HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid created by the American chemist Roger Adams in 1944. It is made by combining delta-THC with hydrogen molecules through a process called hydrogenation. This transforms THC into HHC, which is then extracted from raw hemp, distilled and isolated in powder form. HHC products are made with semi-synthetic HHC that has been chemically hydrogenated from THC. While these cannabinoids are not inherently harmful or dangerous, the production process may be.
It is important to buy reliable and legitimate HHC products that have been tested by third parties. At the federal level, HHC that has been converted from THC by chemical hydrogenation could be considered a synthetic substance under the Federal Analogical Act (FAA). This means that the use, possession, sale, distribution and production of HHC products could be illegal. HHC is similar to THC and delta-8 in terms of potency, as it accounts for approximately 70-80% of the effects of THC.
It is also metabolized to 9α- Hydroxy-HHC and 8-hydroxy-iso-HHC within the body. HHC-O is a hydrogenated compound that binds to different receptors than normal hemp cannabinoids, such as Delta-8.As it is made with 100% hemp extract, companies can manufacture, distribute and sell it legally to consumers in the United States. While there have been no serious or life-threatening side effects reported from the use of HHC or its products, there is still limited information available on its safety and effects due to its recent arrival on the market. CBD can be used for numerous health reasons, but it will never provide the consumer with the psychoactive effects that HHC-O and Delta 9 would provide.
If you're a relatively experienced user of one or the other, taking a similar or slightly lower dose of HHC would be a good starting point.