HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Instead, HHC contained a hydrogenated version of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. The way that you may experience traditional THC products is not the same way that you experience HHC products.
The key differences lay in the way that the substance binds to the CB1/CB2 receptors in the brain. Causing HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) to have a more euphoric or "light headed" feeling than a stronger psychoactive property that traditional THC (tetrahyrdocannabinol) may have.
A reason why this is confusing to undersatnd is that HHC is a form of THC, however it is not the psychoactive property of tetrahydrocannabinol that has the same effects on Users.
Key takeaways
- HHC does not have the same psychoactive properties as tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”). And produces a milder and more euphoric feeling for the User than a strong psychoactive effect.
- HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of CBD oil. HHC is created by first converting CBD oil and its limited tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”) properties into Δ9-THC or Δ8-THC intermediates and then into its final hydrogenated version of the oil (HHC).
What is HHX (Hexahydrocannabinol)?
“HHC” is the abbreviation that stands for Hexahydrocannabinol. Hexahydrocannbinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It’s a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid that’s identified as a trace component inside of a Cannabis sativa plant (or hemp plant).
How HHC is made
In 2024, the current method for producing HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol) relies on using a hemp-derived CBD extract. The extract undergoes cyclization to form a mixture of Δ8 /Δ9 -THC (Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC). Then, the catalytic hydrogenation gets used to yield a blend of (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC epimers.
This entire process is done to create an end product which is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”). Which is known as (9R)-HHC. The product is then used to apply onto or into products for consumption (this could include hemp “flower” where the oil is applied or directly into consumable products).
For more information on how HHC is made, visit our guide right here.