The new beneficial cannabinoids keep on coming, and the newest to catch our eyes is HHC-O Acetate; but with so many products and substances to choose from, which is the best HHC-O Acetate?
Never heard of HHC-O? While many of us are familiar with psychoactive cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC products, Delta 10-THC products, THCV products and even THC-O-Acetate products (THC-O), we can add another to our list of cannabinoids to enjoy with HHC-O-acetate (also known as the shorthand HHC-O).
What is HHC-O?
HHC-O-acetate is a fairly new cannabinoid to hit the hemp scene, and because of this, it’s very possible that you’ve never even heard of it before. HHC-O is the acetate version of HHC, a naturally occurring cannabinoid that acts as the hydrogenated form of THC, being chemically stable thanks to its hydrogen enhancement, well-known for its similarities to delta-9 THC.
HHC-O takes naturally occurring HHC and applies acetic anhydride to the compound in the same way that we create THC-O. What this does is boost the cannabinoid’s potency by about 1.5x.
The reason for this enhanced potency is simple. It makes the cannabinoid even more similar to delta-9 THC, since hexahydrocannabinol is somewhat milder. This essentially enhances the high to really give users what it is that they’re looking for.
What are the Psychoactive Effects of HHC-O?
The reason why delta-9 THC and HHC/HHC-O products produce such similar effects is because it appears that they are processed by the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in an identical manner. What this means is that the cannabinoids work with the same cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system that trigger intoxication and also absorb at a very similar rate.
Boosting the potency of HHC by making HHC-O increases that absorption rate further so that the high is more on par with the high-THC strains that dominate the market.
So, what is the high like, then?
Well, of course, anyone experienced with THC compounds knows that ultimately, the effects can be subtly different for everyone. But overall, the ‘high’ is stronger than delta-8 THC and can be both uplifting and mellowing to the mind and body with a somewhat unfocused, hazy sensation that can be deeply satisfying when you are looking for a way to unwind. It’s important to point out that a lot of the more specific effects that you feel will depend on the strain that you’ve purchased.
Legality and Drug Testing When Pertaining To HHC-O
HHC-O-acetate is a federally legal cannabinoid because federal law has made it clear that all hemp derivatives containing a maximum of 0.3% delta-9 THC are legal. Some states have banned certain psychoactive cannabinoids, or are in the process of doing so, so it’s always wise to check to see what your state’s legislation has to say about what’s legal and what’s not as far as hemp is concerned.
Another thing to keep in mind is that HHC-O may affect a drug test result. THC compounds like delta-9, delta-8 and THC-P are all metabolized by an enzyme known as THC-COOH. This enzyme is what urine tests are looking for. We don’t know yet whether or not HHC-O is processed by THC-COOH. But, many will agree that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What Else Can HHC-O Do?
Glad you asked. HHC-O-acetate, as well as hexahydrocannabinol, are extremely new to the market. What this means is that there hasn’t been enough time for researchers to analyze these cannabinoids and discover their more clinical applications, which has been done with CBD, delta-9 THC and even delta-8 THC. Basically, we can’t reference any studies that go into the non-psychoactive effects of HHC-O.
However, people who have actually tried the cannabinoid have given us some insight. It’s not surprising that HHC-O, and HHC for that matter, seem to offer similar effects to delta-9 beyond their highs. A lot of people talk about the way in which HHC-O products help them with physical discomfort, appetite issues, nausea, mood imbalances, sleep and more.
Again, everyone is different, and may experience the cannabinoid differently. But, the bottom line is that if you love what delta-9 THC has to offer, HHC-O is a great substitute.