What Is HHC? A Consumer Guide

The legalization of hemp-derived products in 2018 created a firestorm of items across the wellness community online & local news. The initial cannabinoid that caught America’s attention was CBD. Recently, a new hemp-derived compound has hit the market with some fanfare. That compound is HHC.

So, what is HHC? THC is often compared to it because both compounds share psychoactive properties. But what makes this compound different from other popular cannabis options? 

This guide explores all aspects of this new compound and answers any questions about HHC. 

What is HHC?

Just when you believe you have studied them all, of course, another cannabinoid pops up. Let us introduce the naturally occurring cannabinoid 

HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol. It was first discovered by an American chemist named Roger Adams in 1944. Adams was experimenting with hydrogenating THC when he created HHC. 

Adams’s creation is equal to the hydrogenation technique of turning vegetable oil into margarine; he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9-THC, converting the THC into HHC.

He obtained these trace concentrations utilizing the now-refined process of permeating hemp flowers with hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalyst under high pressure. 

Roger Adams broke down THC’s double-bonded chemical structure and replaced it with hydrogen. It was later found that Mr. Adams’ alteration increased the cannabinoids’ binding relationship to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

Moreover, this change in cannabinoid molecular construction made it much more stable and resistant to oxidation and degradation. Amazingly, the cannabinoid’s potency and effect remained unchanged.

Because THC was completely illegal at that time and up through recent decades, the discovery stayed in the background. It wasn’t until recently when some cannabis products became legal and the demand for those products skyrocketed, that HHC found its way back into the light.  

How Is HHC Made?

The process of making the cannabinoid HHC is somewhat similar to making margarine—hydrogenation. In this process, hydrogen is infused into another substance to force hydrogen molecules to become part of the molecular structure of the original substance. 

Hydrogenation is used in many food products. For instance, it is used to convert vegetable oil into margarine and to convert raw vegetable oil into hydrogenated vegetable oil to prolong its shelf life.

Producers describe the raw compound produced from this hydrogenation of CBD isolate as “gold, dark oil,” then refined and distilled to create the finished HHC product.

How Does HHC Make You Feel?

The first question that generally comes up when discussing a cannabis product is its effect on the user. 

What is HHC weed going to feel like when you consume it? While the jury is still out, anecdotal evidence points to it being very similar to the experience of Delta 9 THC.

HHC is a mixture of two HHC molecules: 9R HHC and 9S HHC. 

9R HHC is proficient at binding to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, like Delta 8 or Delta-9 THC. Meanwhile, 9S HHC does not bind to those receptors nearly as well and, therefore, has much less effect.

Here’s the rub. When manufacturers create HHC, there is no way of determining the final ratio of 9R HHC to 9S HHC. It could be a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio. The lab wouldn’t know until the end product is tested. 

So, depending on the final ratio of the finished product, the HHC you are vaping could be only slightly more potent than Delta 8 THC, or it could be more potent than Delta 9 THC. 

Based on the anecdotal evidence we’ve gathered, here’s a quick look at the most popular THC cannabinoids for comparison as far as how they make you feel.

HHC

As we’ve said in the section above, this substance is created in a lab by converting CBD or THC into HHC through hydrogenation. Users have reported a clear-head experience; some have reported an energetic response. 

It seems that the body absorbs this cannabinoid more readily than the other cannabinoids to have as strong of an effect as Delta 9 THC. Most users find its potency to be somewhere between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.

Users also report that HHC has more delayed response before kicking in than its THC brothers.

Delta 9 THC

This active cannabinoid is commonly found in high levels of marijuana. If you are utilizing the Indica variety of marijuana, you will get a sedative effect. Some strains even relax you to the point of couch lock, where it’s tough to get out of your chair. 

On the other hand, if you use the Sativa variety, you will get a more energizing effect. In any case, Delta 9 produces a head high and a sense of euphoria. Most users of Delta 9 THC claim that it is hard to think or work while under its influence.

Delta 8 THC

This substance is created in a lab by converting CBD or Delta 9 THC into Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 is known to be about half as potent as Delta 9. However, some scientific studies report that it produces a calming, good feeling throughout the body. 

In addition, users report that they can think clearly with Delta 8 THC (a direct contrast to Delta 9). The effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC come on fairly quickly when vaped.

Scientists are still studying the properties and effects associated with HHC, and experts still haven’t agreed on HHC’s strength. But, when trying a new product, you should consume it in small doses until you know how your body will adjust. 

With that in mind, the effects of this compound are different for everyone. HHC’s outcomes vary from person to person, depending on your body and tolerance levels. 

