What Is HHC? The Complete Guide to Hexahydrocannabinol

What Is HHC? The Complete Guide to Hexahydrocannabinol

In recent years, the cannabis industry has seen the rise of new cannabinoids, offering alternatives to traditional THC. One of the latest contenders making waves is hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a compound that, while not entirely new, is just starting to gain attention. Let's explore what HHC is, how it's made, how it compares to THC, and what effects it might have.

What Is HHC?

HHC, short for hexahydrocannabinol, is a relative of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound most known for its psychoactive effects in cannabis. Unlike the more popular forms of THC (like delta-8 or delta-9), HHC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis. However, it's present in very small amounts, making it difficult and expensive to extract directly from the plant.

Because of its scarcity in nature, commercial HHC is usually synthesized in a lab. It's derived from hemp, specifically hemp-derived CBD. Despite this, it's not classified as THC, which provides HHC with some interesting legal advantages in certain markets.

How Is HHC Made?

The process of creating HHC is called hydrogenation, and it was first developed by chemist Roger Adams in the 1940s. Hydrogenation involves adding hydrogen to a molecule, in this case to THC, altering its chemical structure. In layman's terms, this process stabilizes the compound, making it more resistant to environmental factors like heat and UV light, giving HHC a longer shelf life than regular THC products.

By replacing a specific chemical bond in the THC molecule with hydrogen atoms, scientists create a more stable version of THC—HHC. This process is similar to how margarine is made by hydrogenating vegetable oil, but instead of making butter alternatives, you end up with a new cannabinoid.

How Is HHC Different from THC?

While HHC and THC share similarities, there are key differences: 

Chemical Structure: HHC is chemically altered to be more stable than delta-8 or delta-9 THC. This means it has a longer shelf life and is less susceptible to breakdown over time. 

Legal Standing: HHC is not classified as THC, which gives it some legal protection in markets where delta-9 THC is tightly regulated. For example, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Since HHC isn't technically THC, it could potentially be legal where delta-8 or delta-9 might not be.

Effects: While HHC can get you high, its effects are typically described as being milder than delta-9 THC but more intense than delta-8 THC. Since HHC is a mixture of active and inactive molecules, its potency can vary depending on the specific batch.

Does HHC Get You High?

The short answer is yes but with some caveats.

HHC isn't technically THC, but it can still bind to the body's cannabinoid receptors in a similar way. The high it produces is often reported to be somewhere between the more familiar delta-8 and delta-9 THC. However, because HHC comes in a mix of active and inactive molecules, the strength of the high can vary.

One important thing to note is that there isn't yet a reliable method for manufacturers to separate the active HHC molecules from the inactive ones. As a result, the potency of HHC products can be inconsistent. Some users report a mild, relaxing high, while others say the effects feel more similar to delta-9 THC.

Is HHC Safe? What Are the Side Effects?

There's still a lot we don't know about the safety profile of HHC. Most of what we understand comes from user reports rather than scientific studies. That said, the side effects of HHC appear to be similar to those of THC:

• Dry mouth
• Dry or red eyes
• Increased appetite (the munchies)
• Anxiety or paranoia (in higher doses)
• Insomnia (in some cases)

As with THC, the effects and side effects of HHC can vary from person to person. Because of its relative novelty, it's always best to approach HHC cautiously, especially if you're unsure how your body might react.

How Is HHC Used?

HHC can be found in a variety of forms, many of which will feel familiar to anyone who's used other cannabinoids:

• Vape cartridges: These are pre-filled with HHC oil and are commonly used with standard vape pen batteries that you would use for THC or CBD oil.
• Gummies: Edible gummies infused with HHC are becoming increasingly popular, offering a tasty and discreet way to consume the cannabinoid.
• Tinctures: These are liquid forms of HHC that can be taken orally, often placed under the tongue for faster absorption.
• Concentrates: These are highly concentrated forms of HHC, typically used for dabbing with a wax pen or dab rig.
• HHC Flower: Some companies also offer hemp flower that's been coated or infused with HHC.

Is HHC Legal?

The legal status of HHC is a bit murky, but as of now, it appears to be federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives, as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. However, individual states may choose to ban HHC, especially if it begins to compete with legal cannabis markets.

At the federal level, HHC seems to fall into a legal gray area, much like delta-8 THC. Right now, it is hard to tell if HHC will be banned. It is important to note that HHC is not a THC compound. It has an extra H molecule, so it is not covered under federal laws that ban THC compounds. 

At the time of writing, HHC is legal in the following states

Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

It is also most likely legal in Kansas, Missouri, New Hampshire, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, although this is not explicitly stated.

HHC is illegal in 
Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Utah, and Washington. While it is not explicitly stated, it is most likely illegal in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

It's important to stay updated on your state's laws, as they could change as HHC gains popularity.

Will HHC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Because HHC isn't technically THC, it might not show up on traditional drug tests that screen for THC metabolites. However, this hasn't been studied in detail, and there's no guarantee that HHC use won't be detected. If you're concerned about passing a drug test, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid HHC products.

Final Thoughts on HHC

HHC represents an exciting new frontier in the world of cannabinoids. It offers a legal alternative to THC in many regions and provides a unique high that falls somewhere between delta-8 and delta-9. However, like any new product, it's important to approach HHC with caution, as its safety profile and legal status are still evolving.

As more research is done and HHC becomes more widely available, it's likely that we'll learn even more about this promising compound. Until then, be sure to buy from reputable sources and stay informed about the latest developments in cannabis science and law.