All we know about HHC

07. 03. 2024

Cannabis store shelves are filling up with tempting products containing HHC. These products are very popular lately and at the same time raise many questions.

• What is HHC?
• How is HHC formed?
• How does HHC work in our body?
• What is the experience with HHC?
• What does HHC do?
• Is HHC safe?
• Is HHC legal?
• What are HHC-O and HHC-P?

What exactly is HHC?

HHC is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, similar to CBD and THC. However, unlike its better-known relatives, it is a natural part of the plant in only minute quantities. The products that are available contain synthetic HHC from the laboratory.

How is HHC formed?

HHC is formed by combining CBD (or THC) with hydrogen molecules.. 

The chemical process is called hydrogenation. The resulting HHC is more stable, more resistant to heat, light and less prone to oxidation. This allows it to be stored for much longer periods of time.

The hydrogenation process was responsible for the birth of HHC in 1944. It was Roger Adams who brought it to the light of day (or rather the laboratory). However, it is only in recent years that HHC has received more attention. The products that are now available on the market contain HHC derived from legal CBD.

Want to know even more about the chemical structure? We took a closer look at HHC.

How does HHC work in our body?

We still do not know the answer to this question, which is why HHC is controversial.
There is no serious research yet that examines the complex effects of this substance on our bodies.

We know that HHC, like other cannabinoids, interacts with our endocannabinoid system, which regulates important bodily functions including sleep, mood, appetite and memory. Cannabinoids affect this system by binding to endocannabinoid receptors. HHC binds to CB1 receptors, which are mostly in the central nervous system. However, we do not know the effects it produces when it binds to these receptors, nor do we know whether this will lead to any health benefits.

Given the lack of research on HHC, there is simply no consensus on whether HHC can be beneficial for our health or not.

We can only infer effects from unofficial user experience.

Experience with HHC

HHC is of particular interest because user experiences describing effects similar to THC are emerging, but of a milder intensity for most people. We cannot confirm or deny this.

What does HHC do?

The following are cited as effects of HHC:

• slight euphoria
• feeling intoxicated
• more energy and a sharper mind
• calm and relaxation
• pain reduction

However, there is no professional research to confirm this experience with HHC.

What is certain is that, chemically, the structure of HHC is similar to that of THC, except that in HHC the broken double bond is replaced by hydrogen and, as experience already suggests, the effects of the two substances may be similar. What about the similarity between HHC and CBD?

Is HHC safe?

According to the manufacturer's instructions, HHC products are not intended for direct consumption and therefore do not have to meet strict guidelines. We therefore urge caution, both in considering the information available and in selection of any product. You can navigate the wide range of products by trusted brands with quality certificates. 

Is HHC legal?

Yes, as of February 2023, HHC is legal in the Czech Republic, or it is not mentioned in the government regulation on the lists of addictive substances. However, it is a substance whose status may change, so we recommend monitoring the situation and always behaving in accordance with the law.

What are HHC-O, HHC-P?

Just one more letter and what a fuss it can make! We are talking about HHC derivatives. It probably won't surprise you that we know very little here either. 

Summary

HHC has only been on the market for a short time, but there is a plethora of products available today, from vaporizer pens and flowers to oils and drops to candy. As of February 2023, you can legally buy products containing HHC, but it is a controversial substance that is created in a laboratory and we recommend paying attention to the ingredients, certificates, brand and retailer when choosing. Although the effects described by users may look appealing, HHC and its effects on the human body are not yet well researched, and much study is still needed to responsibly weigh the risks of using this cannabinoid.