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With more than 100 unique cannabinoids to enjoy, the Cannabis sativa plant is one of Mother Nature’s finest creations. Some are naturally occurring, and others require a little extra help from science to be enjoyed. Classed as a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, HHC falls into the latter category.
Want to know more? Read on for our complete guide to HHC and why it could represent a new era of cannabis.
HHC first appeared on the scene in the 1960s, when scientists started searching for a simplified version of THC. Basically, they were looking for a compound that bonded with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system in the same way as THC. HHC ticked all the boxes, replicating both the chemical structure and psychoactive effects of THC.
HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinoid, a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Here’s where things get a little more complicated. While HHC is naturally produced by the cannabis plant, it’s only found in very small amounts. To increase yield, lab technicians saturate THC molecules with hydrogen atoms to create HHC. This removes double bonds from the chemical structure of the cannabinoid and replaces them with hydrogen. The process is called hydrogenation and is carried out in science labs. By removing the double bonds and adding hydrogen, the overall stability of the molecule is drastically improved without affecting the effects of potency of the original THC.
A quick note on natural vs semi-synthetic HHC: Naturally occurring HHC is technically called (−)-hexahydrocannabinol while its semi-synthetic counterpart is called (+)-hexahydrocannabinol. The semi-synthetic version is what you’ll find in most commercial products, as naturally produced HHC only occurs in trace amounts.
While the structural differences are subtle, they change the overall geometry of the THC molecule and enhance its ability to bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Hydrogenation also changes the way the cannabinoid reacts with TRP pain receptors.
Removing the double bonds and replacing them with hydrogen improves the stability of the molecule and gives HHC an impressive shelf life. Saturating the molecule with hydrogen reduces vulnerability to oxidation and chemical breakdown, keeping the product fresher and more potent for longer. For an easy comparison, think about how raw vegetable oils spoil much faster than hydrogenated vegetable oils.
When you consider the effects of oxidization on THC, the stability benefits of HHC really shine. Take Delta 9 THC for example. It’s packed with THC but its also vulnerable to oxidization, with the process destroying hydrogen atoms and replacing them with a pair of new double bonds. This transforms the cannabinoid into CBN, which is 90% less potent than THC in terms of psychoactive properties.
Improved stability makes HHC more heat and UV resistant than other cannabinoids, including THC. This wins it points in terms of easy storage and transport.
While the science around HHC as a medicinal drug is limited, it does have enormous potential. Already, the cannabinoid is being prescribed to treat muscle pain, nausea and other ailments. At the end of the day, HHC binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system in the same way as THC, which is widely used as a medicinal drug.
While popular cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) tend to enjoy most of the attention, it’s clear that lesser known compounds like HHC also deserve some love. Here’s a summary of why:
One of the main benefits of HHC is its aboveboard status. It’s fully legal in most US states, unlike Delta 9 THC which is often classes as a controlled substance. As HHC produces similar psychoactive effects to THC, it’s a great alternative. It’s all thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which states that Cannabis sativa plants containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC are classed as hemp and are federally legal.
Despite being discovered in the 1960s, HHC has yet to become a mainstay on the cannabis circuit. The times they are a-changin’ though as Bob Dylan once crooned, with alternative cannabinoids gaining momentum on the commercial market. Delta 8 THC is a frontrunner of the alternative cannabinoid movement, winning consumers over with its smooth, mellow highs and neuroprotective properties. Delta 10 is another big mover and shaker, promising energizing and uplifting highs with a mild indica edge that won’t send you into full sloth mode.
With so much to love about HHC, we’re excited to see what’s next for the cannabinoid and potentially integrate it into our product selection.
With more than 100 unique cannabinoids to enjoy, the Cannabis sativa plant is one of Mother Nature’s finest creations. Some are naturally occurring, and others require a little extra help from science to be enjoyed. Classed as a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, HHC falls into the latter category.
HHC first appeared on the scene in the 1960s, when scientists started searching for a simplified version of THC. Basically, they were looking for a compound that bonded with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system in the same way as THC. HHC ticked all the boxes, replicating both the chemical structure and psychoactive effects of THC.
HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinoid, a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Here’s where things get a little more complicated. While HHC is naturally produced by the cannabis plant, it’s only found in very small amounts.
HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinoid, a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Here’s where things get a little more complicated. While HHC is naturally produced by the cannabis plant, it’s only found in very small amounts.
As explored above, HHC is essentially a modified version of THC. This is where the term “semi-synthetic” comes from. The molecular structure remains very similar, meaning HHC promises all the mood-altering effects of THC with some added benefits.
Like THC, HHC binds to receptors in the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. These bonds trigger a variety of therapeutic effects, including that euphoric glow we know and love.
Similar to THC, HHC highs can be long and intense. The onset is usually gradual, building up to feeling of euphoria and happiness. For many people HHC can have a powerful effect on the body’s TRP pain receptors, which we’ll explore more below.
While the science around HHC as a medicinal drug is limited, it does have enormous potential. Already, the cannabinoid is being prescribed to treat muscle pain, nausea and other ailments. At the end of the day, HHC binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system in the same way as THC, which is widely used as a medicinal drug.
While popular cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) tend to enjoy most of the attention, it’s clear that lesser known compounds like HHC also deserve some love. Here’s a summary of why:
Absolutely. Hemp-derived HHC is one of the cleanest and safest ways to enjoy the hydrogenated cannabinoid.
One of the main benefits of HHC is its aboveboard status. It’s fully legal in most US states, unlike Delta 9 THC which is often classes as a controlled substance. As HHC produces similar psychoactive effects to THC, it’s a great alternative. It’s all thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which states that Cannabis sativa plants containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC are classed as hemp and are federally legal.
Despite being discovered in the 1960s, HHC has yet to become a mainstay on the cannabis circuit. The times they are a-changin’ though as Bob Dylan once crooned, with alternative cannabinoids gaining momentum on the commercial market. Delta 8 THC is a frontrunner of the alternative cannabinoid movement, winning consumers over with its smooth, mellow highs and neuroprotective properties. Delta 10 is another big mover and shaker, promising energizing and uplifting highs with a mild indica edge that won’t send you into full sloth mode.
© 2022 All rights reserved
Cannessentials LLC
