What is CBD?
In the past decade, CBD has experienced remarkable growth as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. However, its journey into the market wasn’t swift, largely due to misconceptions about CBD. It got mistakenly associated with marijuana merely because it comes from the hemp plant, which is also the source of marijuana.
CBD: What Exactly Is It?
CBD, an abbreviation for cannabidiol, is present in both hemp and marijuana plants. However, hemp contains more CBD compared to marijuana. When we say “hemp-derived,” CBD occurs naturally within the hemp plant without emphasizing the amount.
According to federal farm bill regulations, hemp-derived products must have 0.3% or less of Delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
There are three main types of CBD products to be aware of. First, there’s an isolate, which contains only one cannabinoid. Then there’s a broad spectrum, which usually includes all cannabinoids except Delta-9 THC. Lastly, we have full-spectrum CBD containing all the natural cannabinoids, including THC.
What is HHC?
HHC, which stands for Hexahydrocannabinol, is a special type of cannabinoid found in hemp. It’s like a cousin to THC, as it’s a hydrogenated form of THC, which makes it an isomer. There are ten different versions of HHC, known as isomers, and now a new one called HHC-O is available in the market. Things are moving fast!
HHC is closely related to Delta-9 THC, the well-known psychoactive component in regular marijuana. However, HHC has its own modified structure. You can discover HHC mainly in hemp, particularly its seeds and pollen.
Like Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC, creating a significant amount of HHC for products involves a chemical process, even though it’s naturally found in hemp.
In 1947, when chemist Roger Adams introduced us to HHC. But hold on, this wasn’t about isolating the THC found in plants. That credit goes to Raphael Mechoulam, an accomplished Israeli chemist who won the prestigious Harvey Prize. Mechoulam was the pioneer who isolated THC from the plant.
Now, let’s acknowledge Roger Adams for his contribution. He also deserves our appreciation. He wasn’t isolating THC, but he did something equally impressive. Adams became the first person to create THC synthetically by making structural changes (by adding a hydro molecule). These two gentlemen, Mechoulam and Adams, played vital roles in our understanding of cannabinoids.
And here’s a little bonus fact: Roger Adams didn’t stop there. He went on to win the National Medal of Science for Chemistry. Quite an achievement, right?
Here’s the scoop for those curious minds concerned about drug tests. Unfortunately, no evidence exists that using HHC can help you pass a drug test. You see, drug tests look for metabolites, and HHC has metabolites that appear, just like other compounds.
So there you have it, the HHC journey that started in 1947, with two remarkable minds shaping the path of cannabinoid discovery.
HHC, also known as Hexahydrocannabinol, possesses a remarkable trait – indestructibility- thanks to hydrogenation. This special process involves saturating a molecule with extra hydrogen atoms. Think of it as a molecule filled with hydrogen molecules until it can’t fit anymore. This overabundance of hydrogen causes a double bond to break, and a new hydrogen molecule forms another double bond. This transformation leads to structural stability that lasts longer compared to other cannabinoids.
In simpler words, HHC becomes rock-solid, and its strength is unbeatable.
Interestingly, other cannabinoids like delta-9 THC are vulnerable to the effects of UV rays and heat. Delta-9 THC can change and transform into a compound called CBN when exposed.
So, while some cannabinoids might buckle under pressure, HHC stands strong, like an indestructible fortress.
CBD vs. HHC: An In-Depth Comparison
Ever wondered why it’s called the CBD Industry? Well, let’s dive in. All those other cannabinoids you’ve heard about? They start as CBD. Yep, you heard right. These little guys are present in super tiny amounts, and that’s where CBD steps in, flexing its muscles through a process called solvent processing.
Think of CBD as the superhero mom of all those alternate cannabinoids. Just like CBGA is the grandparent of all cannabinoids, CBD plays the parent role, ensuring everyone gets a fair share.
Now, let’s talk about HHC. It kicks off its journey as a CBD too. CBD is known for being cool and non-psychoactive – meaning it won’t mess with your mind. But here’s the twist: CBD can turn a bit psychoactive with a little help from some organic solvents. And guess what? HHC follows the same route.
The journey from CBD to HHC is quite an adventure. It involves many twists and turns, like a mystery novel with multiple plot twists, before you finally arrive at the HHC destination. But HHC has a surprise up its sleeve – it’s showing up in not one but two different forms.
So there you have it – a sneak peek into the world of CBD and its cool cousin HHC. They’re like the dynamic duo of the cannabinoid universe.
Meet HHC – it stands for Hexahydrocannabinol, and it’s a cannabinoid that likes to go solo. Unlike some other cannabinoids, HHC doesn’t come with any extra cannabinoid buddies. It’s all about that HHC goodness.
You might have come across HHC in vape cartridges. It debuted in 2021 and has been making waves ever since. But guess what? HHC isn’t just limited to vape cartridges. It’s branching out and saying, “Hey, I want to be in gummies too!” You can find HHC in different concentrations and even in gummy form. Oh, and there’s something called the HHC flower. It’s made in a way similar to Delta-8 THC Flower and THC-O Flower. The special distillate gets frosty with dry ice and then sprayed onto the flower buds. Nothing too wild or crazy.
So there you have it – HHC, the solo superstar of the cannabinoid world, is making its mark in different products and taking us on a unique journey.
