What is HHC & Does HHC Get You High?

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC, is a hydrogenated version of Delta 9 THC, which was first isolated in 1944 by adding hydrogen molecules to Delta 9 THC by an American chemist. It’s a psychoactive compound, and according to anecdotal evidence, its high or psychoactivity is a little milder than Delta 9 THC. While we may or may not find trace amounts of HHC in hemp, most of the HHC in cannabis commerce is derived from hemp-derived CBD in a lab using chemical processes. However, this is where things start to get a bit uncertain, which we’ll discuss later.

What is HHCO?

HHCO is a variation of hexahydrocannabinol, specifically it is the acetylated form of HHC. This may sound familiar because we have seen a similar process with Delta 9 THC and THCO. When we add the “o” to THC, it becomes stronger and more potent, and the same is true for HHCO. In fact, HHCO is reported to be 1.5 to 2 times more potent than HHC, which could result in a stronger high. Some say that HHCO is the closest thing to true Delta 9 THC, but I cannot verify this personally.

What is HHCP?

HHCP is a lesser-known derivative of hexahydrocannabinol. By modifying the structure of hexahydrocannabinol’s five-carbon side chain and adding two carbons, HHCP binds to the CB1 receptor up to 30 times more efficiently than regular hexahydrocannabinol, making it about 10 times more potent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that HHCP is even stronger than Delta 9 THC, which is already known for its potency. However, the more a compound is manipulated or synthesized, the more dangerous it can become. Synthetic cannabinoids like K2 and Spice can be lethal if taken in excess, unlike cannabis, where there is not enough Delta 9 THC to cause an overdose. While HHCP may not be as dangerous as synthetic cannabinoids, it is still essential to be cautious with more potent compounds.

Does HHC Get You High?

By most accounts, yes. While it’s not as potent as regular Delta-9-THC, HHC produces effects that are very similar to a typical marijuana high. And if you’re using something like HHC gummies, expect the high to last much longer than normal, up to 10 hours or even more in some instances. One interesting thing about HHC is that it doesn’t appear to break down in the body like other cannabinoids. While it’s not verified that HHC will or will not show up on a drug test, it doesn’t appear to produce the 11-hydroxy THC metabolite, which is what most drug panels look for.

How Is HHC Produced?

HHC does occur naturally in cannabis, but only in small amounts. To produce HHC products, most companies extract CBD from hemp and then chemically convert it into HHC through a complex hydrogenation process. Commercial HHC products are not natural cannabis derivatives, which is why scientists at the National Cannabis Industry consider HHC a semi-synthetic compound.

Is HHC Legal?

Although hemp-derived HHC is legal under the U.S. Farm Bill, its semi-synthetic nature may pique the interest of the Drug Enforcement Administration, but only time will tell. Additionally, there is minimal scientific research on the medicinal effects of HHC, leaving users uncertain about its potential benefits. However, initial reports suggest that HHC can reduce pain, and anecdotal evidence points to its relaxing qualities, with many users finding it helpful for sleep.

Are Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids Safe?

If we lived in an ideal world where we could trust these companies, and all their products met proper standards and were isolated and purified correctly, then I would be more open to trying these derivatives of THC. However, as the compounds become more manipulated or synthesized, I become less trusting. While these products may not be lethal, there’s a lot of ambiguity around whether they actually contain HHC or HHCO and whether the companies are properly purifying and isolating the products we consume. It’s crucial to consider whether there are any harmful residual products left behind. Until there’s more standardization and testing, it’s safer to err on the side of caution. Ultimately, it’s up to individuals to decide what they want to consume. While the legalities vary by state, the 2018 Farm Bill has made these products legal.

If I take HHC or HHCO, will I pass a drug test?

This question comes up frequently: Will using semi-synthetic cannabinoids cause you to test positive for THC or other substances on drug tests? The answer is more likely to be yes than no. The reason for this is that these semi-synthetic cannabinoids are essentially minor modifications or manipulations of THC or its derivatives. Therefore, the changes may not be significant enough to alter the product after it has been metabolized. When you metabolize THC, you produce 11-hydroxy THC and 9-carboxy THC, which is the substance that shows up on drug tests. Any THC derivative is likely to be metabolized in a similar manner, so it is possible that these metabolites could trigger a positive result on a drug test.