HHC is one of the newest hemp-derived cannabinoids taking the cannabis world by storm. There are only a few brands currently selling HHC-based products, and you will mostly find them in the form of HHC vapes.
The novelty status of HHC raises many questions among consumers, among them “How does dosing HHC work?” We’re here to answer that. So, consider this your ultimate HHC dosing guide.
What is HHC?
While HHC has been rising in popularity recently, it’s far from a new cannabinoid. HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) was first discovered in 1944 by chemist Roger Adams. Back then, Adams created HHC by adding hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC, using a process known as hydrogenation.
Fun fact: the hydrogenation process is the same process used to turn vegetable oil into margarine.
While HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis and hemp plants, it can only be found in small amounts. Therefore, nowadays, commercial HHC is primarily produced using hydrogenation. However, to comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, the hydrogenation of HHC starts from industrial hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC.
People love HHC products as their effects are described as the middle ground between the Delta-8 THC relaxing buzz and the stimulant high of Delta-9 THC.
HHC does get you high, although it’s reported as a milder high than the heavier intoxication associated with Delta-9 THC. Moreover, the effects you’ll experience by using HHC will also largely depend on the method you use and how much HHC you take. That’s why we’ve prepared this HHC dosage guide for you.
HHC Dosage Guide
How much HHC should you take? How should you consume HHC?
If you’ve had any of those questions, this HHC dosage guide is for you.
People turn to cannabinoids to experience the many benefits that they provide. But if you consume too much, you might feel too intoxicated and have a negative experience. Consume too little, and you may not feel the effects – missing out on what this cannabinoid has to offer.
However, keep in mind that no universal HHC dosage will work for everyone. It’s up to you to find that optimal dose. First, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that will affect how much HHC you should take. Three main factors will help guide your HHC dosage: consumption method, tolerance level, and personal preference.
Consumption method
In this case, we’re referring to your HHC delivery method, or in other words, how you’ll be consuming HHC. Typically, you can either consume HHC by inhaling it, ingesting it in the form of edibles, or by taking it sublingually with oils.
This is where bioavailability comes in. Each method of consumption has its own bioavailability level. This level refers to how much of the compound gets absorbed by the body. Bioavailability essentially affects how much of the HHC you will feel and how long it takes for the effects to kick in.
In general, oral ingestion has the lowest bioavailability level. This is because HHC must first pass through the digestive system before reaching your bloodstream. This process may take some time before you start feeling the effects of HHC.
So if you take an HHC gummy and don’t notice any effects right away, make sure to give it some time before you reach for another one. You don’t want to overdo it and have it hit you all at once.
Meanwhile, inhalation has the highest bioavailability level and is the easiest way to control your HHC intake.
The most popular inhalation method for taking HHC is through vaping. HHC vapes allow for high levels of HHC to enter your bloodstream, so you will feel the effects almost instantly. Start by taking one or two puffs from your HHC vape, wait a bit to feel the effects (you won’t be waiting for long), and then take a few more as you see fit.
By being aware of bioavailability, you can adjust your HHC dosage depending on the chosen consumption method.
Your tolerance level
Your tolerance to cannabinoids is another factor you should consider when you decide how much HHC to take. If you’re a new cannabinoid user, you’ll likely have a low HHC tolerance. This low tolerance means that you will be able to feel the effects of HHC more intensely, even with small doses. So, it’s best to start with small amounts of HHC and then adapt accordingly.
If you have more experience with intoxicating cannabinoids, you’re more likely to tolerate higher doses of HHC. This high tolerance means you’ll need to take more HHC before you achieve your desired effects. Nevertheless, if you haven’t tried HHC before, we suggest starting small and seeing how this specific cannabinoid makes you feel.
Being aware of your tolerance level of intoxicating cannabinoids and HHC can serve as a good frame of reference so you can adjust your dose accordingly.
Another factor that can influence your tolerance level is your body weight. Heavier people tend to have a higher tolerance, so they may need to take more than others to achieve the same effect. Lighter people are likely to have low tolerance, meaning that even a smaller dose could still have big effects on them.
Everybody processes cannabinoids differently. The dose your friend takes may not be right for you. This leads us into our next point.
Your personal preference
In the end, one of the biggest factors influencing the correct dose for you is personal preference. Also, the plans you have for the day need to be considered as well.
It’s important to ask yourself the following: Why am I using HHC? What type of effects am I seeking to experience?
If you wish to experience a milder intoxication that still allows you to be productive, then opt for a smaller dose.
Also, keep in mind that HHC is an intoxicating substance. It’s essential to use it responsibly.
The best dose to take is also influenced by how you plan to spend your time afterward. If you’re spending a chill evening resting at home, a dose on the higher end may be okay. But if you have more engaging plans, you may want to either hold off altogether or take a smaller amount.
Listen to your body and adjust according to your comfort level and plans.
After taking HHC a couple of times, you’ll see what effects the cannabinoid has on you. You should then take the time to decide if you’d prefer to increase or decrease your dose next time.
Final thoughts
Adjusting your HHC dosage will help ensure you get the best out of your HHC experience. That optimal level of consumption will ultimately vary from person to person, depending on factors such as tolerance level, consumption method, and preference.
There are also a few important safety notes to consider regarding HHC: HHC is not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence. Also, you may want to talk to your primary care provider before using HHC regularly.
As a general rule, and given the novelty of this cannabinoid, it’s recommended you start slow and follow the instructions on your HHC product packaging. Listen to your body, and adjust the HHC dosage as you go.
If you’d like to try HHC for the first time, we highly recommend this Peaches and Cream HHC Disposable Vape Pen. Start with one puff, give it a little time, and then take a little more as needed until you reach your desired effects.