Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a synthetic cannabinoid that occurs in very small quantities in hemp plants and has been getting more popular in the CBD community. However, despite its growing popularity, many consumers are concerned: is HHC legal? is HHC safe? In this article we will provide an overview of the HHC effects, its legal status, and potential side effects.
What is HHC?
HHC is a minor synthetic cannabinoid that occurs in small amounts in a cannabis plant. However, naturally occurring HHC is only found in trace amounts and is too small to be extracted from the hemp plant, so in 1947 organic chemist Dr. Roger Adams synthesized HHC by adding hydrogen to the THC cannabinoid. In recent years, it has been getting more and more popular as an alternative to THC, as its psychoactive effects are only 50% to 80% as strong and don’t have that strong of a sedative effect. HHC interacts with the body by binding to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This binding influences various physiological processes, potentially contributing to its reported effects such as mood enhancement, pain relief, and modulation of appetite. As research on HHC continues, understanding its specific mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications remains an area of ongoing exploration in the field of cannabinoid science.
What are the types of HHC products?
There are different types of the synthetic HHC cannabinoid – such as HHC gummies, vapes and oils. Different products have different benefits, because of how they are absorbed into the body. Before buying HHC, it is advised to look into several key things:
Concentration
It is important to look into the concentration of the product – and it is expressed in milligrams, so the higher the mg, the stronger the substance is.
Purity
You should look for third-party lab testing to ensure that the cannabis plant products are free from any contaminants
Other cannabinoids
Consider the products that have a blend of other ingredients from hemp plants, like CBD with terpenes to enhance the effects of HHC and provide a well-rounded experience.
Potential HHC benefits
Anecdotal evidence suggests that HHC products have similar health effects to THC. HHC has pain-relieving properties and could be helpful for people suffering from insomnia as it also has sedative properties. Like THC, by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors, HHC products can improve mood and increase appetite.
Potential side effects of HHC
There are potential HHC side effects that you may experience because there are no HHC dosage recommendations. You have to rely on yourself to find out what dose work for you. There are several factors that you must consider before deciding how much HHC you should consume. HHC effects can differ based on body weight, sensitivity to new substances, the state of the immune system, the stress experienced or the tendency to anxiety, and medical conditions or illnesses.
When considering HHC safety, it’s essential to look at both the short-term and potential long-term effects of HHC. As with any other substance, there may be some side effects that you may experience. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the HHC effects are similar to the effects of THC. Like THC, HHC also has psychoactive effects. Users report experiences ranging from mild euphoria to significant alterations in perception. Short-term side effects may include impaired vision and heightened feelings of paranoia and anxiety. However, there is little research done on the long-term effects of HHC.
Can HHC be detected on drug tests?
Drug tests are screening for the psychoactive ingredient THC, and most drug tests don’t exclude legal cannabis product use. HHC chemical composition is very similar to THC so there is a chance that if you consume HHC, it might lead to a positive drug test result. To not fail a drug test, our recommendation is not to use HHC or other hemp plant products for at least 3 weeks before the drug test. If you use HHC regularly for a long time, it will take longer to get it out of your system, so be mindful about taking HHC if you are required to do regular drug tests.
Is HHC legal?
The first state to legalise medical use of cannabis plants was California in 1996. Now the medical use of marijuana is legalised in 40 states. Medical or recreational use of cannabis plant products has been approved in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
The United States Farm Bill in 2018 legalised the cultivation of cannabis plants and its derivatives like hemp-derived CBD, as long as the hemp products have > 0.3% THC. HHC gummies and other HHC products meet this requirement, however, individual states might ban the use of HHC, so check your local laws before purchasing any HHC products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HHC safe?
HHC, a semi-synthetic substance derived from hemp-derived cannabinoids in laboratories, raises concerns about safety due to potential variability in manufacturing standards. Poor practices could lead to contaminants or inconsistent potency, potentially resulting in harmful products. Moreover, the limited research on HHC means its safety profile isn’t as well-established as THC or CBD.
How is HHC different from THC?
HHC and THC, both cannabinoids from cannabis, differ primarily in molecular structure and associated effects. While THC is a psychoactive substance that is known for its potent psychoactive properties, HHC’s slightly different structure generally results in milder psychoactive effects, often described as less intense relaxation or euphoria. However, due to its semi-synthetic nature and limited research, the full spectrum of HHC’s effects and medical potential remains less understood compared to THC, necessitating careful exploration and understanding before use.
What should I consider before using HHC?
You should consider your personal health including existing medical conditions and medication interactions, as cannabinoids can affect individuals differently. If you are using any other medications, consult with a healthcare provider before starting a HHC or any other cannabinoid regimen. Before buying any supplements, check if the company is sourcing from reputable suppliers that adhere to stringent quality and purity standards, supported by third-party testing. That helps mitigate risks associated with product variability and potential contaminants.
References
- Ahmed, S. A., Ross, S. A., Slade, D., Radwan, M. M., Khan, I. A., & ElSohly, M. A. (2015). Minor oxygenated cannabinoids from high potency Cannabis sativa L. Phytochemistry, 117, 194-199.
- Nasrallah, D.J. and Garg, N.K., 2023. Studies pertaining to the emerging cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). ACS chemical biology, 18(9), pp.2023-2029.
- Russo, F., Vandelli, M.A., Biagini, G., Schmid, M., Luongo, L., Perrone, M., Ricciardi, F., Maione, S., Laganà, A., Capriotti, A.L. and Gallo, A., 2023. Synthesis and pharmacological activity of the epimers of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Scientific reports, 13(1), p.11061.
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