{"id":1713,"date":"2021-10-12T16:29:50","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T16:29:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/wp-home\/?p=181333"},"modified":"2021-10-12T16:29:50","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T16:29:50","slug":"what-is-hhc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/?p=1713","title":{"rendered":"What is HHC?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>  <title>What is HHC? &#8211; Leafly<\/title>     <!-- This is Index Exchange, a script\/\/3rd-party integration that interjects GAM. It needs to be 'ahead' of GTM in the DOM, which comes from Cephalopod. GTM loads GAM. 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You&#8217;re not old enough to use Leafly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"hidden age-gate__loading\">Redirecting you to<span class=\"redirect-domain\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-xs mt-auto\">By accessing this site, you accept<br \/>\nthe <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"tou-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/terms-of-use\">Terms of Use<\/a><br \/>\nand <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"pp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container my-xl\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col md:col-9\" id=\"article-content\">\n<h4 id=\"h-the-hemp-derived-cannabinoid-has-a-lot-of-potential-but-invites-many-questions-too\"><em>The hemp-derived cannabinoid has a lot of potential, but invites many questions, too<\/em><\/h4>\n<p>Among the wave of hemp-derived cannabinoids sweeping the country\u2014delta 8 THC, delta-O THC, and delta-10 THC among them\u2014few have eluded public understanding more than HHC. Googling the compound brings up a host of contradictory information: about its legality, its effects on the body, and even whether it occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-left\">\n<p>Hemp-derived HHC isn\u2019t THC, but it offers a THC-lite experience. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Making sense of HHC is complicated in part because it has only recently reached the market and only a handful of retailers are selling it, mostly in the form of vape carts. The cannabinoid offers lots of potential, however; don\u2019t be surprised if you start hearing more about it soon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As state and federal agencies continue to ban <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/what-is-delta8-thc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">delta-8 THC<\/a>, the most popular hemp-derived cannabinoid, HHC offers a tiny bit more legal promise\u2014and appeal\u2014since it\u2019s not actually a THC compound at all. It may also elude drug tests, although the evidence for that is purely anecdotal at this point.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHHC is one of our fastest growing products,\u201d Liam Burns, founder and CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bearlylegalhemp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bearly Legal Hemp<\/a>, one of the main retailers of the cannabinoid, told Leafly. \u201cThat\u2019s due to regulations that have banned Delta-8, but people are buying it in states where they can buy Delta-8, too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Read on to learn more about HHC: how it\u2019s made, its effects, its murky legality and what other questions remain.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-xxl wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-related-articles\">\n<p><h2>More about hemp-derived THC<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-hhc-anyway\">What is HHC, anyway?<\/h2>\n<p>HHC was first <a href=\"https:\/\/worldwide.espacenet.com\/patent\/search\/family\/024105324\/publication\/US2419937A?q=pn%3DUS2419937\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">created<\/a> in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams, when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. This process, known as hydrogenation, converts THC to hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).<\/p>\n<p>Hydrogenation isn\u2019t limited to cannabinoid production. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2iKczqO1TiE&amp;ab_channel=FuseSchool-GlobalEducation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">similar process<\/a> is used to convert vegetable oil to margarine.<\/p>\n<p>While Adams created HHC from conventional cannabis-derived THC, these days the cannabinoid is typically derived through a process that begins with hemp, the low-THC cannabis plant that was made federally legal by Congress in the 2018 farm bill.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-how-is-hhc-made\">How is HHC made?<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s a many-step process. First, CBD is extracted from raw hemp, distilled and isolated in a powder form. From there, things get a little more complicated. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-left\">\n<p>Hemp-derived CBD acts as the base for the chemical reaction that creates HHC.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>We spoke with Kyle Ray, chief operating officer of <a href=\"https:\/\/coloradochromatography.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Colorado Chromatography<\/a>, about the process his company uses. In addition to HHC, Colorado Chromatography also produces CBG, CBN, and other specialized compounds in its facility outside of Denver. (Bearly Legal is one of their clients.)<\/p>\n<p>Ray described HHC manufacturing as a proprietary process that takes place inside a chemical reactor. \u201cThink about the reactor as a black box,\u201d Ray told Leafly. \u201cIn goes CBD, out comes HHC.