While the potential psychoactive effects of HHC are often compared to those of Delta-9 THC, suggesting they are more potent than those of Delta-8 THC, it’s essential to recognize that HHC engages with the body’s cannabinoid receptors in a unique way. 

Studies indicate HHC has higher bioavailability, meaning your body can metabolize and break it down to absorb it entirely, creating fuller, more potent results. This means that HHC affects users in a way that might offer a more intense experience compared to other cannabinoids.   

What are the Benefits of HHC

While HHC has the same cerebral high and wellness properties as its counterparts, the substance does carry a couple of potential benefits that make it a preference for some users. Here are some of the most common HHC benefits you can typically expect:

Long Shelf Life

One of the issues with THC is its susceptibility to oxygenation. Time, temperature, air, and sunlight all vie to break down the THC as it goes through the oxygenation process. As it does, the THC turns into CBN (cannabinol), which only has about 10% of the psychoactive properties as the original THC.

HHC is not susceptible to the same oxygenation process as THC. This is because the hydrogenation process is used to create it. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life by infusing hydrogen atoms into HHC, meaning it greatly decreases the degradation of that product. 

This is why many products use hydrogenated vegetable oil instead of regular oil. The bottom line is that hydrogenated stuff just lasts longer. It’s been said that if they ever take a hallucinogen to Mars, they’ll have to take HHC because it is the only one capable of lasting long enough.

It’s Closer to Delta 9 THC Than Anything Else

If you are looking for the same type of experience as you would get with high Delta 9 THC content substances like marijuana, then HHC is a really good option. It not only mimics the same type of psychoactive response, but it also does so on a similar level. 

THC-0 is purported to be three times as strong as Delta 9 THC, which is too much for many people. Of course, the other advantage is that HHC is currently legal on a federal level, whereas Delta 9 THC is not.

Other Benefits of HHC 

Extensive analysis still needs to be conducted on HHC, though investigations have revealed that it can benefit individuals. Consumer word of mouth reports a connection with reducing ailments after consuming this unique cannabinoid. Research has progressed over the years and continues to be a topic of discussion among cannabis communities.

Is HHC Safe?

There haven’t been any official studies on the safety of HHC as it is such a new product. However, its popularity has increased exponentially since its introduction into the marketplace, so plenty of people have used it since it hit retailers’ shelves. 

The Food and Drug Administration has released no comment or official statement regarding the consumption or use of HHC. However, in the past, the FDA has publicly stated that it does not approve any THC type of product for medical use.

So far, there have been no reports of severe side effects. However, the side effects that have been reported are similar to those that use high doses of Delta 9 THC.

That being said, there is another health concern for HHC and all hemp-derived products. First, you need to understand that hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD, Delta 8 THC, and HHC are not subject to cannabis regulation in states that allow it. Therefore, the makers of HHC products are not required to test their products for purity or potency.

Neither the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor any other agency regulates the hemp-derived product market. Any manufacturer can list whatever they want in a hemp-based product on the label. This, unfortunately, has led to distributors placing unhealthy substances in their products and labels that make outlandish claims. 

This is why you should only buy your hemp-derived CBD, Delta 8 THC, THC-0, or HHC products from a retailer like The Hemp Doctor, which has its products tested by an independent laboratory. 

Your health is too important to ingest products with questionable ingredients. Always check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from any independent lab testing and look for any questionable substances on the report. Then, you should compare the report against the label to ensure that the level of cannabinoids claimed is exactly what is on the report. 

Will I Test Positive for HHC In Drug Tests?

So far, anecdotal evidence from those who have used HHC says that HHC does not show up on drug tests like Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, or THC-0. This anecdote holds water but shouldn’t be considered scientific proof — if you’re regularly drug tested, use it at your own risk.

There has not been enough testing to develop a definitive answer. So, if you have something to lose with a positive drug test, we suggest not counting on HHC to produce a negative test result.

What is the Recommended HHC Dosage?

You should follow the retailer or manufacturer’s recommended dosage for the particular HHC product that you’ve purchased. 

We at The Hemp Doctor currently carry HHC vape cartridges. There is no standardized dosage for these cartridges, so if you are familiar with vaping Delta 8 THC or another product, you should follow the same vaping pattern. 

It’s important to note that it has been reported that HHC takes longer to go through the lung lining and bloodstream than Delta 8. Therefore, we advise taking a few puffs and waiting about 20 minutes to feel the full effects before taking more puffs.

What Is the Legal Standing of HHC?

