The federal legalization of hemp in 2018 opened up a new universe of possibilities for plant lovers and cannabis fans. At the same time, CBD has quickly gained popularity, hundreds more cannabinoids nestled away in the hemp plant, waiting for their chance to shine. 

Delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and THCO-A have emerged as popular hemp derivatives this year, but there’s a new cannabinoid poised to take the stage: tetrahydrocannabinol. Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC for short, is a mouthful. Still, it opens the door to an altogether new family of chemical compounds unaffected by state or federal regulations (for now).

What exactly is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, a hydrogenated version of THC. It is highly similar to THC but contains additional hydrogen atoms. HHC, in particular, includes two more hydrogen atoms than THC, allowing it to have a longer shelf life than its famous relative.

During the hydrogenation process, the double carbon bonds that comprise THC’s molecular structure separate, resulting in the formation of HHC. HHC’s capacity to be absorbed more effectively in the body than naturally occurring cannabinoids has piqued the interest of scientists and stoners.

Certain naturally occurring cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, are not entirely absorbed by the body because they are not bioavailable, which means that the percentage of these cannabinoids that reach the circulation is not as significant as it might be. Consequently, we do not get the full advantages of the compound.

When it comes to HHC, experts predict that more of the molecule will digest and that our endocannabinoid systems will be able to completely use the substance in a way that we have never seen before.

How is HHC produced?

Because HHC is a semi-synthetic chemical, it is created in a laboratory by clever individuals isolating components from our beloved plant to give unique cannabinoids that rival their family tree. This cannabinoid generated from hemp produces when a certain quantity of hydrogen is added to a cannabis component, changing its chemical structure. 

The chemical reacts with the help of a metal catalyst. These catalysts speed up and activate the chemical process without clinging to the cannabis and tarnishing the result. Once the catalysts, generally nickel, palladium, or platinum, have done their work, they are removed from the mixture.

This chemical reaction is responsible for the cannabinoid’s chemical characteristics, which would not arise in nature otherwise. It alters the molecule’s structure and how our bodies absorb it.

Benefits of HHC

While much research on HHC is still conducted, several studies have linked HHC and other natural and synthetic cannabis components to tumor shrinkage in cancer patients. It is encouraging news for HHC and its potential medical advantages in the future.

We don’t know much, but here’s a summary of what we do.

• THC is hydrogenated to generate HHC.
• HHC has similar effects to THC and has equivalent strength.
• HHC has a much longer shelf life than THC.
• THC is more sensitive to heat and UV rays than HHC.
• HHC safety research is scarce; however, there is no evidence that it is more harmful than THC.
• HHC’s legal status as semi-synthetic cannabis is unknown.
• HHC may not appear on a typical THC drug test; however, this is not confirmed.

Each new cannabinoid that appears on the market brings something new to the table, but it’s always a good idea to proceed with care if you decide to try HHC or anything else that hasn’t been investigated.

Time will tell whether HHC is the long-lasting cannabinoid we didn’t know we needed.

How is HHC different from THC and CBN?

THC and HHC have almost similar chemical structures. The main distinction is that HHC includes two extra hydrogenated carbons, while THC lacks an ester atom and a carbon bond. Because of these structural modifications, HHC is a significantly more stable molecule than THC, with more excellent resistance to heat and UV.  

HHC products, as a consequence, have a longer shelf life.

Despite being the byproducts of THC breakdown and decomposition, HHC and CBN oppose cannabinoids. HHC is simply THC with hydrogen atoms replacing the double bonds, but CBN has two more double bonds on its chemical structure. HHC is more effective in binding to CB1 receptors, resulting in a powerful euphoric high. 

CBN has a substantially lower affinity for CB1 receptors and produces very minimal intoxication.

Legal status of HHC

The legal status of HHC and other cannabinoids such as delta 8 THC remains uncertain. Some merchants argue that it is lawful since it happens naturally and no legislation expressly bans it. However, HHC does not occur naturally in large quantities. Thus, several chemical procedures are required to get usable levels.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under the 2018 Farm Bill, delivered a between time rule to explain administrative limits on marijuana and its parts. “All synthetically generated tetrahydrocannabinol remains a Schedule I controlled substance,” the statement added.

Consequently, the legality of HHC is decided primarily by whether it is a natural or synthetic chemical.

Assuming the Supreme Court observes that HHC expects the completed item to be lawful, Its length is produced using hemp and contains under 0.3 percent delta 9 THC. On the other hand, if it is labeled as synthetic, it is federally prohibited, as is D9.

The truth is that HHC is somewhere in the middle—a so-called “naturally-derived” form of THC—but current hemp regulations don’t allow for many intricacies. It is difficult to know if HHC is legal or not until a court rules or provides an opinion on the topic; hence, use this product at your own risk.

Conclusion

All HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) products include semi-synthetic HHC chemically hydrogenated from THC. Semi-synthetic cannabinoids are not inherently hazardous, but the creation process may be. Because of inadequate manufacturing or hydrogenation procedures, your selected HHC product may have additional pollutants or impurities. We encourage buying from trustworthy and authentic HHC sellers who have third-party-tested goods.