What are HHC oils and drops? Types and range of products, production, onset of effects and methods of use

• What are HHC oils and drops?
• Table: types and range of HHC oils and drops
• How HHC oil is produced
• How does HHC work?
• Onset of effects
• Ways to use HHC oils and drops
• Safe purchase
• Conclusion

What are HHC oils and drops?

HHC oils and drops are cannabis extracts that are made from HHC concentrate and carrier oil. Carrier oils are used because cannabinoids are soluble in oils and fats. Carriers are used to dilute the HHC and improve bioavailability. Manufacturers most commonly use vegetable glycerin or vegetable oils such as MCT (coconut, palm oil), olive, sunflower, avocado, grapeseed, walnut or hemp seed oil.

All carrier oils have their pros and cons, with many offering their own health benefits. 

MCT oil (medium chain triglyceride oil) is the number one carrier oil used in hemp oil production and has the longest shelf life compared to other carrier oils.

Depending on the manufacturer, HHC oils contain different concentrations of HHC. An HHC oil with 20% HHC concentration means that 20% of the content is HHC and the remaining 80% is carrier. If you buy a 10ml bottle, it contains 2ml of HHC, or 2,000mg, and is enough for about 250 drops. Each drop contains approximately 8 mg of HHC.

Table: Types and range of HHC oils and drops

The purer the form of HHC, the longer the expected shelf life. HHC isolates generally have the longest shelf life, while full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products retain more plant material or compounds but have a shorter shelf life.

In the case of full spectrum and broad spectrum products, an 'entourage effect' may occur. This effect is characterised by the fact that the effect of individual cannabinoids and other active substances may be increased when taken together.

How HHC oil is produced

HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is only found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant and is therefore produced synthetically. HHC is produced by hydrogenation. This 'procedure' uses a pressure vessel in which the molecular composition of natural cannabinoids is broken down and the broken double bonds are replaced by hydrogen. The chemical process makes it possible to convert CBD/THC extracts into HHC. 

However, THC is still illegal in most countries, so HHC is produced from technical hemp with a high CBD content (cannabidiol). HHC is a hydrogenated form of CBD, making it more stable and improving its durability and resistance to oxidation.

The process of synthesis by hydrogenation of hemp extracts is used to produce HHC oils. This produces two compounds: HHC 9R and HHC 9S. These two compounds differ in their ability to bind to the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

Tip: Interested in learning more about the chemical structure of HHC? Check out this article: HHC under scrutiny.

How does HHC work?

As mentioned above, HHC oils and drops consist of HHC 9R and HHC 9S molecules. HHC 9R effectively acts on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, thereby regulating bodily functions (sleep, mood, metabolism, motor skills, heart health, and more).

In contrast, HHC 9S does not have a high affinity for these receptors (it does not bind as well), so it is seen more as an inactive component. It follows that if HHC oil contains more HHC 9R, it will be more potent and its effects are likely to be longer lasting. In practice, a 1:1 ratio is usually used, possibly dominated by the 9R HHC.

Users describe the effects of HHC as:

• Inducing a feeling of relaxation
• Inducing euphoria
• Stimulating appetite
• Changing the perception of time and space
• Increasing sociability 
• Relieve physical discomfort and pain

• Drowsiness
• Red eyes 
• Dry mouth
• Lethargy

Onset of effects 

As far as the bioavailability of HHC oil is concerned, the oil rapidly enters the bloodstream when administered sublingually. The strength of the product's effect is based on its composition. 

In general, the onset of effects is fastest during vaporisation, with the cannabinoids being rapidly absorbed through the respiratory system. Vaporisers (vapes) allow inhalation of herbs, cannabis flowers or concentrates. 

A very popular option not only among beginners are vape pens containing cartridges with HHC liquid. Cartridges can be found in several flavours (e.g. fruity, woody, sweet). What do you think, can HHC oils be used for vaping? The answer is: "Absolutely not!"

HHC oils and drops cannot be used in vaporizers because they contain oils. Vapes are not designed to vaporize oils and fats. Only liquids that are made for vaping purposes should be used in vaporizers.

Ways to use HHC oils and drops

Here you will find the ways in which HHC oils and drops can be used:

• Sublingual: HHC oil is applied dropwise under the tongue (onset of effects almost immediately).
• By mouth: the oil can be added to food or drinks (the effects are slightly delayed as the product must pass through the digestive cycle)
• Skin application: It is possible to apply the oil directly to the skin (e.g. Czech CBD HHC Spray Basic)

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Dosage is a completely individual matter that is based on several factors such as height and weight, age, metabolism, tolerance, experience and product effectiveness. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose possible and observe how it affects you. Depending on your reaction, you can adjust the dosage. 

For example, if the HHC oil is 40%, 10 ml of oil contains 4,000 mg of HHC. One drop of oil is equivalent to approximately 16 mg of HHC.

Safe purchase

If you want to buy HHC oil and drops, you have many options to choose from. In general, before buying HHC oil and other HHC products, you should inform yourself well about the possible risks. 

If you want to be assured of safe products, deal only with established retailers/manufacturers. Our HHC products meet strict quality standards of production and storage to ensure that they do not lose their active ingredients. Products are subject to laboratory testing.

Be sure to store HHC oil properly, upright in a cool, dry place, protected from light.

Conclusion

HHC is available in the form of oils, liquids for vapes or edibles. Different types of HHC oils can be found on the market in different concentrations and flavours, varying in cannabinoid and phytochemical content. 

An interesting aspect of HHC is that the effects can vary due to the different ratio of 9R and 9S molecules in the product. HHCs with a higher proportion of 9R tend to have a more intense effect as the 9R molecule is more likely to bind to endocannabinoid receptors. The ratio of molecules can be determined in the laboratory analysis report/certificate.

HHC oils allow for quick and convenient dropwise application. Although hexahydrocannabinol is gaining attention from the scientific community, it is important to emphasize that there are still many unknowns that need to be explored.

In our e-shop you can choose not only from different varieties, HHC concentrations of 5-50%, but also from interesting flavours such as cherry or lime.