What Is HHC-O Acetate: Effects, Potency, Risks and More

With the constant stream of new cannabinoid variations hitting the market, it is a great time to be a cannabinoid enthusiast.

Personally, I love trying all these new and unique cannabinoids out. Still, I will say my heart lies with regular old Delta 9 THC dabs, and preferably live resin.

But what is great about HHC-O Acetate is that it has a very similar high as Delta 9 THC. And from what users are saying, you also reap similar effects of Delta 9 THC. 

And what’s the best thing about it? It is quasi-legal and can be shipped to most states. 

What Is HHC-O?

To get to the science of HHC-O, we first have to understand that it is an acetate version of HHC, otherwise known as Hexahydrocannabinol. 

The exciting thing about HHC is that it is the hydrogenated version of Delta 9 THC. 

The process of creating HHC from Delta 9 THC, referred to as hydrogenation, is that the molecules are saturated with hydrogen. 

This alters the molecular weight and molecular geometry of the molecule, and it causes the HHC to be a more stable form.

This stability leads to a resistance to heat and an extended shelf life and doesn’t break down into CBN or other cannabinoids like your Delta 9 THC degrades into overtime. 

THC loses hydrogen atoms when it oxidizes, as it is more susceptible to oxidation and breakdown. It forms two new double bonds as it breaks down, resulting in CBN.  

Luckily, with HHC, you don’t have to worry as much about it losing its potency over time. Plus, this hydrogen-saturated molecule can provide you with a very euphoric and mellow buzz. 

So yes. HHC-O (or HHC-O-acetate) is that is a derivative of HHC and it’s said to be more potent. 

It’s formed by taking (semi-synthetic) HHC and applying acetic anhydride to the compound. This process is called acetylation. It’s the same process used to create THC-O in a lab from a THC Isomer. 

HHC-O is considered a semi-synthetic derivative or analog, meaning they start with natural compounds like hemp-derived CBD before chemical conversion. As acetic anhydride is used as the chemical catalyst, that is what turns HHC to HHC-O acetate

It is important to note that these acetates are not naturally found in the cannabis plant. 

Do not try to make these acetates by yourself as they can be highly dangerous. HHC-O and THC-O should only be produced in a laboratory setting by an experienced and knowledgeable chemist. 

However, we have to wait for science and research to learn the full extent of what this hemp-based analog has to offer the world. 

But, where it acts similarly with our endocannabinoid system and has a similar chemical makeup as Delta 9 THC, you may experience the same benefits that good ole’ Delta 9 THC produces.

Though there is no clinical evidence surrounding the use of this compound, anecdotally, it is thought to be stronger than HHC. 

HHC-O Effects

What people are raving about is this substance anecdotally yields almost the same effects as Delta 9 THC. 

And that HHC-O is 1.5 X stronger than HHC. But, it takes a good fifteen to thirty minutes to kick in, so don’t keep hauling on that vape cartridge 

It is said that HHC-O is more accessible and better absorbed by the body. But, for this next part, keep in mind that this is all anecdotal at this point. 

Some claim that it can pass the blood barrier quicker and binds to our CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system through the help of enzymes in our metabolic process. 

But, when HHC-O enters our metabolic system, it is believed to quickly bind to the cannabinoid receptors in our brain and central nervous system, with the acetate seemingly giving it an extra kick.

Some believe that this is due to HHC-O having a higher bioavailability than HHC. Just FYI: Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug or other substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and can have an active effect. 

But science hasn’t fully explored these theories, so we will move on.  

As HHC-O is synthetic, it does not allow you to benefit from what is called the “entourage effect,” which you’ll get from Delta 9 THC flower or live resin. 

The “entourage effect” is basically the combination of THC, the other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural cannabis compounds. 

So what this means for you is that you won’t get the full benefits from Delta 9 THC, but you will feel something more potent than Delta 8 THC and the other semi-synthetic HHC. 

When reading reviews, one person said that they liked the taste and that the vape cartridge did not tickle the throat as much as it does for other cannabinoid carts. 

They also said that they found that it was quite psychoactive and heady though they took six hauls. If you have no to low tolerance, stick to 2-3 hauls and wait for a good fifteen to thirty minutes. 

Also, someone reported that HHC-O felt stronger than THC-O. Not to mention, they claim to have noticed an “acetate feeling” that is common in THC-O as well as the acetate form of psilocybin mushrooms (otherwise known as magic mushrooms). 

