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The cannabis plant is home to over 200 cannabinoids and terpenes that have potential health benefits. Following the wild success of delta 8 THC as a legal alternative to the more controlled availability of delta 9 THC, the cannabis industry has sought other less-known cannabinoids to compete in the diverse cannabis marketplace. One of the newest, semi-synthetic cannabinoids called hexahydrocannabinol, usually shortened to HHC.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a cannabinoid that was first discovered in the mid-1940s. In 1944, the American chemist Roger Adams created HHC when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. This process is known as "hydrogenation." HHC is found in limited quantities in the hemp plant. Although HHC is a naturally occurring compound, it is hard to obtain sufficient amounts to make products. But by certain production processes, companies can convert CBD into HHC to make a wide variety of products.

While HHC has been around for years, it has not been often discussed by cannabis users until recently.. HHC is a minor cannabinoid; it occurs naturally in cannabis, but in amounts too small to make extraction cost-effective - this means that for companies to sell this cannabinoid, they’re going to need to make it in a lab. HHC does, however, have one major legal advantage over delta 8 and delta 10: it isn’t THC.

So how is HHC made?

As mentioned above, Roger Adams is the first person to discover HHC using the process known as ‘hydrogenation’. There are a couple of different methodologies to hydrogenate delta-8 into HHC, but Hydrogenation is simply treating a compound with hydrogen, which causes a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another compound or element, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium, or platinum. This is done in order to reduce or saturate organic compounds.

Adams originally applied this technique to THC derived from marijuana plants, but since the 2018 Farm Bill came into effect, legalizing cannabis crops with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, more manufacturers are applying the hydrogenation of cannabinoids to CBD to produce HHC.

When it comes to HHC specifically, Hydrogenation modifies the structure of delta 9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms, which changes its molecular weight and makes it more stable. According to chemist Mark Scialdone;

“A major benefit to hydrogenation is that it offers stability at the molecular level, assisting with both shelf life, and resistance to heat.”

It should be said, though, that the acronym “HHC'' is also used in scientific literature to refer to dangerous synthetic substances like 9-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol and 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol. All those Greek letters and super-long hyphenated chemical names are surefire signs that these forms of HHC are synthetic.

What Are The Effects Of HHC?

First, it’s important to note the different types of HHC that are available on the market. There are at least 10 types of HHC:

1. HHC — Hexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 6692-85-9)
2. 7-OH-HHC — 7-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 64663-39-4)
3. 8-OH-iso-HHC — 8-hydroxy-iso-hexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
4. 9α-OH-HHC — 9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 52171-85-4)
5. 7-9α-OH-HHC — 7-oxo-9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
6. 10α-OH-HHC — 10α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
7. 10α-ROH-HHC — 10aR-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
8. HU211 — 1,1-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol (CAS 112924-45-5)
9. HU243 — 11-Hydroxy-3-(1′,1′-dimethylheptyl)hexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-14-9)
10. HDHHC — 3-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-18-3)

HHC has very similar effects to delta-9 THC—it's a psychotropic compound that produces feelings of euphoria, changes in perception, altered cognition, as well as other potential properties. When it takes on other forms, it becomes slightly more complicated. Many users report the effects of HHC are similar to that of delta 8 THC in terms of being more heavily weighted towards relaxation than stimulation. HHC is more potent than delta 8 but slightly less potent than delta 9 THC.

We've seen a sudden ride of THC isomers—variants of the notorious delta-9 THC molecule, as people look for a legal means to experience the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Popular THC cannabinoid analog isomers include delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC derived from hemp crops. Although HHC isn’t technically a THC, it does produce similar effects—if you use enough of it. When it’s produced in the lab, an HHC batch is a mix of active and inactive HHC molecules. The active HHC binds well with your body’s cannabinoid receptors; the others don’t.

A study published in 2010 found that HHC’s effects lasted a long time in rats. Overall, apart from the limited research outlined in this section, there is nothing else to link HHC with the benefits claimed by manufacturers. Certainly, there are no studies on humans that provide any insight.

Is HHC Legal?

Although HHC is not the same as THC, it is potentially illegal if deemed synthetic. The FDA’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) states that synthetic cannabinoids in hemp are illegal, while naturally-occurring ones are permitted. It is true that HHC occurs naturally in hemp and cannabis but only in tiny amounts. HHC manufacturers make it in a lab via a chemical process designed to create more of it.

With the rise of delta 8, hexahydrocannabinol was recognized as yet another form of “legal THC” capable of being sold to the masses. No matter how much marketing material you read, however, delta 8 and HHC will never be equitable. One is a synthetically derived cannabinoid while the other is a natural substance.

