CBD is no longer the only cannabinoid to attract the interest and excitement of consumers! Today, hemp product enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Thanks to ingenious chemical processes, several semi-synthetic cannabinoids have recently been created. This is the case of HHC, which you may have already heard of. But did you know that there are several types? Here is an overview of the different forms of Hexahydrocannabinol.
Focus on HHC
A cannabinoid manufactured in the laboratory
The discovery of Hexahydrocannabinol was made by American chemist Rogers Adams. This pioneer of scientific research on cannabis isolated and synthesized in laboratory several cannabinoids, of which the famous CBD.
In 1944, it makes undergo to a molecule of THC a process of hydrogenation, by adding several hydrogen atoms to him. He then obtained the first molecule of HHC.
This cannabinoid is considered as semi-synthetic, since it needs to be produced in laboratory.
In reality, Hexahydrocannabinol exists naturally in the seeds and pollen of the hemp flower, but in minute quantities, largely insufficient to produce large-scale products. To market it to the general public at a reasonable cost, it is essential to synthesize it artificially.
A particular molecular structure
To produce HHC, chemists isolate a THC molecule and add two hydrogen molecules to it. As a result, hexahydrocannabinol has six atoms in its molecular chain, while THC has only four.
The structures of the two molecules remain similar, however. This is why HHC is often compared to THC. Despite the lack of long-term data and scientific studies on the subject, it appears that hexahydrocannabinol produces effects as potent as those of its analog, THC. Its psychoactive effects are said to be less intense, however, and it is reportedly undetectable in saliva-based cannabis screening tests.
The different variations of HHC
Now that you know more about HHC, it is time to look at its different variants. You are not at the end of your surprise, the Hexahydrocannabinol is declined in several versions having each their own characteristics!
The HHC-9R and HHC-9S
As we have seen, the production of HHC involves the hydrogenation of a THC molecule. To do this, a cannabinoid-rich cannabis extract is mixed with hydrogen gas and catalysts in a pressurized tank. The result is a concentrated hydrogenated cannabis oil, also known as HCO. This liquid contains two distinct types of HHC: HHC-9R and HHC-9S. These two molecules do not have quite the same interactions with the human body:
HHC-9R has an increased affinity for the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This means that it actively interacts with the nervous system and induces psychoactive effects (changes in perception, mood and consciousness).
HHC-9S: this molecule has a structure that does not allow it to bind to CB1 receptors. It has no effect on the human organism, and its consumption is therefore of little interest.
The HHC-P
HHC-P is a hydrogenated form of HHC. It contains 7 extra carbon atoms in its molecular chain, which gives it more stability and better resistance to heat and light. Its more numerous carbon atoms reinforce the affinities with the CB1 receptors. The psychoactivity would be thus amplified, and its effects would approach significantly those of the THC.
The HHC-O
Hexahydrocannabinol-O-acetate is the exact name of HHC-O. Behind this complex name, we must remember that it is a molecule of HHC modified by adding acetic anhydride. This recent version would provide effects almost 2 times more intense than hexahydrocannabinol. Its action would also be more persistent and durable.
HHC effects: are the presumed effects of these molecules the same?
All these molecules have a common base: they are derived from HHC, itself synthetically derived from THC. The different types of HHC act at the level of the central nervous system, by binding with the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Like all cannabinoids, they act on pain, inflammation, relaxation, stress levels, etc. However, the presumed effects and potency of the different forms of hexahydrocannabinol are not completely identical.
HHC-9R and HHC-9S: two types of HHC naturally present in the substance
HHC-9R and HHC-9S are two molecules present in hydrogenated cannabis oil. As we have seen, it is the HHC-9R form that has the ability to bind to CB1 receptors. HHC-9S has no affinity with these receptors and therefore has no particular effect on the human body. In commercially available hexahydrocannabinol products, the ratio of HHC-9R to HHC-9S is variable. The concentration of HHC-9R determines the effectiveness of the product and the effects experienced. If the level of HHC-9R is important, one can expect intense benefits very similar to those of THC, with a moderate psychotropic action.
HHC-P: a powerful form of cannabinoid for regulars only
The long carbon chain of HHC-P gives it an enhanced interaction with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Thus, the effects of HHC-P would be 30 times more intense than those of HHC! They would also be more durable (several hours of effectiveness). This version is similar to THC and should be reserved for informed consumers who already have a solid experience with cannabinoids.
HHC-O: a good compromise for lasting benefits
HHC-O also has powerful effects similar to those of THC, but it is a little less strong than HHC-P. It is characterized by a persistent and lasting action. It is a good compromise for all those who want to try an intense experience without risking too many side effects.
What is the legislation around the different types of HHC?
The regulation of HHC in the European Union
The European Union has put in place legislation concerning the sale and consumption of CBD. These products are legal and authorized, provided that they are derived from hemp plants with a THC content lower than 0.3%. However, all other molecules derived from hemp are currently in a legal limbo at the European level. There is no legal framework for their marketing or consumption. Thus, one can wonder about the status of HHC and its derivatives. In the absence of regulation, these products cannot be considered as narcotics and it would seem that they can be used as long as no jurisdiction prohibits them.
The legal framework for synthetic cannabinoids in the United States
In the United States, the legal framework for cannabinoids is much the same as in Europe. It was the 2018 Farm Bill that made the market for CBD products legal at the federal level, provided that they contain less than 0.3% THC.
This law did not rule on other semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as HHC and its derivatives. As in Europe, it can be assumed that it is permitted to consume them since the legislation in force does not prohibit it.
The particularity of the United States is that each state is entitled to enact its own laws. Thus, some states are more rigid than others and can make the consumption of cannabis illegal.
HHC elsewhere in the world
Around the world, not all countries have the same rules regarding cannabinoids. Currently, laws only regulate CBD consumption and leave substances such as HHC and its variants in a legal vacuum. It is likely that HHC will be prohibited in countries where CBD is highly regulated or even banned, such as certain Asian countries (Japan, Korea, Singapore) or Australia.
What should we remember about these molecules?
As you will have understood, HHC and its synthetic derivatives are recent and still little studied substances. Their particular molecular structures give them increased affinities with the receptors of our central nervous system, causing powerful and lasting effects. We can consider that these molecules act like THC. That must lead us to consume them in a very careful way. Psychotropic effects can be felt: modification of the mood, of the state of consciousness, decrease of the vigilance... It is thus necessary to consume them in small dose and in a protected framework to avoid putting itself in danger. Remain attentive to the signs of discomfort to stop your intake if you feel any discomfort. Safety rules are necessary: do not drive after taking the product, do not use it if you are pregnant, and always seek medical advice in case of doubt or proven pathology.
In the coming months, it can be assumed that the legal framework surrounding these synthetic cannabinoids will evolve to provide a clearer framework for the practices of sellers and consumers.
