A new cannabinoid is currently shaking up the CBD industry: HHC . Both researchers and manufacturers are increasingly focusing on this active ingredient contained in Cannabis Sativa and some are already raving about its beneficial properties.
In this sometimes euphoric atmosphere, the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has published a report providing an overview of the HHC and highlighting the risks associated with this new and still unregulated market .
In this article we have tried to summarize the current state of knowledge and addressed the following questions:
• What is HHC?
• How safe is HHC?
• How does HHC work?
• What is the difference between HHC and THC?
• Is HHC legal in Germany?
• How to take HHC
• Does HHC show up on drug tests?
What is HHC?
1. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was discovered in 1940 by the American chemist Roger Adams . However, he did not extract it from the hemp plant, but synthesized it by combining delta-THC and hydrogen.
2. HHC is a synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoid . The hemp plant produces it in extremely small quantities and you can extract it from the seeds and pollen. However, since this process is complex and not cost-effective, people tend to produce it in the laboratory.
3. Although it was discovered more than 80 years ago, the effects of HHC on humans are poorly understood .
4. The chemical structure of HHC is very similar to that of THC: the intoxicating cannabinoid that is classified as a psychoactive substance.
5. HHC is marketed as a legal alternative to THC.
6. There is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding both the short- and long-term consequences of HHC consumption.
How safe is HHC?
The number of studies on HHC is currently still manageable. However, initial results advise caution.
For example , this study explored the effects of various HHC-like synthetic cannabinoids on animals. It has been found that some have been shown to have pain-relieving effects. Others, however, have led to the development of depression .
In an article published on Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, researchers expressed concern about the increasing use of HHC despite a lack of scientific evidence about its effects, side effects and safety.
This is, one reads, due to gaps in the legislation of the respective countries. According to the authors, new cannabinoids should be subjected to the same tests as e.g. B. Subject THC, CBD and CBG. Only then should you begin any marketing. In this way , health risks could be ruled out, including the possible risk of addiction .
How does HHC work?
HHC products have been available in Europe since May 2022 and new ones are constantly being added, such as: B. HHC-O or HHC-P.
As previously explained, a handful of studies suggest that THC and HHC have similar effects . The reports of those who have taken HHC go in the same direction.
Accordingly, you can expect the following effects after using HHC:
- Relaxation
- Lightheadedness
- heart racing
- Hunger
- sleepiness
- Hilarity
- Relieve any pain
For some, this seems to be a dream come true: Just like THC, only safe and legal. And that's exactly what we focus on when marketing HHC.
However, it should be noted that only very few HHC products are manufactured in accordance with quality assurance guidelines such as GACP, GMP, HACCP . However, these are particularly important for products that are ultimately consumed, as they ensure quality and transparency throughout the entire production process.
In addition, research into synthetically produced cannabinoids, especially when it comes to long-term effects, is not even in its infancy and their distribution is still largely unregulated .
However, this is often kept secret.
What is the difference between HHC and THC?
Just like THC, CBD and many other cannabinoids, HHC also appears to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system .
Although its chemical structure is similar to that of THC, there are certain differences in the properties of these two cannabinoids:
- While there are many hemp varieties that have a very high THC content, HHC occurs naturally in very small amounts . Accordingly, manufacturers generally opt for synthetic production using hydrogenation . On a structural level, HHC has hydrogenated carbon atoms and an ester molecule, which THC lacks.
- HHC appears to have a more stable structure than THC. As a result, it would degrade more slowly and withstand external influences better. Both manufacturers and sellers could benefit from this as it would make storage easier and extend shelf life.
- Both the sale and consumption of THC are banned in many countries. In HHC, however, there is a lack of laws regulating marketing and consumption. This could pose both an obstacle for manufacturers and a risk for consumers .
Some manufacturers market HHC as safe and well tolerated. But while there are numerous studies on the risks (and positive effects) of THC, there is still a lot of uncertainty in the case of HHC.
Is HHC legal in Germany?
Since this cannabinoid has a psychoactive effect , just like THC , it would seem logical to ban it. However, this is not the case. Nor can one say with absolute certainty that it is legal. We are in a legal gray area here .
According to the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG), synthetically produced cannabinoids are prohibited. However, HHC is a cannabinoid that is also found in the hemp plant. Many manufacturers therefore argue that HHC should be viewed as a natural cannabinoid. In addition, HHC is not legally classified as a narcotic.
So you can still assume that you can legally purchase and consume HHC. However, this could soon change.
How is HHC taken?
HHC is available in many different forms: HHC Vape, Oil, Capsules, Hash and Flowers. You should know that flowers and hash are usually THC or CBD products onto which liquid HHC is sprayed.
Does HHC show up on drug test?
This is a tricky question. Since HHC has great similarities to HHC, it could in principle be detected by a particularly sensitive drug test. On the other hand, these cannabinoids are chemically very similar, but are not exactly alike. Accordingly, the HHC could convert into metabolites that do not trigger a positive test result.
However, the deciding factor should not be the question of whether you could get caught taking HHC. Rather, it's about deciding whether you want to take a barely researched active ingredient.
At Terre di Cannabis we are always interested in new cannabinoids and their potential beneficial properties. But what matters to us more than anything else is the well-being and safety of our customers.
We will continue to closely monitor developments surrounding the HHC and keep you updated.
