Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a semi-synthetic, hydrogenated form of THC, a cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis. It was first created in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams when he added hydrogen molecules to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Hydrogenation modifies the structure of THC delta 9 by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms. There are several isomers of this hydrogenated form of THC, including THC delta 8, delta 9 and delta 10. HHC is less potent than THC delta-8, milligram for milligram.
It can be found in various forms, such as disposable HHC vaporizers, tinctures for oral consumption and rubbing concentrates. The safety of HHC is generally unknown, but no cases of overdose or death due to the use of HHC or its products have been reported. There is some evidence that HHC is not metabolized to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is the metabolite that causes a positive result in many panel drug tests. The benefits of HHC are still being studied, but some studies have highlighted potential benefits such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
However, there is no evidence to support other benefits that manufacturers believe HHC has. The main problem with HHC is that there is no standard testing protocol for it yet, meaning that even companies that test their products are unlikely to provide accurate results. The main concern of HHC is the use of aggressive chemicals during the manufacturing process and the formation of unwanted chemical by-products that can reach the final product. Until HHC is subject to a state-regulated system, consumers must weigh the risks and benefits of these compounds on their own. The effects of HHC have been reported to be very similar to the effects of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC, but without the psychoactive effects that Delta 8 THC has.
