HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol, which is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) . It is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid that has rarely been identified as a trace component in Cannabis sativa, but can also be produced synthetically by hydrogenation of cannabis extracts. HHC was first synthesized in 1947 by Roger Adams using natural THC found in Cannabis sativa. HHC is a theoretical psychoactive substance with effects reportedly similar to that of THC. It has been openly sold at head shops and online since the early 2020s in the United States and Europe. HHC is sold openly as a replacement to cannabis and THC products in a range of highly attractive branded and unbranded products, including low-THC cannabis (hemp) flowers and resin, vape pens, e-liquids, e-liquid cartridges, edibles, and oils.
There is very limited information about the safety and usefulness of HHC, but there are some reports of bad side effects. Anecdotally, people report that the effects of HHC last longer than that of regular THC or cannabis. Although HHC can get you high, there is no peer-reviewed research to back up the claims that it has milder effects than THC, similar to that of delta-8 THC. The chemical composition of THC and HHC is relatively similar, but HHC differs in a couple of critical ways. Understanding HHC vs. THC starts with knowing that HHC lacks the double bond on the ninth carbon atom. It does, however, contain more hydrogen.
HHC should not be confused with the related compounds 9-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (9-Nor-9Beta-HHC) or 9-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (9-OH-HHC) or 11-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (11-OH-HHC and 7-OH-HHC), all of which have also sometimes been referred to as "HHC".
In terms of legality, HHC exists in something of a legal loophole. As long as it contains 0.3% THC or less, it benefits from the legal protections provided by the 2018 Farm Bill, which means it can be legally manufactured, distributed, possessed, and transported. However, certain state laws restrict the sale of synthetic cannabinoids, and it may be wise to keep an eye on cannabis laws in your state.
