Keen to enjoy the psychoactive effects of HHC oil but want to avoid the risks of smoking and vaping? Then tincture oils are the perfect HHC products for you. HHC oil is ideal for sublingual absorption or stirring into foods and beverages.
The emergence of HHC is the most exciting development in the legal hemp market since delta-8 hit the scene – and HHC is arguably even better! In this post, I’ll be covering all that we currently know about HHC, with a special focus on HHC oil.
Let’s get things underway by checking out the top four HHC oils on sale in 2023!
1. ELYXR LA – HHC Tincture
ELYXR LA makes the best HHC tincture oils available right now – and by a distance! Their collection consists of five delicious flavors, three of which produce a specific type of high (i.e., Awake, Relax, and Sleep).
Each ELYXR LA tincture contains 1000mg (33.3mg/ml) of high-quality HHC extract. As a nano-infused oil, these offerings from ELYXR are more potent than regular HHC tinctures. The tinctures richly deserve their “premium HHC enhanced oil” tag.
The third-party certificate of analysis from KCA Labs confirms that you can trust these HHC oils. The lab report shows zero detectable THC, verifying that ELYXR’s tinctures are Farm Bill compliant.
Flavors: Citrus Orange, Peppermint, Lemon Verbena (Awake), Blueberry Lavender Lemonade (Relax), Mellow Grape (Sleep)
2. Binoid CBD – HHC Tincture (1000mg)
Binoid already has an extensive range of HHC products, and this tincture oil is the jewel in the crown. Registering at 1000mg HHC (33.3mg/ml), the 30ml tincture holds appeal for both seasoned users and HHC first-timers.
Binoid combines 92% HHC distillate with an MCT carrier oil – the MCTs enhance HHC’s bioavailability, strengthening its psychoactive effects. The tincture has a pure and natural flavor with no added terpenes. It’s all about the HHC, which tends to produce a relaxing high.
I’d rather Binoid tested each of its HHC products, but presently, they only test the distillate itself. That’s a small bugbear, but the third-party report itself from Gobi Hemp shows sufficient quantities of HHC and no detectable THC.
3. Hollyweed CBD – HHC Tincture
Hollyweed CBD already makes several HHC products, and this simple tincture looks good on the surface. With 600mg HHC (20mg/ml), it’s a little weaker than its competitors, but if anything, that makes it more attractive for newbies.
The company uses all-natural ingredients and non-GMO, organic hemp extract. No additives, artificial flavorings, or colors make into the tincture, which consists of HHC extract and hemp seed oil. The latter is a rich source of vitamins, fiber, omega-3, and other nutrients.
Hollyweed CBD claims that its HHC tinctures are third-party tested, but I couldn’t find any results on their website. They have reports available for other hemp-based products, but I can’t rank them any higher until there’s one specific to this tincture.
4. Exhale Wellness – HHC Tincture
Another popular name in the hemp-based legal high market, Exhale Wellness, joins the HHC party with this 600mg (20mg/ml) tincture. All-natural, non-GMO, and free from preservatives, additives, and artificial flavorings, there’s much to like about Exhale’s HHC oil.
Exhale blends potent HHC distillate with nutrient-rich hemp seed oil – a tried and tested combination in hemp-based tinctures. They recommend taking this oil sublingually (under the tongue) or by ingestion (in food and drink).
Once again, Exhale Wellness fails to provide third-party lab reports for its HHC tincture. While I could find results for the company’s delta-8 products and HHC cigarettes, the absence of analysis for the HHC oil is a concern – hence why I’ve ranked them fourth.
What is HHC?
Practically speaking, HHC is a legal high that comes from the hemp plant. Chemically speaking, HHC is a cannabinoid and THC’s hydrogenated derivative. Often called semi-synthetic, HHC is a naturally occurring substance that can also be made in a lab.
HHC is the cannabinoid that marijuana lovers never knew they needed! Although the federal government still bans cannabis rich in THC, the loose wording of the 2018 Farm Bill has opened the door to several psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Delta-8 was the first to make a splash, while delta-10 has also proven popular. But HHC promises to usurp both, thanks to its remarkable likeness to THC. The effects of HHC and THC are pretty much identical – HHC is a bit more sedative and not quite as potent.
Without getting too technical, HHC and THC are both CB1 receptor agonists. The receptor in the body’s endocannabinoid system regulates pain sensation, appetite, and more and is the gateway to marijuana’s psychoactive effects.
HHC forms a weaker attachment to CB1 receptors than THC. The reduced binding affinity results in a less intense high but also helps reduce anxiety, paranoia, and other side effects.
Hemp businesses have taken advantage of the wording in the 2018 Farm Bill, which was responsible for legalizing hemp. The law states that hemp products must have less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis but that all other naturally occurring cannabinoids are legal.
Therefore, companies have seen that as permission to make high-strength HHC products while making sure that total THC levels never exceed 0.3%. It’s a clever trick – and a controversial one! – but crucially, it’s within the law!
What is HHC oil?
HHC oil describes tincture oils with high concentrations of HHC. Tinctures are a firm favorite among hemp and cannabis users. They offer plenty of versatility, discretion, and convenience and are safer for taking HHC than smoking or vaping it.
HHC oil products contain HHC distillate, a carrier oil, and potentially natural or artificial flavorings. Most brands use either MCT oil or hemp seed oil as the carrier.
