HHC, also known as Hexahydrocannabinol, is a new cannabinoid recently identified to naturally occur in cannabis back in May 2022. It was technically first synthesized though back in 1944 by an American chemist named Roger Adams. So, is it truly new? Well for the current cannabis market it is. Before the 2020’s HHC was not used by anyone, other than in those early 1940s experiments. HHC is incredibly rare and has very trace amounts found in cannabis. You’ll find most HHC in products are hydrogenated from THC or CBD due to lacking amount of HHC naturally found. This process adds hydrogen molecules to a compound to change its chemistry to another. Does this mean HHC is not safe? What are its effects compared to THC or CBD? Let’s dive a little deeper below.
The Safety of HHC
Since most HHC found in products is derived from hemp CBD undergone hydrogeneration it should come to no surprise that safety may be a concern for consumers. The science of hydrogenating is quite solid. The main concern during the process is quality. Low quality products, especially untested, can contain toxins and other unwanted compounds. Making sure you are using or buying products from a reliable source that has 3rd party tested their products is paramount. Other than that, the only other concern are side effects.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) taken in large doses may cause many undesired effects similar to taking too much THC such as dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, nausea, and so on. This is why it is best advised that if you take HHC you do so in lower doses as you will not know how it affects you even if you have a good tolerance for THC and other cannabinoids. There is currently also no proof that HHC is a good alternative for passing drug tests either.
Another point to keep in mind is the legality of HHC is in a grey area. Technically under the Farm Bill of 2018, all hemp derived products that are below 0.3% THC dry weight limit are federally legal, but this doesn’t account for State laws that are actively being passed. Many States have over the last year picked up on the sales and use of various psychoactive cannabinoids that were not previously recognized and sold when the Farm Bill of 2018 was passed. So, it is a good idea to make sure you know what your State’s current laws are, and to keep in mind that a new farm bill for 2023 is in the works which will most likely outlaw HHC and other psychoactive cannabinoids on the federal level.
The Benefits of HHC
HHC is believed to have many similar effects to THC including the beneficial aspects. Some of these include pain relief, inflammation relief, and anxiety relief. The high HHC brings is described to be more relaxing, putting it in line with indica cannabis strains and some have compared it to delta-8 THC.
Another benefit HHC has over THC and some other cannabinoids is it’s shelf life is longer with upwards to two years if stored properly.
More studies and research is needed to delve into the true benefits of HHC beyond just the surface and anecdotal evidence that we are currently relying on.
The Main Takeaway for HHC
HHC seems like a reliable alternative to THC, but it is currently in a grey area with Federal and certain State laws. Be cautious of where you are when you are in possession of it.
Always make sure you purchase and use products from reliable source that 3rd party lab tests their product to ensure it is quality!
Take HHC in lower doses, just because you may handle THC or other cannabinoids well, does not mean you will handle HHC the same.
Food for thought, due to HHC being so incredibly low naturally inside cannabis, it may be best to wait for strains that contain higher HHC rather than using hydrogenated products.
As always, be safe, be smart, and enjoy the wonders of cannabis!