We wouldn’t be surprised if HHC starts getting attention from the DEA, as we suspect that considering the need to synthetically create it - HHC falls under the Federal Analogue Act, which automatically classifies analogs of Schedule 1 drugs as Schedule 1 drugs themselves. If the DEA agrees, HHC could have a very short market span.

Is HHC Safe?

As it stands, HHC is rarer and more difficult to derive than delta 8, the HHC market is smaller and less competitive, resulting in comparatively inferior products. Because hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is still very new, there aren't very many studies available that investigate its potential effects and safety - which is enough to tell us that as it stands, it is not particularly safe.

With the limited research on HHC, we highly suggest that you stick to the better known cannabinoids with ample research surrounding it like CBDV which we have done extensive research into and offer safe, legal products containing this cannabinoid.

HHC seems to be following a very similar and dangerous route to THCO, another synthetic cannabinoid taking the industry by storm. We can only hope that the search for something stronger and different does not take priority over the search for something more beneficial and well-researched.

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It’s a new year, and with the new year comes new laws that are to take effect, and for the cannabis and vape industry - these laws may not be as promising for the future of the industry. We’ve seen several states take a stance against vaping specifically, and added to the list are Illinois and Oregon. This article will cover everything you need to know about what this means for the vape community in these states moving forward.

Illinois

As of January 1st, 2022, the state of Illinois has passed a new bill, namely Illinois Senate Bill 00512 - The “Preventing Youth Vaping Act” which was sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Bob Morgan. This bill is as the name suggests; a bill that creates additional restrictions and regulations on e-cigarettes, aiming to prevent vaping by children. So, what does this act mean for Illinois?

First of all, the law defines an e-cigarette as;

• A device using a battery or other mechanism to heat a solution, resulting in vapor for inhalation.
• Any container of a substance that is intended to be used in the device or used to refill the device.
• Any substance that is intended for use in the device.

According to the Illinois attorney general, the act is intended to do the following;

“Address the epidemic levels of youth e-cigarette usage by prohibiting companies from marketing products to minors.”

The state has clearly stated its interest and belief in encouraging the youth to live vape-free. While vaping is a controversial topic in regards to health, the state has a strong stance in stepping towards keeping these products out of the hands of anyone younger than 21 years old. This bill, however, also poses a challenge to the industry by limiting companies from directing their advertising and marketing.

While most people may stand by the age-restricted purposes of this bill, this legislative change poses nuanced difficulties to companies that offer these products and results in fines of up to $25,000 as well as a 1-3 year prison sentence if found guilty. The bill complicates marketing these products by stating the following rules:

1. Companies can not market vape products as modified risk tobacco products
2. Companies can not market a vape product as providing smoking cessation benefits unless approved by the FDA.
3. Companies can not market vape products in a way that appeals to or encourages any person under the age of 21 to use them.

As online tobacco and e-cigarette sales continue to grow, the new law and restrictions as listed above seek to prevent minors from purchasing e-cigarettes by requiring online retailers to take steps to ensure that purchasers are at least 21 years old. The state goes as far as urging the FDA to ban flavored tobacco products and to strengthen e-cigarette guidance by prioritizing enforcement actions against flavored e-cigarettes.

The only exception currently stands for the following;

“Electronic cigarettes first sold prior to August 8, 2016 and for which a premarket tobacco product application was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by September 9, 2020”

e-cigarettes that utilize synthetic (tobacco-free) nicotine or CBD-containing e-cigarettes, for example, that arguably are not tobacco products under federal law, would not be considered adulterated in Illinois for not having authorized PMTAs.

Oregon

As of January 1st, 2022, the state of Oregon passed House Bill 2261 which prohibits remote sales of inhalant delivery systems. This new legislation prevents any businesses involved in selling vape products from shipping or mailing any products that may have been purchased online or by other distant means. This means that the only sales permitted are in-person sales.

These restrictions do not, however, apply to freight forwarders or motor carriers. Apart from that exception, no retailers or businesses may sell smokable tobacco products unless the purchase was made face-to-face.

‘Inhalation delivery systems’ refers to anything that is one of the following;

“A device that can be used to deliver nicotine in the form of a vapor or aerosol to a person inhaling from the device; or a component of a device described in this paragraph or a substance in any form sold for the purpose of being vaporized or aerosolized by a device described in this paragraph, whether the component or substance is sold separately or is not sold separately.”

