Cannabis prohibition in the United States has dramatically limited access to massively popular products and benefits a significant portion of the population. However, in response to dated cannabis policies in over half of US states, the cannabinoid hemp industry continues to create products that have similar effects to THC but fall into cannabinoid hemp legal categorization outlined by the FDA. The latest is the cannabinoid HHC.

In this post, we will cover what is HHC, the known benefits, and reasonable safety concerns.

What is HHC?

HHC is a hydrogenated analog of the cannabinoid THC; meaning manufacturers add hydrogen molecules to THC creating a new compound. Because cannabinoids have extremely similar chemical compositions, chemists can manipulate them easily, converting one cannabinoid to another.

Making HHC consists of extracting CBD from hemp plants. Then converting the CBD into Delta 8 THC and finally hydrogenating D8 into HHC. The process seems complex but is relatively simple and can be done using introductory chemistry.

Known Effects and Benefits of HHC

Users who have tried HHC compare the effects to THC and D8 but are less intense. HHC binds with the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system as THC creating a similar experience.

Delta 8 is described as delivering half the high as THC, and HHC’s effects are further reduced. While the molecular make-up of HHC is nearly the same as THC, the structure is different, limiting the efficacy at binding to CB receptors and producing an intense high.

The benefits of HHC are still being observed. You can expect a similar experience as THC and Delta 8; however, there haven’t been any large-scale studies monitoring the medicinal potential. Like D8, many advocates report HHC having a more manageable high, free of paranoia and other adverse side effects.

Is HHC Legal?

Current federal US law prohibits cannabis products containing THC at greater amounts than 0.3%.

Delta 8 was the first analog of THC to gain popularity after passing the 2018′ Farm Bill’ and the birth of the legal cannabinoid hemp industry. While the D8 market is still popular, many states have cracked down on products featuring the compound. As a result, HHC is filling the demand of users in states that don’t have access to legal marijuana now that state regulators have cracked down on Delta 8. While HHC is presumably federally legal, some states have passed laws prohibiting the sale of manipulated cannabis compounds like Delta 8 but may not specifically reference HHC.

Where to Buy HHC?

The most popular way to consume the emerging cannabis compound is with HHC carts or HHC edibles. Many users prefer to use HHC gummies or other edible products because the cannabinoid is metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC and produces more significant effects.

HHC can be purchased online or in retail stores offering cannabinoid hemp products. We highly suggest purchasing HHC from reputable retailers that prioritize safety and transparency when selling hemp products.

Is HHC Safe?

Consuming responsibly produced HHC is safe, but transparency is a significant concern as with all cannabinoid extracts. While we don’t have decades of HHC use to reference, the effects and consequences are likely similar to THC’s. Therefore, the most pressing concern is related to how HHC is produced.

You should always inquire about as much information regarding manufacturing as possible before making a purchase. If the company isn’t offering complete transparency, we highly suggest finding another retailer with a satisfactory reputation and documented extraction protocols.

HHC is an exciting way to enjoy cannabis but remember that it is incredibly new, and we don’t have data on the effects and long-term use.