The new cannabinoid seems extremely promising but invites many questions, too.

Along with all of the new hemp-derived cannabinoids in the market—delta-8 THC, THC-O, THCV, and many others—HHC seems to have the least amount of information surrounding it. A simple Google search doesn’t explain much about the compound’s effects, origins, and legality, but we’ve got you covered. 

Because HHC is so new, it may be hard to understand exactly what it is, what it does, and how it differs from traditional cannabis. In fact, compared to the widespread delta-8 THC industry, HHC is only offered by a handful of retailers. The cannabinoid, however, seems promising, so don’t be surprised if you start seeing and hearing more about HHC in the near future.  

With some state and federal agencies banning delta-8 THC, HHC seems to have found its space in the recreational hemp space since it’s not technically a THC compound to begin with. According to some, HHC won’t even show up on THC drug tests, but further research needs to be conducted for this to be confirmed.

In this article, we’re going to delve into the details of HHC: what it is, how it’s made, what it does, its legality, and other questions.

So, what is HHC in the first place?

While HHC seems to be the new kid on the block, it’s actually been around since 1944 when American chemist Roger Adams hydrogenated delta-9 THC. By adding hydrogen molecules to THC, hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is formed.

Although Adams used THC to first synthesize HHC, most scientists and brands now are deriving HHC from hemp (cannabis plants with <0.3% delta-9 THC) because the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to do so.

How is HHC created?

There are actually several ways to make HHC, but because THC is still federally illegal, most people use hemp-derived CBD as a base for the HHC conversion process. The CBD is extracted from raw hemp plants then distilled and purified into a powder. From there, things get a little tricky. 

After the CBD has been distilled and purified, it is then converted into THC. The THC is then hydrogenated (the addition of hydrogen molecules to a compound) to create HHC. 

Structurally, HHC is more stable than THC because of the hydrogen bonds in HHC. As a result, HHC is the most stable form of THC—it’s heat and UV resistant and has a much longer shelf-life.

Is HHC safe to make?

HHC can be safely produced in well-equipped laboratories. The potential dangers exist in scaling up production. If HHC is produced at scale in faulty equipment or conditions, the possibility for explosions exists.

Many companies making HHC at higher volumes are using “explosion-proof” laboratories, where everything is grounded so that there is no risk for static discharge.

How does HHC feel?

Some argue that HHC is more potent than THC while others disagree. The ambiguity exists partly due to the chemical’s nature. HHC has many isomers, and among them, 9R HHC binds actively to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, while 9S HHC doesn’t bind so well.

The isomer that binds effectively, 9R HHC, produces similar effects as D8 THC, but it takes more to achieve the same effects. When HHC is taken at efficacious doses, the effects are extremely similar to those of THC.

In short, HHC feels like THC for the body and mind, but milligram-for-milligram, it is less potent than delta-8 or delta-9. For reference, delta-8 is approximately half as potent as D9.

How strong is HHC?

The ratio of 9R and 9S HHC can differ from batch to batch, but they need to be higher than 50% active to pass inspection.

Because it’s cost-ineffective to isolate the two compounds from each other, the actual challenge of making efficacious HHC products is maximizing the ratio of active to inactive HHC. Many companies are experimenting with different conditions and processes in hopes of creating consistent, viable HHC.

Many users of HHC stand by its benefits. Athletes who believe in the cannabinoid report that it helps them with their muscle and joint pains, while those suffering from insomnia or anxiety report that HHC helps them relax. For the most part, people who have tried HHC describe it as a “nice cerebral high.” 

My experience with HHC seemed to line up with what the others were saying. HHC offered a more energetic experience than THC, and I still felt functional throughout the day. HHC wasn’t nearly as potent as THC, but I’m not complaining.

Does HHC show up on drug tests?

While it is not completely proven yet, many HHC users report that HHC does not show up on drug tests. This can be attributed to HHC not converting into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is the metabolite being tested for in drug tests. If this is true, HHC could be used to evade drug tests.

Because there isn’t sufficient evidence to say for sure, it is best not to risk your job or career on other people’s anecdotes.

Is HHC safe to consume?

Similar to the other hemp-derived cannabinoids on the market, there isn’t as much research done on HHC as delta-9 THC in terms of the immediate or long-term effects.

Because HHC and other hemp-derived cannabinoids aren’t regulated by cannabis regulations in legal states, HHC brands aren’t required to test their products. Therefore, it is the responsibility of these HHC brands and makers to keep their customers informed and safe.

It is also important for the consumer to only buy from companies that are transparent and provide legitimate third-party lab reports.

Is HHC legal?

And now we address one of the most pressing questions about HHC: Is it legal? Well, it’s tricky.

Most companies and officials agree that HHC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill which states that the cultivation and distribution of hemp is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. This is the same bill that allows for the extraction and distribution of delta-8, THC-O, THCV, and all the other cannabinoids. 

While the regulations may change, for now, HHC remains in sort of a grey area.