According to that description, the following products fall into the Oregon HB 2261 Shipment ban:

• Bottled e-liquid (with or without nicotine)
• Closed-system ENDS (e.g. pod/cartridge or disposables) pre-filled with non-nicotine and nicotine-containing e-liquids
• Open-system devices
• Open-system/Open-tank ENDS device

This means that the legislation appears to restrict the DTC sale of most types of vapor products.

The implementation of this bill was put forward due to the FDA reporting that 3.6 million middle and high school students were current users of e-cigarettes In 2020. While the FDA finalized a rule in 2016 that included ENDS in the definition of a tobacco product, the majority of regulation of these products is left to the states. Supposedly, despite the current regulations that were passed in 2017 - the state insisted that the regulations still make it relatively easy for minors to obtain products online.

A device is considered adulterated if:

1. It consists of any poisonous, deleterious or filthy substance that may render injuries to health.
2. It is held or packaged in containers composed of any poisonous or deleterious substance.

Considering these new legislations, it is clear that further restrictions are being imposed on the states around the U.S. and pose challenges to the vapor industry. While these new bills are proposed to provide a safer environment for minors, it should be asked whether this is a step forward or a step backward in the industry.

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More and more people are hopping on the CBD bandwagon these days, which is making all forms of CBD use increasingly popular. Even your local convenience store may have CBD tinctures for sale. CBD has plenty to offer as an effective pain reliever in addition to various other health benefits. Let’s consider the different ways to use CBD tincture and find out if these tinctures could benefit you.

What are the Differences between CBD Tinctures and CBD Oil?

CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures are both CBD based products. CBD stands for Cannabidiol.

CBD is one of the many known molecules found in Cannabis. Although they are both used as medicine, they vary slightly in terms of their effects and dosage requirements. Let's take a look at how these two similar products differ.

The difference between CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures is that CBD oil usually require more self control, as they are ingested orally through the mouth, whereas tinctures are absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) which means you can use them on-the-go.

CBD oils are made by extracting CBD from either CBD rich cannabis flowers or cultivated hemp.

CBD oils have a range of uses, these are just some of them:Using CBD oil with a vaporizer pen is perfect for discretion and portability. The effects can be felt within minutes and last for hours depending on the strength.Different strengths (or potencies) of CBD oils are available for purchase, usually in a 30ml bottle with or without a dropper.

CBD oils are ingested orally, usually with the help of an e-cigarette type device called a vaporizer pen. CBD oils can also be taken sublingually by putting drops under your tongue and holding them there until they dissolve. This allows the CBD Oil to get into your bloodstream much faster than if it was taken with food.

What is a CBD Tincture?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a health supplement that is used for a range of different health conditions. One of the most popular ways to use it is in the form of a CBD tincture, which is a liquid that you drop into your mouth or onto your food..

CBD tinctures are usually either alcohol-based or oil-based. These tinctures are made by slowly cooking CBD-rich hemp or cannabis at a very low heat so that the CBD molecules enter the alcohol or oil.

To up the health factor, many manufacturers use a healthy oil rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as MCT oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. CBD tincture might also be flavored—many people find it quite bitter and herby on its own, although others don’t mind the taste.

Their effects can be felt within minutes and last for hours depending on the strength. Different strengths (or potencies) of CBD tinctures are available for purchase, usually in a 30ml bottle with or without a dropper. CBD tinctures are made by extracting CBD from either CBD rich cannabis flowers or cultivated hemp. They can also be mixed with carrier oils, such as coconut oil, to improve the taste and consistency.

Using CBD oil with a vaporizer pen is perfect for discretion and portability. The effects can be felt within minutes and last for hours depending on the strength. Different strengths (or potencies) of CBD tinctures are available for purchase, usually in a 30ml bottle with or without a dropper.

Types of CBD Tinctures

There are two key types of CBD products:

• Full-spectrum CBD products include all the plant's cannabinoids, including trace quantities of THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most of the cannabinoids found in the plant. Usually, THC (which is the cannabinoid that gets you high) is intentionally removed from Broad Spectrum items. Here at Black Tie CBD, all of our broad-spectrum CBD products are THC-Free.

Many people choose full-spectrum CBD products because of the entourage effect. This is the idea that CBD is far more effective when used in conjunction with other cannabinoids, even if there’s only a trace amount of these other cannabinoids.

What are the Potential Benefits of CBD Tinctures?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids (that is, the active chemicals) in cannabis and hemp plants. Although it can’t get you high, scientific research shows that it has a range of health benefits.