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ray describes the HHC as a \u201cgold dark oil that we refine from that stage\u201d before distilling it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-is-it-safe-to-make-hhc\">Is it safe to make HHC?<\/h2>\n<p>Richard Sams, scientific director at <a href=\"https:\/\/kcalabs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">KCA Laboratories<\/a> in Nicholasville, Kentucky, has tested HHC products in the past few months (including, incidentally, Bearly Legal\u2019s). He told Leafly HHC can be produced safely in a well-equipped laboratory. But if you scale up production, he said, the risks rise, too. \u201cThe potential risk here is with explosions,\u201d he explained.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kyle Ray, of Colorado Chromatography, noted the company only makes its HHC in an \u201cexplosion-proof\u201d space. \u201cEverything\u2019s grounded,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s no potential for static discharge.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-the-effects-of-hhc-on-the-body-and-mind\">What are the effects of HHC on the body and mind?<\/h2>\n<p>There is a lack of consensus around HHC\u2019s potency. The complication arises, in part, from the fact that when the cannabinoid is manufactured, the end result is a mixture of two different kinds of HHC molecules: &nbsp;9R HHC actively binds to the body\u2019s natural endocannabinoid receptors, while 9S HHC, because of its slightly different molecular structure, doesn\u2019t do so nearly as well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe one that fits [into the receptors] produces similar effects\u201d as delta-8 THC, but takes a much higher amount to do so, said Richard Sams of KCA Laboratories. \u201cWith a sufficient dose, THC-like effects can be observed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In other words, HHC can have THC-like effects on the body and mind, but HHC is less potent, milligram-per-milligram, than delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is itself generally regarded as about half as potent as the standard delta-9 THC.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-how-potent-is-hhc\">How potent is HHC?<\/h2>\n<p>Kyle Ray, of Colorado Chromatography, told Leafly that while the ratios of the active and inactive HHC molecules can vary from batch to batch, they need to be at least 50% active to pass muster. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-left\">\n<p>I tried it: HHC offered a pleasant and mildly cerebral high, with some pain relief.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>\u201cTrying to get those two isolated and separated from each other would be so cost-ineffective that it wouldn\u2019t really make a viable product,\u201d he explained. \u201cSo our goal, when we\u2019re making our HHC, is always to maximize the amount of the active [compound] and minimize the amount of the less active [compound]. However, it\u2019s never a perfect gambit. It\u2019s usually somewhere around 2:1 or 1:1.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to the effects of HHC, Liam Burns, of Bearly Legal, is a true believer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPersonally, with HHC, I feel energetic,\u201d he said. \u201cI go to the gym. I\u2019m sharp, my brain\u2019s working properly. I typically have back and shoulder pain, but I have no pain when I\u2019m on it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Aside from a faintly plastic-y taste, my own experience with the company\u2019s HHC vape carts was similarly pleasant. Although the Blue Dream cart didn\u2019t give me the same energy boost, it offered a pleasant and mildly cerebral high, and it did in fact soothe my aching muscles, too.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-does-hhc-show-up-on-a-drug-test\">Does HHC show up on a drug test?<\/h2>\n<p>Burns, of Bearly Legal, believes that some of HHC\u2019s appeal stems from evidence suggesting that it can evade drug tests. But\u2014and this is important\u2014he acknowledges the evidence is only anecdotal. This is just what he\u2019s hearing from his customers.<\/p>\n<p>James Stephens, vice-president of innovation at <a href=\"https:\/\/creoingredients.com\/\">Creo<\/a>, a biotech firm specializing in cannabinoids, has seen similar arguments made about HHC. \u201cI\u2019ve also seen it advertised that [HHC] doesn\u2019t convert into <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29845743\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">11-hydroxy-THC<\/a>, which is a common drug test metabolite,\u201d he told Leafly. \u201cIt could possibly be used to evade drug testing regimes if this proves to be true,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>Word to the wise: There is no hard evidence that HHC does not show up on a drug test for marijuana. Don\u2019t bet your job or career on anecdotal evidence.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-is-hhc-safe-to-consume\">Is HHC safe to consume?<\/h2>\n<p>Like any of the new hemp-derived cannabinoids, there is no standard dose and little to no research on the immediate or long-term effects of HHC ingestion.<\/p>\n<p>Because hemp-derived cannabinoids (including HHC) are not subject to cannabis regulations in legal adult-use states, HHC product makers and retailers are not required to test their products for potency and purity.<\/p>\n<p>Bearly Legal, however, does include third-party testing results with their HHC products, from KCA Laboratories. Those tests show the vape carts to contain about 99% HHC.