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HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that has recently taken the cannabis world by storm.
But what is HHC? How is it produced and how does it compare to other cannabinoids?
Let’s get to the bottom of things!
How Is HHC Produced?
HHC occurs naturally in cannabis. That being said, commerical HHC is produced semi-synthetically by putting THC under pressure to hydrogenated it- aka add two hydrogen atoms.
This was first done by Roger Adams in the mid-1900s.
More specifically, hydrogenation replaces a double bond with H2. This contributes to a change in molecular weight and stabilizes the molecule.
Hydrogenation helps increase shelf life and fights against UV and/or heat damage.
The Chemical Structure and Properties of HHC
Here is the HHC chemical structure:
C21H3002
HHC is different from THC (including both Delta 8 and Delta 9) because there aren’t any double bonds in the molecule’s cyclohexyl ring.
Likewise, HHC’s chemical structure is similar to a cannabinoid called cannabiripsol.
HHC Vs. THC: What’s The Difference?
HHC vs THC almost have the same molecular structures.
THC can be found in very high concentrations in cannabis. Meanwhile, HHC is only found in trace amounts.
HHC and THC are both legal on the federal level if isolated from hemp plants as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill.
How Does HHC Compare to Delta-8
Delta-8 is a form of THC that is isolated from hemp plants.
On the other hand, HHC is semi-synthetic rather than being a concentrate. It’s found in much smaller amounts than Delta 8 and therefore has to be semi-synthesized.
Delta 8 is very popular and was one of the first cannabinoids besides CBD to really fly off the shelves. HHC is still catching up.
When it comes to HHC and Delta 8- just as is true with other cannabinoids- you need to do your research before buying a product. it’s always important to ensure that there is third-party testing with lab results easy to find on the brand’s website.
The Health Center only carries the most reputable brands because we care about our community’s, well, health! All of our HHC products go through vigorous vetting before they hit our shelves.
You can check us out online or stop in to say hi!
How Does HHC Compare to Delta-9
While HHC is naturally found in trace amounts in cannabis, Delta 9 THC can make up upwards of 30% of the cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. When people say THC, they’re almost always referring to Delta 9 THC.
Another difference between HHC vs Delta 9 is that Delta 9 products are direct isolates from cannabis, whereas HHC products are semi-synthetic.
What Is the Current Legal Status of HHC?
HHC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill states that hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that has less than .3% THC. Products derived from hemp are federally legal under this bill.
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, the cannabis market has exploded with cannabinoids left and right. Enthusiasts have been hard at work isolating, researching, developing, and selling cannabinoids that formerly received no attention.
But now states are scrambling to decide how to handle these new cannabinoid products. Many states have banned Delta 8, Delta 10, Delta 0, and more.
All of this said, HHC hasn’t been on the market for long enough for any states to ban it yet.