Not all brands flavor their tinctures. Those that do may infuse the oil with terpenes, natural aroma molecules that can make an HHC high more invigorating or relaxing. Lower-quality manufacturers may fall back upon artificial flavorings and colorings.
Exploring the effects of HHC oil
The psychoactive experience must be tried to be fully understood! But you can expect your HHC high to be full of euphoria and giggles, with some hunger pangs, too – usually referred to as the “munchies”!
Compared to classic THC, the HHC oil high is more calming and relaxing, although terpenes can tweak these more subtle effects. As a rule, I prefer taking HHC oil during the latter part of my day. For mornings and early afternoons, I recommend energizing delta-8 oil.
Like marijuana, HHC can cause anxiety and paranoia, with higher dosages heightening your risk. Other common side effects while under the influence include dry mouth, dry eyes, poor coordination, and increased heart rate.
Never use HHC oil if you have a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis. Regularly consuming psychoactive substances such as HHC can trigger or worsen these serious mental disorders if predisposed.
How to take HHC oil
I love HHC tinctures, as they allow me to get stoned without anyone noticing! Unlike smoking or vaping flower or e-liquids, HHC oil doesn’t have that unforgettable, pungent aroma synonymous with marijuana.
Whenever I fancy a euphoric buzz, I can squeeze a few drops or a full dropper under my tongue or into my drink and have the bottle back in my bag before anyone is any the wiser!
Sublingually (under the tongue)
Are you looking for a high that’s as hard-hitting and quick to take effect as smoking or vaping? Sublingual absorption of HHC oil is the next best thing – the HHC doesn’t get into your bloodstream at quite the same rate, but I promise it’s almost as fast.
Squeeze the bulb to fill the dropper, and then apply the HHC oil under your tongue. Flatten your tongue and hold the oil for a minimum of 30 seconds. The longer you leave it, the more the HHC will be fast-tracked into your system via sublingual absorption!
Orally/ingestion (in food or drink)
Mixing HHC oil into your meal or hot beverage is perfect for when you’re out in public, with family, or whenever you need a little discretion! HHC oil made with hemp seed oil may have a strong flavor, so keep this in mind if you plan on including it in a recipe!
Orally ingested HHC is slower to take effect but lasts longer once it hits – much like an edible! You may be tempted to increase your dose, but I advise waiting at least two hours to give your first one ample time to kick in!
Will HHC oil make me fail a drug test?
Nobody is 100% sure whether HHC will show up on a drug test yet. Unlike delta-8, HHC is not a THC analog but a hydrogenated derivative of THC. It’s possible that HHC has a different metabolite from THC, which might not be detectable on standard drug tests.
But that’s far from definite, despite a few anecdotes that suggest people have passed drug tests after taking HHC. Various factors could have influenced such a result (i.e., they hadn’t taken enough HHC, and the test had low sensitivity).
If you plan on taking a chance, stick with pure HHC oil. As HHC becomes more popular, brands may start making products with delta-8, delta-10, or full-spectrum hemp extract containing THC fractions.
What to Look for When Buying HHC Oil
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably ready to start shopping for HHC oil! After finding out what makes a first-class HHC tincture, check out my top 4 list again!
Third-party lab reports
Without a third-party lab report (aka certificate of analysis) to back it up, always take a company’s claims about its HHC oil with a pinch of salt. HHC tinctures vary drastically in quality – the FDA doesn’t regulate HHC, hence why there are no industry standards.
But third-party testing helps separate the best from the rest. Independent analyses clarify how much HHC is in a tincture and if it’s Farm Bill compliant (i.e., has less than 0.3% THC).
As a bonus, I like to see reports that carry out purity checks. I’d rather not consume HHC oil teeming with residual solvents, heavy metals, and other nasty impurities!
HHC strength
Check the overall strength of an HHC tincture and the mg/ml count before buying. Knowing precisely how much HHC is in your oil will protect you from being overcharged or purchasing a product that’s too weak or too intense.
Regard tinctures with more than 30mg HHC per ml as strong and those with 10 to 20mg per ml as mild. Remember that your tolerance to HHC will increase with regular use.
Terpenes
HHC oil made with natural flavorings will likely contain terpenes. While these make the oil tastier and mask the often-unpalatable hemp taste, these compounds also affect your high.
Rather than mentioning the terpene profile, brands selling HHC tinctures generally refer to the “blend.” For example, ELYXR LA sells Awake, Relax, and Sleep versions of its HHC oil.
How to Store Your HHC Oil
Preserve the freshness and potency of your HHC oil by storing it in a cool, dry, dark place, out of direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and ensure the cap is tightly sealed after use.
How Long Does HHC Oil Last?
Unopened, HHC oil can remain fresh for 12 to 24 months. Once opened, expect your oil to last no more than a few months. Correct storage will extend the lifespan of your HHC tincture.
Purchasing HHC Oil Online vs. Shops Near Me
Save yourself the hassle and purchase HHC oil online from a retailer with experience in legal hemp products. Buying from a local store usually means a trip to the convenience store or headshop, where product quality is notoriously hit and miss.
Stores with a solid reputation for selling CBD and delta-8 are best positioned to navigate the HHC market successfully. Specialist hemp vendors can easily distinguish between grifters and legit, high-quality brands.