&nbsp;&nbsp;(The ratio of 9R and 9S HHC molecules in the test added up, strangely, to a tad more than 100%. Colorado Chromatography attributed that to slight deviations within the margin of error).&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.binoidcbd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Binoid<\/a>, another major retailer of HHC, did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-is-hhc-legal\">Is HHC legal?<\/h2>\n<p>And now we arrive at perhaps the thorniest question of all: Is HHC legal?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bearly Legal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bearlylegalhemp.com\/collections\/hhc-hexahydrocannabinol-vape-gummies-cannabinoids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">says yes<\/a>. The company\u2019s website argues that since HHC is hemp-derived, and not actually THC, they should be in the clear. \u201cHHC vapes, gummies, or edibles are perfectly legal on the federal level and will most likely remain legal on the state level as well,\u201d the website reads.<\/p>\n<p>Company officials additionally argue that since HHC <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thieme-connect.de\/products\/ejournals\/abstract\/10.1055\/a-1110-1045\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">is found<\/a> in the seeds and pollen of hemp plants, it is \u201cnon-synthetic\u201d and thus a \u201cperfectly federally legal hemp extraction.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Other retailers, unsurprisingly, agree. In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laweekly.com\/what-is-hhc-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strange piece of branded content<\/a> that recently ran in <em>LA We<\/em>ekly, Binoid claimed that the cannabinoid is legal\u2026with the caveat that it \u201cmay possibly\u201d be shipped to all 50 states.<\/p>\n<p>Other experts are more skeptical. James Stephens, the cannabinoids scientist at Creo, believes HHC is subject to the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Federal_Analogue_Act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Analogue Act<\/a>, which states that any substance analogous to a Schedule I drug\u2014in this case, conventional THC\u2014would itself qualify as a Schedule I drug. Since THC remains illegal, HHC would be illegal too. Stephens also believes it bears significant similarities to the synthetic drugs K2 and Spice, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/sites\/getsmartaboutdrugs.com\/files\/publications\/DoA_2017Ed_Updated_6.16.17.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mimic THC<\/a> and are also classified as Schedule 1 drugs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t think HHC is legal,\u201d he told Leafly.<\/p>\n<p>For the moment, HHC products exist (and thrive) in the murky legal zone between hemp (which is legal nationwide) and cannabis (which is not). Until HHC comes under a state-regulated system, consumers will need to weigh the risks and benefits of these compounds for themselves.<\/p>\n<div id=\"author-box\" class=\"p-lg my-xxl bg-white rounded border border-light-grey elevation-low\">\n<div class=\"mb-lg\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-is-hhc.jpg\" alt=\"Max Savage Levenson's Bio Image\" class=\"lazyload inline-block mr-md rounded-full border border-light-grey\"> <\/p>\n<p>Max Savage Levenson<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"text-sm\">Max Savage Levenson likely has the lowest cannabis tolerance of any writer on the cannabis beat. He also writes about music for Pitchfork, Bandcamp and other bespectacled folk. He co-hosts The Hash podcast. His dream interview is Tyler the Creator.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"text-sm font-bold underline text-green\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/author\/max-savage-levenson\">View Max Savage Levenson&#8217;s articles<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"leafly-sailthru-signup p-lg my-xl bg-white rounded elevation-low border border-light-grey\">\n<p class=\"text-xs pt-lg\">By submitting this form, you will be subscribed to news and promotional emails from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\">Leafly<\/a> and you agree to Leafly&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/tos\">Terms of Service<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. You can unsubscribe from Leafly email messages anytime.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- Chartbeat --> <!-- End Chartbeat -->  <!--\nPerformance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https:\/\/www.boldgrid.com\/w3-total-cache\/ Served from: _ @ 2021-10-12 17:32:15 by W3 Total Cache\n--><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is HHC? &#8211; Leafly Leafly Leafly \u00ae Loading\u2026 Where are you from? noyes Remember me for 30 days. I confirm that this is not a shared device. Darn! You&#8217;re not old enough to use Leafly. Redirecting you to By accessing this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The hemp-derived cannabinoid has a lot of potential, but invites many questions, too Among the wave of hemp-derived cannabinoids sweeping the country\u2014delta 8 THC, delta-O THC, and delta-10 THC among them\u2014few have eluded public understanding more than HHC. Googling the compound brings up a host of contradictory information:&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1714,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marijuana_information"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-is-hhc.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1713"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1713\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}