Is HHC the New Delta-8? Not Quite.
by MADELINE FERGUSON
We informed you about the rise of Delta-8, a novel cannabinoid whose extraction process has many scientists and researchers concerned for public and patient safety. Well, we’ve got another one to warn you of: HHC.
Like Delta-8 (you can read a full rundown of Delta-8 here), HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is often referred to as THC-lite because it gives a similar feeling as THC just to a lesser extent. You’ll find many contradictory information when trying to learn about HHC. Is it “natural”? Is it legal? Without some research, it can be hard to find complete answers.
What Is HHC?
HHC is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is gaining popularity across the country. It’s found naturally in trace amounts in the hemp plant, like Delta-8. However, HHC isn’t THC but a semi-synthetic form of hydrogenated THC. It is rumored that HHC can’t be detected on drug tests, but that claim is purely anecdotal and has not been researched.
HHC is less potent than Delta-8 but still produces a THC-like effect. It binds to the CB1 receptors as well, much like THC. Most descriptions of the potency of HHC are simply user-reported and not researched at all. It’s important to note that with all the novel cannabinoids the hemp industry is extracting, none have standardization protocol or officious studies to support the validity of these trace elements on any illness, condition, or disease state.
How Is It Made?
HHC is made through a process called hydrogenation. Without getting too heavy into the chemistry, hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that saturates organic compounds (hemp) and reduces bonds. This turns THC into HHC.
Typically, manufacturers use hemp (low THC cannabis) to create HHC. Hemp was made federally legal by the 2018 Farm Bill. Like the production of Delta-8, it seems HHC is a way for manufacturers to use up excess hemp biomass for a quick profit on the unsuspecting public.
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There are not many producers of HHC yet; those that do produce HHC seem to want to keep the details of the process secret. One producer told Leafly, “Think about the reactor as a black box, and in goes CBD, outcomes HHC.”
According to the same report, the process also presents the danger of an explosion, especially when there is a high level of production… yikes.
The lack of standardization practices around the creation of these designer cannabinoids is concerning to advocates, doctors, researchers, and the patient population.
Is It Legal?
Similar to Delta-8, HHC is in a gray area legally, so producers will continue to treat it as legal until there is specific legislation otherwise, making it more important than ever to be a savvy cannabis consumer. You need to be well-researched in the products you are getting and consuming.
Because of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is legal, so producers will argue that HHC is legal because it is derived from hemp. It may end up in a similar situation to Delta-8, with legislators playing catch up to determine the legality of the new product.
What’s Next?
While legislators tackle the issue surrounding the legality of THC analogs, it’s safest for patient consumers with health concerns to avoid these products altogether. Many advocates push for the use of whole-plant cannabis. With synthesized isolates like Delta 8 and HHC, you rob the body of all the other essential parts, like the othe minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of the plant needed for your own healing.
The Utah Bee will keep you updated on any developments in the cannabis and hemp space. Read more reporting on Delta-8 here.