What is HHC and what are its effects?

HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Similar to CBD, it relieves pain and eliminates the feeling of loss of appetite. HHC products can currently be purchased in various forms. At Eighty8, you can find flowers, hhc vape in our offer, which work on the basis of liquids and are also referred to as inhalers, hashish, extracts or gummies. What exactly is HHC and what effect does it have on our body?

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What is HHC?

HHC cannabinoid, also called hexahydrocannabinol is not new in itself, it was discovered in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams.  He managed to merge a hydrogen molecule into delta-9 THC (turning THC into HHC), but the mentioned method of production is illegal.  This process is called hydrogenation and is the same process used to turn vegetable oil into margarine.

How is HHC made?

In order for both sale and consumption to be legal, it must be obtained naturally from cannabis plants. Today, the cannabinoid is known to be found in the seeds of both technical hemp and CBD and the pollen of their plants. In this form, it is then used for the production of other products, such as HHC flowers, vaporizers, liquids and other extracts and distillates. Recently, products in the form of edibles, such as brownies, cookies or gummies, have also become a hit.

There are three ways to produce HHC

Hydrogenation of THC to HHC

Any THC isomer (delta 8, delta 9 and delta 10 THC) can be used to produce HHC via hydrogenation. The process involves exposing concentrated THC to high pressure, hydrogen atoms, and a catalyst containing inert metals such as iridium, palladium, rhodium, nickel, ruthenium, platinum, or rhenium.

The reaction essentially forces the double bond in the THC structure to break, causing the molecule to become unstable. Hydrogen is needed to stabilize the molecule, which is why this process is referred to as hydrogenation.[1]

Transformation of CBD to HHC

An older method outlined the process of converting CBD into 9α-OH-HHC, 8-OH-iso-HHC, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol using artificial gastric juice.[2]

Hydrogenation of terpenes to HHC

A third possibility is the production of HHC from the terpenes citronellol or L-carvone using catalysts, high temperature, pressure and hydrogen atoms.[3]

What are the effects of HHC?

HHC can affect each of us differently. The reason is the fact that two different molecules are combined for normal consumption – 9R HHC (active) and 9S HHC (inactive). The former actively binds to the body's natural endocannabinoid receptors, the latter is structurally different and therefore the process does not work as well as 9R HHC. Of course, it also depends on the amount of substance administered and its dosage.

According to testing results, the typical effects of HHC are
 

Increase in
heart rate

Mood improvement
and feelings of euphoria

Increase in sleep quality

Relief from anxiety states

HHC vs THC what is the difference?

In terms of structure, the cannabinoids HHC and THC are very similar. THC normally has one double bond in its upper ring structure, which is absent in HHC. This makes HHC more stable over the long term than THC and changes its ability to bind to different receptors in the body.[4]

Are HHC products legal?

The legislation does not prohibit HHC, like CBD. Consumption of HHC is legal in the Czech Republic. However, the condition is that the extract is not from a natural substance exceeding 1% THC content.

HHC and testing on THC

Most of what we know about testing for HHC is based on the results of animal studies and user experiences on forums. Here, there are opinions that consumers have tested negative for THC. However, these studies are unverified and we do not recommend following them. In this regard, we do not yet have enough studies to present accurate information about this year's trend.

Is the use of HHC safe for the organism?

No serious side effects have been reported so far. Preliminary research suggests it shares a comparable safety profile to THC. [5]

Side effects of HHC

The effects of cannabinoids on the human body are completely individual, therefore it is very difficult to precisely define the side effects of these substances. However, many sources list the following as side effects of HHC:[6] Insomnia, dry mouth, red eyes, feelings of anxiety, paranoia or hallucinations.

Dosage of HHC

The recommended dosage cannot be stated, as it is generally a collector's item. According to the available studies, it is better to start with a smaller amount, as the cannabinoid can affect the body differently. At the same time, slower absorption of the substance into the body may occur. Some sources list the recommended HHC dosage as follows:

  • Beginners: the recommended HHC dosage is 5 to 12 mg/ per single use.
  • Advanced consumers: the recommended HHC dosage is 12 to 30 mg/ per single  use.
  • Regular consumers: the recommended HHC dosage is 30 to 60 mg/ per single use.

Our HHC product range

HHC gummies are new in our edibles range. One cube of HHC gummies contains up to 25mg of HHC. We currently offer a pack containing 10 pieces with a strawberry flavor.

Following the model of your favorite vaporizing CBD pens, we also come with a variant of HHC vaporizing pens. In our offer you can find a wide range of flavors such as mango, lychee, bubblegum, cactus, lemon or cocos.

La mota HHC cannabis is completely new on our website. This is an exclusive sativa with a fruity flavor.

HHC extract and HHC hashish are some of the strongest extracts you can buy from us. We really wanted to create something for you that has no competition on the Czech market. With 50% HHC and 15% CBD, this HHC hash is definitely one of the strongest hashes on the market.

The HHC extract stands out with its lemon scent and 95% HHC cadence. This is an exclusive product that is not widely available outside of Eighty8 on the Czech market.

Q&A

Similar to CBD, it relieves pain and eliminates the feeling of loss of appetite. Feelings of euphoria and joy are also associated with the use of HHC.
HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Today, the cannabinoid is known to be found in the seeds of both technical hemp and CBD and the pollen of their plants. In this form, it is then used for the production of other products, such as HHC flowers, vaporizers, liquids and other extracts and distillates.
The effects are completely individual on the human body. When using edibles, the effects start to show later. During vaporization, it is absorbed from the lungs directly into the blood. The effect appears almost immediately.

There are three ways to make HHC: 
1. By hydrogenating THC to HHC
2. By converting CBD to HHC using artificial gastric juice
3. Hydrogenation of terpenes to HHC

Sources:

[1] [online]. [cit. 2022-11-23]. Dostupné z: https://dailycbd.com/en/hhc/
[2] Watanabe, K., Itokawa, Y., Yamaori, S., Funahashi, T., Kimura, T., Kaji, T., … & Yamamoto, I. (2007). Conversion of cannabidiol to Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and related cannabinoids in artificial gastric juice, and their pharmacological effects in mice. Forensic Toxicology, 25(1), 16-21.
[3] Lee, Y. R., & Xia, L. (2008). Efficient one-pot synthetic approaches for cannabinoid analogues and their application to biologically interesting (−)-hexahydrocannabinol and (+)-hexahydrocannabinol. Tetrahedron Letters, 49(20), 3283-3287.
[4] [online]. [cit. 2022-11-23]. Dostupné z: https://dailycbd.com/en/hhc/
[5] [online]. [cit. 2022-11-23]. Dostupné z: https://dailycbd.com/en/hhc/
[6] [online]. [cit. 2022-11-29]. Dostupné z: https://www.discovermagazine.com/lifestyle/hhc-vs-delta-8-whats-the-difference
[7] [online]. [cit. 2022-11-30]. Dostupné z: https://herb.co/guides/hhc-dosage-guide-how-much-should-i-take/

Author
, Marketing Specialist

Igor is a marketer from WOXO agency. He specializes in advertising, PR and marketing, but in his spare time he has long been involved in hemp issues and follows the Czech market with CBD and HHC products.

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