What is HHC or hexahydrocannabinol?
Understanding HHC is quite complicated, as this substance has only recently appeared on the market and is sold by only a handful of vendors - mostly as cartridges for vaporizers. Only time will tell if this cannabinoid has more potential. HHC is not only attracting attention for its effects, but above all for "playing games with drug test results".
What is HHC?
HHC was first created in 1944 by American chemist Roger Adams when he added hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC. This process, known as hydrogenation, converted THC into hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). The use of hydrogenation is not limited to the production of cannabinoids. A similar process is used, for example, to convert vegetable oil into margarine.
While Adams created HHC from conventional THC extracted from hemp, nowadays the cannabinoid is usually obtained through a process that uses industrial hemp, plants with very low THC content and often higher CBD content, the cultivation of which is legal in most countries.
How is HHC obtained?
This is a multi-step process. First, CBD is extracted from the raw hemp, distilled and isolated in powder form. From there, the path to HHC is a little more complicated. The CBD extracted from hemp serves as the basis for the chemical reaction that produces HHC.
Production can be described as a process that takes place in a chemical reactor. Think of it as a magic box. CBD goes in, HHC comes out. This takes the form of a golden, dark oil, which is further refined by the producers before distillation. In the case of HHC, it's not a natural method, but a synthetic cannabinoid from the lab.
What are the effects of HHC on the body and mind?
There is no consensus on the effectiveness of HHC. Part of the confusion stems from the fact that in the production of the cannabinoid, the end result is a mixture of two different types of HHC molecules. The first is 9R HHC, which actively binds to natural endocannabinoid receptors in the body, while the second molecule, 9S HHC, does not do this nearly as well due to its slightly different molecular structure. The molecule that 'fits' into the receptors produces similar effects to delta-8 THC, but a much larger amount is needed to produce an effect. Thus, at a sufficient dose, effects strikingly similar to THC can be observed. However, HHC is less potent than delta-8 THC, and delta-8 THC itself is generally considered to be about half as potent as 'standard' delta-9 THC.
One groundbreaking study has confirmed pain relief after testing in rats, but this is only a partial result that no other studies have yet backed up. Of course, THC and HHC both have a flip side, where paranoia, hunger, dry mouth or red eyes can set in. However, all the findings are in a grey area without confirmation and substantiated research. They cannot be relied upon or referred to.
So how effective is HHC?
Although the ratio of active to inactive HHC molecules may vary from batch to batch, the product must be at least 50% active to pass the test.
Trying to isolate and separate these two substances would be so costly and inefficient that it would be impossible to create a viable product. The goal in HHC production is always to maximize the amount of active molecule and minimize the amount of less active molecule. However, it is never perfect. Usually the ratio is kept around 2:1 or 1:1.
When it comes to the effects of HHC, users usually feel full of energy with it. They report that they are alert, their brain is working "at full speed", and they experience the disappearance of the usual physical pains. It is difficult to judge to what extent this is a subjective feeling.
Is it safe to consume HHC?
HHC is on par with all new cannabinoids derived from cannabis. There is no standardized dose or research confirming immediate or long-term effects.
Most cannabinoids are subject to regulation and HHC is no exception. There are not many manufacturers or sellers, but there are liquids for vaping pens, tablets, oils and confectionery. There is as yet no consensus on the legality or the effects on the human body. The effects are weaker than those of THC, but strikingly similar to tetrahydrocannabinol. HHC is borderline and should be treated accordingly. Currently - as of June 2022 - HHC is legal in the Czech Republic, or more precisely, it is not currently listed in the government regulation on the lists of addictive substances. However, the status of this controversial substance may change rapidly. It is necessary to monitor all new regulations and to react to them skilfully.
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