Recently, THCs such as delta-8 and delta-10 have been gaining popularity as alternatives to delta-9-THC that is found in marijuana. The reason for this is in the gray legal areas that these cannabinoids provide, allowing sellers to gamble by offering these.
Hexahydrocannabinol is another chemical that is a part of this murky space. It is, in fact, more confusing since the hemp that produces HHC isn’t THC although it has intoxicating effects. But, HHC could come from THC as well!
HHC Meaning & History
Roger Adams, the chemist who isolated and identified CBD from 1940, developed hex hydrocannabinol during the same decade.
HHC is a derivative of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Adams made hydrogen compounds into delta-9THC in a process known as hydrogenation which transforms THC in HHC. To clarify, the process of making margarine from vegetable oil is similar.
In spite of the fact that HHC was created over seventy years ago, little research has been conducted on its effects. By increasing the saturation of the molecule with hydrogen atoms, we can extend its shelf-life significantly. There are more than 10 variants of HHC which include HU211 7-OH-HHC, HU211, as well as HU243 in conjunction with the original Hexahydrocannabinol.
There are no double bonds in HHC, unlike THC. There are two additional hydrogen atoms in it. When THC breaks down, it increases the number of double bonds, which is opposite of CBN. When you use HHC the double bonds that make up THC are destroyed and replaced by hydrogen that alters the molecule’s affinity to the CB1 as well as CB2 receptors within the body.
If you buy HHC You’ll notice that it keeps a significant proportion of its potency much longer than delta-9-THC. It’s significantly less prone to break down when exposed to UV radiation and temperatures.
What are HHC vape cartridges?
HHC vape cartridges are devices that allow you to vaporize and inhale hemp-based CBD oil. These cartridges are designed to be used with a compatible vaporizer or pen, and they come in a variety of different flavors and strengths. HHC cartridges are a convenient and easy way to enjoy the benefits of CBD, and they can be a great alternative to other methods of consuming CBD oil. Check it here to know more about HHC vape carts.
How is HHC Produced?
While Adams invented hex hydrocannabinol made from THC brands, those who create HHC products employ hemp. In the following section, we’ll discuss why this is usually the case.
Cannabis extracts are used to make hemp oil, which is derived from cannabidiol (CBD). A distillation and separation process is then performed on the CBD. This product has a fine texture and is typically sold separately as CBD isolated products.
The next step is to transform the isolated substance into a concentrate of delta-8 with at least 96 percent power. D8 will be hydrocarbonized with HHC and two active catalysts, usually heavy metals.
Manufacturers are responsible for the rest. It is common for brands to claim that their HHC manufacturing process is a “proprietary procedure” without divulging much information.
It is legal to make HHC in a lab from THC. The process of hydrogenating THC involves exposing the concentrated THC with hydrogen at high pressure and a catalyst from a metal like platinum, palladium or nickel. When the task has been completed, it will be removed from the mix.
A study from 2007 described the possibility of making CBD into various types of HHC with gastric juice. There is no more information regarding this method of creating HHC. In addition, there’s an idea that it’s possible to make HHC from a terpene dubbed citronellol.
The way companies make HHC is also a matter of its legality up for debate.
Is HHC Legal?
According to the makers of HHC cannabinoid-based products, the substance is legally legal.
Sellers of HHC make use of hemp and CBD to make their products with great care. CBD can be legalized under the new 2018 Farm Bill because it occurs naturally in the hemp plant. Hemp is currently legally permitted to cultivate within the United States, as long as the highest delta-9-THC concentration is 0.3 percent.
Although hemp is most well-known for its high levels of CBD however, it also contains other cannabinoids. Technically, any products that contain other hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal as long as they don’t surpass the 0.3 percent THC threshold. The manufacturers of hemp-based products insist that all is legal.
The situation is complicated due to the DEA’s recent revisions to synthetic cannabinoids. In a letter dated September 20, 2021 to the DEA stated that THCs made synthetically from hemp material are legal. This is a good thing for those who sell delta-8 products as well as HHC manufacturers who are sure to believe that similar rules are applicable to the products.
The announcement by the DEA came a year after it advertised its FDA’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) that declared that synthetic cannabinoids found in hemp were illegal , while naturally occurring ones were allowed.
There is a tiny issue that is an act known as the Federal Analog Act, which makes any analog to the Schedule I drug, such as delta-9-THC a banned substance.
It appears like the DEA’s declaration allows for the sales of HHC. However some states have chosen to ban the use and sale of HHC. This includes:
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New York
There are also questions regarding its legality in a number of other states. In the end, utilize HHC on your own responsibility, considering how ambiguous the law is.
Is HHC Stronger Than Delta-9-THC?
It is hard to determine the exact potency of HHC because of the absence of research on it. In fact, even the manufacturers of HHC products admit to an inconsistency. The proportions of inactive to active HHC molecules may differ between batches. Companies do their best to boost the quantity of active ingredients within a product but they aren’t in complete control over the amount of active compounds.
Based on their chemical structures, it is probable that HHC is more powerful than delta-8, but not as powerful as delta-9. The estimates vary in the field, but it is believed that hexahydro cannabino is at least 90% as powerful as D9.
In general, any THC form that has at least four carbons in its side chain can produce intoxicating effects. For instance delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 THC all have five carbons, just like HHC. In addition, THCP, the most potent type of THC contains seven carbons. Check CannaAid to know more about HHC.
Does HHC Give You a high?
Yes. HHC is a stimulant that can induce intoxication but not in the same way as delta-9 THC that you can find in marijuana.
Users who have taken it have said that HHC effects are like THC such as euphoria, changes in visual and auditory perception, as well as changes to cognition. In general, you will experience effects that are similar to delta-8-THC regarding relaxation. But, some users say they feel more energetic and have an improved mental clarity.