What is HHC? Its Benefits, Effects, Legality And More

Move over THC and CBD, HHC is the new sensation in town. With the hemp industry witnessing an exponential rise, it’s no surprise that new cannabinoids are picking up producers’ as well as consumers’ interest.

Like THC, HHC is also making waves for the psychoactive properties associated with it. However, like THC, HHC is not found naturally in the cannabis plant.

So, what is HHC? How is it made? Is it legal?

Since HHC is a newly discovered cannabinoid, there’s room for curiosity as well as doubts among users. But fret not, in this blog, we will be breaking down everything about this less-discovered compound.

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What is HHC?

HHC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis but in amounts that are too small to make extraction to be used in products. Therefore, most HHC is synthetically produced. It is a cyclic terpene with a structure similar to THC, however, it has six extra hydrogen atoms.

HHC was first discovered in 1947, but it wasn’t until recently its therapeutic usage became well-known. The compound helps in the treatment of chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

How is HHC made?

HHC is made in a process called hydrogenation, which changes HHC to THC. It is made by combining Delta THC with Hydrogen molecules.

Like Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC, commercial HHC is made from hemp-derived CBD in a laboratory through a chemical process.

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How does HHC work?

Since most HHC products are made from synthetic HHC, an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is believed to work in a similar way to THC by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

HHC is believed to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and nervous system, which releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that are responsible for making you feel effects similar to THC.

What are the benefits of HHC?

HHC is not a commonly known or widely available compound, there is limited research on its effects. However, some researchers have vouched for its therapeutic effects.

• Relaxation: HHC is known for its relaxed, calm, and uplifting properties, as per anecdotal experience.
• Increased focus: Some users have also reported feeling more alert and focused.
• Pain relief: HHC has been shown to have analgesic properties and may be effective in reducing pain associated with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain.
• Sleep: HHC is known to promote sleep and reduce insomnia.
• Appetite stimulation: HHC has been shown to increase appetite, which may be beneficial for people with conditions such as HIV/AIDS or who experience loss of appetite.

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Does HHC get you high?

HHC is different from THC but it does produce similar effects when used enough. While there’s limited research available, some reports suggest that HHC may produce mild psychoactive effects.

Several reports have suggested HHC high as being somewhere between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.

Is HHC safe: What you need to know?

Since HHC Is a lesser studied in comparison to CBD and THC, more precautions are needed to be taken during consumption. However, since its structure is similar to that of THC, HHC is generally considered safe. However, there are some points that you must consider. They include:

1. Start with a low dosage: For the users of THC, HHC may appear milder. However, it’s still recommended to start with a lower dose. Chalk out what works for you by gradually increasing the dosage.

2. Potential side effects: Beginners should also be familiar with the potential side effects of HHC. Anecdotal experiences have suggested side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, anxiety, and insomnia.

Will HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?

HHC has milder psychoactive effects when compared to THC. So, does it show up on a drug test? HHC does not show up on most drug tests that are taken to detect THC. However, detailed research is awaited on this topic as most reports are anecdotal.

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Is HHC legal?

With many states across the US legalizing marijuana after Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp plant has become the go-to source of cannabinoids, making HHC legal in most states.

Although many states have legalized hemp-derived products complying With the Farm Bill, some states may have their own laws regarding synthetic cannabinoids, which may include HHC.

Below are the states where tetrahydrocannabinol is expressly illegal as of 2023. 

• Arkansas
• Arizona
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New York
• North Dakota
• Utah
• Washington

Meanwhile, in some states, the synthetic analogs of THC including HHC may fall into a legal gray area. Those states include:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Kentucky
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

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Is it possible to get a false positive on the HHC drug test?

False positives on drug tests are possible, but they are not that frequent. For example, there is a strong possibility of false positives if the equipment is faulty. In addition, there might be certain medications that may interfere with drug test results and produce a false positive.

It’s worth noting that HHC is not a commonly tested metabolite in standard drug tests. Most drug tests for cannabis use will test for THC or its primary metabolite, THC-COO. However, if someone does an HHC-specific test, it’s quite likely to show a false positive result due to the factors mentioned above.

If you are worried about a potential false result, we advise you to inform the testing agency in advance. It’s also important to ensure there’s the least amount of risk associated with the process.

Final Verdict

Even though HHC is not well-researched just yet, anecdotal experiences have shared that it has various properties that are at par with its other cannabinoid siblings.