Many people use CBD to soothe conditions like:

• Pain and inflammation
• Anxiety
• Sleeplessness
• Skin conditions
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Seizure conditions

While we need more research to be conducted before we fully understand CBD, many people are already using it with positive results.

How much CBD should I use? Understanding the Dosage of CBD Tincture

Using the correct CBD dosage is key. The amount of CBD you should take depends on factors like your weight, metabolism, and the nature of the condition you’re looking to target.

In general, it’s a good idea to start with a low amount of CBD tincture—1 to 2 milliliters per day—and gradually increase if necessary. For reference, a dropper full of CBD oil is usually one milliliter.

Our CBD Tinctures come in a range of different potencies. Try a weaker potency if you’re a beginner, and a stronger potency if you have more experience using the product.

How Do You Use CBD Tinctures?

Many people actually use CBD incorrectly: they simply swallow the drops. While this might provide you with some of the health benefits of CBD, it’s the least effective way to use CBD tinctures.

The best way to use CBD tincture is sublingually (under the tongue). The skin under the tongue is thin and full of capillaries. Using a tincture there allows the CBD to pass the thin skin membrane and enter the bloodstream.

For best results, use CBD tincture as follows:

• Drop the appropriate amount of CBD tincture into your mouth, just below your tongue.
• Don’t swallow yet. Hold it there instead for about 60 seconds.
• Swirl it around your mouth and swallow.
• If the taste is unappetizing to you, follow it with a glass of water or juice.

You can swallow CBD tincture or add it to your food or beverages, but this means that the CBD will have to go through your digestive system, so it will take longer for the effects to kick in.

Digesting CBD is generally considered to be slightly less effective than using it sublingually. When you digest CBD, it becomes less bioavailable, which means that your body uses less of it. In other words, when you digest it, less of the CBD will end up entering the bloodstream.

So, while you’re welcome to digest CBD if you’d prefer it, taking it sublingually is faster and more effective.

Why do People prefer Using CBD Tinctures?

While there are many different forms of plant derived CBD products - Edibles and Vapes to smokeable High-Resin Hemp Flower - tincture is one of the most popular ways of consuming it.

This is in part because it’s easy to use. In order to get your daily dosage of CBD, you can simply drop CBD underneath your tongue. This method of consumption is quick and efficient, compared to other means such as rolling a joint or consuming edibles.

Many people prefer using CBD tincture sublingually because it is more bioavailable than using CBD edibles, pills, or capsules, which go through the digestive system.

Every form of CBD has its benefits and drawbacks. Try experimenting with different methods of taking CBD until you find a form that works for you.

Health Benefits of CBD Tinctures

• Natural Pain Relief

Of the different reasons to use CBD tinctures, pain relief is at the top. CBD tinctures are often used as pain relievers, especially for those who suffer from chronic pain. CBD is an all-natural way to address pain. It’s great because it is neither addictive nor dangerous. CBD tinctures may be just what you need for chronic joint pain and achiness.

• Managing Your Mood

If you struggle with feelings of anxiety or depression, CBD tinctures may also help stabilize your moods. CBD is no “happy juice” that will make you feel instantly euphoric, but it may help restore a sense of emotional calm and balance. It therefore makes sense that a lot of people incorporate CBD tincture use during the winter to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

• Getting Better Sleep

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, CBD tincture use could help. Many people report CBD as a useful tool for insomnia and restlessness. At higher doses of 300–600mg, CBD tinctures may help decrease levels of cortisol, the natural stress hormone that kicks in when your body enters a flight-or-fight response. By decreasing cortisol levels, CBD tinctures can be considered mild sedatives that could help you relax and sleep comfortably through the night.

• Easing Symptoms

Although CBD isn’t a medicinal substance itself, many people have found CBD tinctures to be useful for nausea and vomiting after certain types of treatments like chemotherapy. These types of treatments can leave patients feeling drained and reduce their appetite. Using CBD tinctures could help stimulate appetite and help with overall recovery.

Where Can I Purchase CBD Tinctures Online?

We have a wide range of CBD tinctures available for purchase at Black Tie CBD, which include:

• Black Tie Broad-Spectrum CBD Tincture (1200mg), available in Peppermint and Original flavors
• Black Tie Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture, available in four different potencies (300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 5,000mg) and multiple different flavors including Espresso, Cotton Candy, Lemon Ginger, Orange Citrus, & Original Hemp)
• Full Spectrum CBD/CBG Tinctures, containing a blend of cannabinoids, these tinctures provide unique pleasant effects.

Our award-winning CBD products are derived from US-grown herbs. All of our products are third-party tested by an independent lab to verify their contents. We encourage you to view our lab reports here.