, and the same applies to hemp-based HHC products. With no shop to maintain and hardly any staff to pay, online stores don’t have to charge outrageous prices to make a substantial profit.
Secondly, online vendors care more about curating a high-quality HHC collection. From my experience, brick-and-mortar shops like gas stations don’t really care about what they stock and rarely ask for or provide third-party reports.
An online retailer that’s made its name from selling premium hemp products cannot afford to take such risks. Any HHC seller worth its salt will always make third-party certificates of analysis available for HHC products or the distillate used to make them.
And lastly, you have much more choice when buying HHC online. With several hemp stores now stocking HHC, you can take the time to find something perfect for you. Why limit yourself to one or two products from a headshop or gas station?
