What do we know about HHC-O?
What is HHC-O?
HHC-O is a newly discovered cannabinoid whose precursor is the popular HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). It is formed by a chemical reaction called acylation, where an acetyl group is added to HHC to form hexahydrocannabinol acetate (HHC-O). This compound is produced in the laboratory and is not found in the cannabis plant. By modifying the chemical structure, the potency of the cannabinoid is enhanced.
HHC-O and the endocannabinoid system
Every human being has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex system of cell signalling that regulates a range of functions in the body, including immune response, sleep, mood, pain perception and many others. The ECS helps maintain the body's homeostasis through endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids work on a similar principle, but while endocannabinoids can be made by the body, cannabinoids, including HHC-O, cannot be made by the body. Both endocannabinoids and cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. HHC-O has a strong affinity for the CB1 receptor and can therefore induce a state of relaxation, relieve anxiety and stress, or improve sleep quality. The interaction of HHC-O with CB1 receptors also triggers psychoactive effects.
Effects of HHC-O
HHC-O has a slower onset than HHC (but of course this depends on the method of administration and the individual's particular disposition) and has a longer duration of action. HHC-O is more potent than HHC, but otherwise the effects of the two cannabinoids are similar.
As with other cannabis compounds, and especially those with psychoactive properties, HHC-O can have side effects such as:
- dry mouth
- anxiety
- redness of the eyes
- insomnia
- rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- paranoia
As HHC-O is one of the new cannabinoids, we do not yet have enough information about its effects on the body.
HHC-O flowers, vape pens, cartridges
The range of HHC-O is already quite extensive and is still expanding. Manufacturers often combine HHC-O with other cannabinoids to enhance or complement its effects. There are different varieties of flowers infused with HHC distillate, HHC-O and HHC-P, HHC-O vapes and cartridges supplemented with CBD, CBG and extra strong HHC-P cannabinoids. Distillate with 99% HHC-O or extracts such as HHC-O hash are also available.
HHC-O flower comes from cannabis with a high CBD content and a permitted amount of THC. The flowers contain 10-80% HHC-O distillate. HHC-O vape pens are vaporizing pens with HHC-O distillate, supplemented with select terpenes.
If you want to try any of the HHC-O products, start with a low dose and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Is HHC-O safe and legal?
HHC-O is not on the list of banned substances and commercially available products meet the legal limit for THC content (up to 1% in the Czech Republic). In practice, the HHC-O content in flowers, vape pens and liquids is usually no more than 0.2-0.3% THC.
As far as safety is concerned, we have very limited information on HHC-O so far. There are no clinical studies looking at the long-term effects of HHC-O on the body and mind, so caution is warranted. For all HHC-O products, we strongly recommend that you deal only with vetted and trusted vendors who can guarantee the quality and purity of their products and provide the results of laboratory analysis.
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