For as long as we’ve known about cannabis, we’ve spent much of it with a focus on; there was only one kind of cannabis product that could get users high: you might know it as the main compound in cannabis, delta-9 THC. In 2018, CBD products took the market by storm with the signing of the Farm Bill, which cemented hemp and its derivatives as a federally legal substance. For a time, the market consisted of marijuana and its non-intoxicating, federally legal alternative, CBD–that was it. And then there was delta-8, and even delta-10. Surely that’s the extent of our options in cannabis, right? How could things possibly innovate more? Then, there was HHC. Here’s what you need to know about this high-inducing, long-lasting, legal compound. Popular Products DESCRIPTION What is HHC? HHC, short for hexahydrocannabinol, is a compound naturally occurring in various cannabis and hemp plants. However, it’s most often created in a lab through a process known as hydrogenation, as patented by chemist Roger Adams in 1947. Like THC isomers we’ve already seen, such as delta-8 and delta-10, HHC is not quite as potent as the notorious delta-9 THC. THC. When taken in moderate amounts, HHC can induce a euphoric psychoactive effect similar to THC, although it’s often reported to have more relaxing and soothing qualities than Delta-8. Despite a relatively identical molecular structure, HHC and THC share one key difference: HHC has some additional hydrogenated carbons, whereas THC is off by an ester atom and a carbon bond. While these differences might sound inconsequential, HHC’s unique characteristics make it a far more stable compound than THC and even better, with much stronger resistance to heat. On top of that, HHC products have a far longer shelf life than THC and numerous other products. What’s the Difference Between HHC and THC? Now, you may be wondering: is HHC the same as THC? They sound the same! While it’s true that HHC shares some striking similarities to THC, it’s important to note that they share some differences, whether it’s delta-8, delta-9, or delta-10. As you might have already noticed in the discourse surrounding HHC, this unique cannabinoid resembles delta-8 and delta-9 THC in terms of effects and side effects. And while they share a similar chemical structure, the experience offered by each cannabinoid is unique. HHC has been growing in popularity, particularly among academics, intellectuals, creatives, and self-starters, while compounds like delta-8 are generally more beloved for relaxing, leisurely activities. Perhaps the most important distinction between delta-9 THC and derivatives such as HHC lies in the legal status of products. HHC and delta 8 THC can be legally sold in 38 states, while that’s the case for delta-9 in only 16 states. For folks who prefer the effects of marijuana but live in a state where it’s prohibited, they may have the option to shop for HHC or delta 8 THC instead. That being said, customers must stay in the know about the legal status of HHC in their state before purchasing HHC gummies or any other kind of cannabinoid product. What’s the Difference Between HHC and CBD? HHC and CBD are different from each other in that CBD doesn’t carry the psychoactive effects that HHC does, making it closer in resemblance to THC. On top of that, more daily users are turning to CBD for numerous health reasons, but it will never give the consumer the intoxicating effects that HHC and THC would provide. Does HHC Make You High? As a psychoactive compound, HHC can get users high, similar to THC. But as with THC, the effects of the high will vary, depending on the individual. Depending on the type of product being used, how much is taken, and the consumer’s body chemistry and metabolism, a high from HHC can last up to 2-3 hours. Is HHC Legal? As per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its products have effectively been made federally legal—granted that the plant or any of its derivatives contain less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. And while it’s true that HHC is found naturally occurring in the cannabis plant, commercial HHC is made by adding hydrogen atoms to a THC compound. Through this process, known as hydrogenation, hemp-derived cannabinoids are placed under pressure with a catalyst–typically something like palladium. In May 2022, it was confirmed in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that delta-8 THC was legal within the rulings of the Farm Bill and its definition of hemp. Following this revelation, it’s also been determined that other compounds and derivatives of hemp are legal as long as they don’t contain more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, which is the legal limit. As a result, this ruling makes HHC a legal hemp product, thus ensuring the protection for both producers and vendors of HHC (and delta-8and delta 10 THC, THC-O, and THC-P), although some attorneys note that other federal courts could reach different conclusions. However, HHC could still be banned by individual states. If HHC becomes popular enough, this is likely to threaten sales in the legal cannabis market, as we’ve seen with delta 8 THC. How Long Does HHC Take to Kick in? worth noting that the time it takes for HHC to reach the bloodstream will depend on many different factors, especially regarding the individual, their needs and preferences, body chemistry, metabolism, and the type of HHC product consumed. As a general rule of thumb, for instance, HHC gummies will take around an hour to kick in. Customers are strongly advised to proceed with caution when trying any kind of cannabinoid product for the first time, and this includes HHC. Will HHC Show Up On a Drug Test? It seems that HHC may not metabolize in the body in a way identical to THC. While delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 have been shown to metabolize into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, this isn’t the case for HHC. And this is an issue for drug tests since 11-hydroxy-THC is what most drug panels