Unfortunately, just like with Delta 8 THC and THC-0, the answer to the question, “Is HHC legal?” the answer is, “It depends on who you ask.”

The Farm Bill of 2018 made all hemp products legal on a federal level as long as they were derived from hemp and not marijuana and contained less than 0.3% THC.

Now, the bill’s specific language defines THC as Delta 9 THC. This means that CBD, CBG, and even Delta 8 THC are federally legal by default because they are not specifically singled out in the bill as illegal. 

Therefore, HHC fits squarely in the same category as the other cannabinoids because there are trace amounts of it in the pollen and seeds of the hemp plant. So, for now, all of these non-Delta 9 THC cannabinoids remain legal on a federal level. 

Understand that this issue gets complicated because each state can adopt the federal legality or create its own laws and regulations. Let’s take Delta 8 THC, for example. While still a federally legal substance, Delta 8 products are illegal in 17 states. 

Because the arguments for and against Delta 8 THC are so close to those made for HHC, states that have made Delta 8 illegal will also do the same for HHC. 

Here’s a current map of the legal status of Delta 8 THC in each state to give you an idea of which states are likely to follow suit and make HHC legal or illegal.

So far, only Oregon has made HHC illegal. However, a dozen or more states are considering its legal status. It could go either way. 

While HHC and other non-Delta 9 THC products remain legal on a federal level, there are challenges to this assumption. 

Some experts point to the Federal Analog Act to support their position against its legality. This Act states that any substance analogous to a Schedule 1 drug would also qualify as a Schedule 1 drug. 

Since Delta 9 THC is a Schedule 1 drug, they reason, so is Delta 8 THC, HHC, and any other similar drugs. They also point to K2 and Spice, which are synthetic drugs that mimic the Delta 9 THC effect and are considered Schedule 1 drugs.

The bottom line is the legal status of HHC remains murky. This is a new substance to hit the market, so it may take a while for individual states and the federal government to catch up and decide its legality. In addition, laws are constantly changing, so it is advisable to keep yourself informed on the current legal status of HHC in your state. 

What are Cannabinoids?

Hemp Doctor’s seasoned cannabis consumers already know their favorite plant is one of the most unique on earth. 

The cannabis plant, in all its forms, contains hundreds of diverse chemical elements, each with its unique properties, known as cannabinoids. The scientific community term for ‘cannabinoid’ references all chemical substances or forms that bind to a person’s body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

But did you know there are three major components to the human endocannabinoid system?

Cannabinoid Receptors

Abundant in the brain and immune system, located on the cell’s surface.

Endocannabinoids

Cannabinoids produced within that activate cannabinoid receptors.

Metabolic enzymes

These enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they are used.

The human body contains an abundance of CB–1 and CB–2 receptors. Remember when we said each cannabinoid has unique properties? So does each receptor. 

Different cannabinoids have different effects depending on which receptors they bind to. CB–1 receptors bind to areas in the brain, while CB–2 has an affinity for other locations in the body. Depending on the cannabis profile, different effects are achievable.

The most notable and widely used cannabinoids are Delta 8 THC and CBD (there is a difference between the two as well!). These cannabinoids are infused in edibles and tinctures for pets and people alike. 

Many hemp-derived products include Delta 9 THC, HHC, and CBD to promote well-being, and much more. 

How To Make Sure Your HHC Is the Highest Quality

Ensuring your HHC is of the highest quality involves seeking products that start with premium hemp extracts and undergo a rigorous hydrogenation process to produce HHC. 

As with any product on the market, it is always best to do your research and come to your own conclusions. The market is full of snake oil salespeople, and copycats abound. However, many brands care about their consumers and the product quality they deliver to their shoppers. 

Because HHC is such a new cannabinoid, numerous labs are now starting to contribute to testing for HHC-infused products. These tests are expensive and time-consuming but necessary to instill consumer trust and confidence. Therefore, discretionary consumers know and trust The Hemp Doctor to source the purest form of HHC on the market.

Final Thoughts

HHC is an exciting new product in the cannabis industry for many reasons. It provides the same kind of experience as marijuana users enjoy, but it is currently legal on a federal level. It has a much longer shelf life than other THC forms, too!

If you want to try this product, we at The Hemp Doctor have a nice selection of HHC items. What is just as important is that we test our HHC and all of our hemp-based products through a third-party laboratory and make those results available to you. This way, you know you are getting a pure product that contains the same level of cannabinoids as displayed on the label.

If you have any further questions about HHC or any of our other items, please feel free to contact us anytime.