As producers compete to create new products in hopes of achieving ground- breaking potency in the cannabis industry, HHC was developed alongside other lab produced cannabis strains. HHC, scientifically known as 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, is a semi- synthetic cannabinoid that is extremely new to the cannabis world. Companies selling HHC claim that it is revolutionary because HHC does not show up on a THC drug test; however, they fail to mention that their HHC products are not purified, containing trace amounts of delta 8 THC, so this misinformation can possibly ruin people’s lives. Until HHC can be 100% purified, it is advisable to stay away from it. Don’t worry, we’ll delve into it in this article.

What is HHC?

HHC is the first man-made form of THC that has been produced. It is produced by saturating THC molecules with hydrogen atoms, making it a semi- synthetic compound. Although many companies claim that HHC is naturally derived, this is only half true. HHC only naturally occurs in small amounts so to make a product concentrated with enough HHC, companies need to produce the compound in a lab. With little studied about HHC’s effects, it becomes rather risky to use recreationally as research is still in its preliminary stages and ongoing. Not nearly enough is known about this compound for it to be manufactured completely safely.

Is HHC Safe For Consumption?

The safety of HHC has yet to be tested and research of the compound is in its early stages. This means that there is very little that is really known about the compound which is a sure sign that HHC isn’t quite ready to hit the cannabis market yet. There haven’t been rules or regulations established for production due to it being so early in the compound’s synthesis. 

What’s the Difference? HHC v. THC

HHC is similar enough to THC structurally. HHC has one less double bond in its top ring structure but the back halves are the same. However, this makes all the difference in how it interacts with the human body. HHC is said to be 80% as potent as THC and hold similar effects as well but, as the recurring theme with HHC seems to go, not much is known about potential side effects.

Is HHC Legal?

The legality of HHC is currently up for interpretation since there is still a debate around whether it should be classified as a synthetic or natural compound. If classified as synthetic, it would be illegal on the federal level. If classified as natural, HHC falls under the same category as other cannabinoids which means that it would be federally protected since it would be considered an isomer or derivative of hemp.

Where Can HHC Be Bought?

There are a few vendors selling the compound regardless of its legality or mystery that still surrounds it. Nonetheless, we don’t recommend consuming HHC until the compound is better researched and more is known about its effects. HHC doesn’t seem to provide benefits that outcompete other cannabinoids so we suggest using other cannabinoids instead.