What Is HHC? Everything You Need to Know

Cannabis products have come a long way from where they started, and have grown leaps and bounds over just the last couple of years. The cannabis plant has more than a hundred cannabinoids, compounds that make up the chemical aspect of the cannabis experience, the most common being Delta-9, Delta-8, Delta-10, CBD. While most are familiar with cannabinoid products such as CBD gummies, Delta 8, and others, they might not know about HHC.

What is HHC? Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is the hydrogenated form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. HHC, like other cannabinoids, can react with the endocannabinoid system, mainly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, stimulating different biological reactions. 

How is HHC Made From Cannabis? 

How is HHC made? Saying that HHC is a hydrogenated form of HHC can be made from THC or hemp, another class of the Cannabis sativa that is grown for industrial use. Hydrogenation isn’t new on the scene. Many food products are made with hydrogenated oil, including margarine, shortening, potato chips, vegetable oil, frosting, and more, so you’re probably already consuming these products without even knowing it.

Since hemp is more readily available and federally legal, this is where HHC is born. Once hemp extract is created from raw flower, hydrogen molecules are added to create this hydrogenated form of THC.

Is HHC THC? The simple answer is no. By exposing extracted THC to hydrogen under high pressure and adding metal catalysts, HHC claims a space as a hemp analog, which is decidedly not the same as Delta-9 THC. 

HHC Effects on the Body

HHC effects can vary in intensity depending on the person, depending on things like age, sex, body weight, body condition, and a number of other factors. HHC gives a more productive high than compared to Delta-9, and the effects last longer than THC. This means that while you will experience euphoric effects similar to Delta-9, you won't be bound to the couch. 

What does HHC do? HHC potency allows the chemical to inhibit the release of the hormone cortisol. This helps you feel at ease and helps the body relax. However, the extent of HHC cannabinoid effects can vary from person to person, and the majority of people tend to experience energized, focused effects that leave them feeling more creative, upbeat, and social. 

HHC Potency and Legality 

HHC potency is difficult to explain since the effect of cannabidiols often rely on several other factors and depends on the user's physiology. However, compared to other cannabis chemicals, HHC is about 80% as potent as Delta-9-THC, while it is considered to be 20% more potent than Delta-8. 

However, is HHC safe? According to the creators, HHC is entirely safe and legal. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD as it is produced from the hemp plant. Hemp products are legal in the United States as long as the concentration of Delta-9-THC remains 0.3%. Though CBD has been studied fairly extensively, the same isn’t yet true of HHC. Though the same rules tend to apply to most cannabinoids, the long term effects of ingesting hydrogenated cannabinoids remains to be seen. However, the outlook is relatively good. After all, consumables featuring hydrogenated compounds have been on the market for decades and don’t seem to be going out of style any time soon. 

It should be said, however, that hydrogenation is not an easy process and bad hydrogenation practices can make you sick. With that in mind, make sure you are purchasing your HHC products from reputable companies that produce their own products in a formal laboratory for the cleanest results. 

Since HHC is produced from hemp, it is considered to be legal in the U.S, however it remains a legal gray area. Some states still do not allow the sale of HHC because the 1986 Federal Analogue Acts still states that analogs of Schedule I drugs are classified as Schedule I drugs themselves. Again, this is complicated for HHC because it does begin life as hemp, which is protected under the farm bill, unlike substances like THCO which are entirely synthetic and lab created. 

The Chemical Structure of HHC

HHC chemical structure consists of two more hydrogen molecules than THC, making the HHC molecular formula C21H32O2. Unlike Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, the HHC molecule has no double bonds in its cyclohexyl ring. The absence of a double bond improves the molecule's binding affinity with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. In short, this makes it more effective and more potent than Delta 8. 

Does HHC Show in a Drug Test?

HHC was initially marketed as a method for evading drug tests while still able to produce a more traditional high, but tests on that theory remain inconclusive, so we wouldn’t suggest this as an alternative if you are going to be tested.

While most drug tests screen for THC a large portion of them also screen for THC metabolites, byproducts that are expelled by the body after consuming THC. Unfortunately, HHC produces a lot of the same metabolites as THC so the likelihood of it getting you past a drug test is slim at best. 

The best thing to do in this situation is just to give yourself plenty of time to detox your system, drink lots of water, and test frequently. 

What is HHC in the CBD World and Where To Get It?

To recap, what is HHC in the CBD market? HHC is a cannabinoid similar to THC and shows more potency than Delta-8 THC. Moreover, HHC gives a more productive and stronger high than most cannabinoids. So, where can you get it?

Pharma offers some of the most innovative and premium marijuana products we manufacture in our state-of-the-art lab. Moreover, we disclose the exact content of our cannabis products to ensure high quality and satisfaction. Check out a variety of HHC menu available at Pharma catalog section - HHС Products. 

Explore our online shop to get premium quality products at affordable prices. You can also call us at 704-605-8015 or fill out our form online if you have any questions.