What is HHC

As cannabis regulations evolve, so does the understanding of the plant’s composition and uses. Recently, a new cannabinoid, HHC, has entered the market, creating a significant amount of attention.
In this blog, we’ll explore what HHC is, how it was created, and the potential effects it has on the human body.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is gaining attention as a new cannabinoid, but much is still unknown about its effects and production process—specifically whether it is entirely synthetic or naturally occurring in the cannabis plant.
This has led to some confusion in the public. Despite this, HHC products, particularly vapes, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
Let’s dive into how HHC is produced and what effects you might experience after consuming it.

What is Hexahydrocannabinol?

Although HHC is a recent addition to the market, it was actually synthesized in 1944 by American chemist Roger Adams. He added hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC (a process called hydrogenation), creating HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol).
The question arises: can HHC be naturally extracted from the cannabis plant, or is it entirely a synthetic compound made in laboratories?
The answer is that both viewpoints are partially correct.
HHC does occur naturally (in small quantities) in cannabis seeds and pollen, but to meet market demand, relying solely on THC is not enough. The HHC obtained from THC’s conversion is typically in low concentrations. For this reason, HHC is often produced in laboratories using other cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant. (Cannabis contains many cannabinoids that can be easily converted into synthetic cannabinoids.)
While we cannot fully classify HHC as a purely natural product derived from cannabis, it is not the same as other synthetic cannabinoids. It falls in between and is known as a semi-synthetic cannabinoid.
HHC is becoming more popular as people explore its potential benefits and seek out the most effective production methods. It is primarily sold in the U.S., where cannabis regulations are more lenient, but is also growing in popularity in Europe.

As previously mentioned, the HHC molecule is created by transforming specific phyto-cannabinoids in laboratories. The hydrogenation process involves combining cannabinoid-rich extracts with hydrogen under pressure. This alters the cannabinoid’s structure by breaking carbon bonds, often using catalysts like nickel or palladium to speed up the process.

What Effects Does HHC Have?

The psychoactive and side effects of HHC are still under investigation, as it is a relatively new substance and more research is needed.
Its effects are similar to those of THC, producing a high, but many users report that the effect is less intense. This is logical, as HHC’s chemical structure is similar to delta-9 THC, with the key difference being that HHC contains hydrogenated carbon.
Many users claim that HHC induces effects similar to THC, such as euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, laughter, and increased hunger.
Additionally, many users report side effects similar to those produced by THC, such as dry mouth and heightened emotional sensitivity.
The exact potency of HHC’s intoxicating effects is still a subject of study.
Some people believe that HHC is somewhere between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC: more potent than Delta-8, but less so than Delta-9. Others believe it is less potent than both.
The effects of HHC remain under study. Even cannabinoids like THC are not easy to study, as they interact with various receptors along with other compounds, which determines the effects experienced by each individual.

How Does HHC Interact with the Human Body?

This topic remains debated, likely because researchers are still determining how this compound interacts with the body, particularly with the endocannabinoid system.
While more research is needed, it appears that HHC interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which leads to the intoxicating effects described earlier.
When measuring HHC’s psychoactive effects, there’s another factor to consider:
After hydrogenation, a cannabis oil known as HCO is produced. This oil is used in vape production and contains two types of HHC: 9r HHC, which binds to the endocannabinoid system due to its chemical structure, and 9s HHC, which does not appear to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, meaning it does not produce the same effects.
Therefore, the potency of HHC oil in vapes depends on the ratio of each type of HHC, as well as the terpenes used during production.
While the effects of well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD are still being studied, more research is needed to understand the full impact of this new cannabinoid, particularly through consumer participation.

Does HHC Have Therapeutic Uses?