Though, this so-called “acetate-feeling” hasn’t been confirmed by other users or scientific study. 

Many say they enjoyed the buzz so much they lost track of time, but most agreed that the “high” lasted 2-3 hours. 

Others claim that there is an intensity that some may find uncomfortable. So be wary of dosages. Always go slow and low until you find the sweet spot. 

As for the effects you can expect, these are self-reportedly:

• Heavy Buzz – You may feel couch-locked and should not attempt to drive or use any type of machinery. 
• Mental Experience – It is apparently very psychoactive and will play with your head a bit. Some users reported that music sounded better and more intense.
• Physical Experience – Your body may be less responsive and feel lethargic. Some users claim that they felt pain relief.
• Intense Experience – It seemed as if many people had trouble explaining this aspect from the expected effects. They said everything seemed more intense but did not leave them scared or anxious.
• Relaxation – Worries seemed to disappear after a few hits of the vape cartridge. It provides a nice relaxing feeling similar to but more potent than Delta 8 THC.
• Feelings of Joy – Many users said they felt somewhat euphoric and blissful. They were more apt to feel happy and joyful.
• Anti-anxiety – For those who suffer from anxiety issues, HHC-O did not seem to increase anxiety. Instead, users stated they felt calmer and less worrisome.

The most important thing is that these are all opinions from users of HHC-O. The short and long-term health effects of HHC-O have not yet been documented. 

The use of HHC-O is not meant to treat, prevent, mitigate, or diagnose any illnesses or diseases. Also, always use it at your own discretion. 

Related Read: HHC-O Cartridges

Is HHC-O Legal?

To make it legal, HHC-O is created from industrial hemp, which is a federally-protected plant, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. 

But in many states, HHC-O falls in a gray area. Therefore, you should always do your due diligence as state laws may vary. Figure out whether or not it is legal in your state before purchasing it online.

Also, make sure that the companies you buy from supply thoroughly tested products with a Certificate of Analysis.  

Don’t just settle for a company that only tests for the presence of cannabinoids. Make sure they also test for heavy metals, pesticides, residues, fungi, etc. A full-panel test is the best. 

There are very few producers of HHC-O at this point but check the lab reports. Also, make sure they are made from hemp and not cannabis. This is due to the fact that the process of using Delta 9 THC is federally illegal in the US.

HHC-O Drug Testing

When taking a drug test, the test looks for the presence of the metabolite THC-COOH. When this metabolite shows up in your blood, saliva, urine, or hair, it means that you have recently metabolized THC. This result will make you fail a drug test. 

The tricky thing is that HHC-O is likely metabolized into THC-COOH and similar enough metabolites that could trigger the same testing flags. So, in theory, using HHC-O may likely  make you fail a drug test. 

However, there is no academic support or concrete research to determine how likely positive results are and how long it would take to metabolize and excrete out of the system.

Also, you have to worry about cross-contamination. These producers of HHC-O on the cannabinoid market are also selling other THC products, whether they are Delta 8 THC or Delta 10 THC or THC-O. 

All these products could possibly contain trace amounts of THC, and if the products have come into contact with THC and if you consume even the slightest amount, you will potentially fail a THC drug test. So use with caution. 

If you have a drug test coming up, it would be best to stop consuming all THC and cannabinoid products and their derivatives, just in case. 

Give yourself up to three months because THC-COOH can stay in your system that long. And depending on how heavy your use of THC by-products is, it can be even longer.

So abstaining is the best option at this point. At least until someone proves with a peer-reviewed study that HHC and HHC-O will not make you fail a drug test, hopefully, we won’t have to wait long.

Related Read: HHC Drug Testing

Wrapping Up HHCO Acetate

HHC-O will be sweeping through the alternative cannabinoid industry like tidal waves. Already it is getting rave reviews from consumers. 

However, there are still not many companies that sell authentic and fully-tested products. So watch out where you are buying from.  

As a semi-synthetic, you do not get the “entourage effect” that smoking whole-plant Delta 9 THC would produce, but instead, you get a unique buzz that stands between the effects of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC, with an HHC and acetate kick. 

If it is legal in your area, you can give it a shot, but remember to always go low and slow. You don’t want to be climbing the walls with this heady and effective cannabinoid derivative.