What is Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and its Effects?

As interest in cannabis continues to grow, research is revealing the complexity of many cannabis compounds called cannabinoids. There are more than 100 of these compounds present in the plant, some of the most notable being CBD, or cannabidiol, and THC, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. These compounds not only produce specific, unique effects within the body, but recent research is finding that they possess individual therapeutic benefits as well. Lately there are new, semi-synthetic cannabinoids piquing the interest of the public, one of which is HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol. HHC is fairly new to the market but since anecdotal evidence suggests that hexahydrocannabinol effects may offer a variety of interesting human applications, it isn’t surprising that this cannabinoid is getting more and more attention. So what is hexahydrocannabinol?

What is hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)?

Hexahydrocannabinol is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid and a hydrogenated form of THC. This means it’s produced in the lab where molecules of low-THC cannabis are isolated. HHC is produced when a specific amount of hydrogen is administered to a cannabis compound altering its chemical structure. After that, a metal catalyst is added to induce a reaction with the compound. The overall chemical reaction produces HHC, which wouldn’t otherwise occur in nature.

HHC, CBD & THC: What’s the difference?

The cannabis plant contains organic psychoactive compounds such as THC. The reason HHC is referred to as a “synthetic” drug is that it’s an hydrogenated form of THC that doesn’t occur naturally within the plant itself. So what is the difference between CBD, THC and HHC? THC is the compound in cannabis that’s responsible for the psychoactive “high” sensation. The difference between THC and CBD, on the other hand, is that CBD has very little, if any, psychoactive properties. HHC has a little bit of both effects.

Hexahydrocannabinol effects & benefits

HHC is similar to Delta-9 THC in terms of its chemical structure and therapeutic effects. Anecdotal reports note that HHC’s effects contribute to pain relief, anxiety relief, body relaxation and mood elevation.

There are studies underway currently to examine HHC and its effects. Some studies have considered HHC a cancer-fighting agent, suggesting its potential as a medicinal cannabinoid. To date, synthetic cannabinoids like Marinol are produced by pharmaceutical companies as powerful anti-convulsants.

Does HHC get you high like THC?

HHC is considered non-intoxicating, but it does elicit feelings of happiness and euphoria. However because HHC is synthetic and brand new to the market, it’s difficult to measure whether an individual consuming the substance will get unwanted side effects. Furthermore, because of its potency, it’s considered a weak agonist to the CB1 receptor, meaning it doesn’t bind like organic cannabinoids. Due to these factors, synthetic cannabinoids elicit completely different effects than cannabinoids like THC, making it difficult to compare the experience.

Is HHC legal?

This is the most complicated question about HHC, because HHC is hemp-derived and not produced from THC. Because of this, HHC should be considered legal. HHC gummies, edibles and hexahydrocannabinol vape are all legal at the federal level and should also remain legal at state level.

Until definite legislation is announced, retailers and producers will continue to operate under the premise that HHC is legal because it is hemp-derived.

What are the best methods for consuming HHC?

Due to HHC’s relative new status and limited availability on the market, consumers should seek out high-quality HHC products from reputable companies. At Go Green Botanicals, we carry a variety of hexahydrocannabinol vape, or HHC vape cartridges, as well as HHC edible gummies.

What is hexahydrocannabinol and why do I care?

Although HHC is a brand new semi-synthetic cannabinoid, there’s already a slew of anecdotal evidence pointing to a variety of therapeutic benefits including body relaxation, mood elevation, and anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety properties. Even more, hexahydrocannabinol effects are achieved without the negative side effects of D9 THC like paranoia and tiredness.

There’s still more research needed on the benefits and effects of hexahydrocannabinol, and we’re excited to learn the results of the clinical studies currently underway so we can better inform our customers of the benefits of these semi-synthetic cannabinoids. As always, please consult your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications, and stay tuned to the Go Green Botanicals blog for the latest news and updates.

With any cannabis extract product, it’s important to purchase products from reputable companies so you can feel confident your product has been made with the utmost care and attention to detail. Hexahydrocannabinol vape cartridges (Blue Dream, God’s Gift and Snowman), disposable HHC vape pens (Blue Dream and Pineapple Express) and HHC gummies (2 pack or 20 pack) are available at Go Green Botanicals.