HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol) doesn’t have any more than 0.3% “active” tetrahydrocannabinol, HHC is known to have a psychoactive effect on the cannabinoid brain receptors—primarily the CB1/CB2 receptors. HHC is created by converting it from a CBD isolate into a full hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”). The first step of the process is for the CBD isolate to be converted into Delta-8 (Δ8-THC). And then from Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) it is converted into HHC. To determine its ultimate “potency,” it may actually vary based on each individual person.
Key takeaways
- Hydrogenation of CBD oil into Δ9-THC or Δ8-THC intermediates and then into Hexahydrocannabinol is the most common way to create “HHC.” All of these products have 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- HHC (or even HHX) are known to have a psychoactive effect on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain (cannabinoid receptors). These ultimately affect the endocannabinoid system in our brain.
How potent is HHC?
HHC has only “active” levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reaching 0.3% to be exact (which is what makes them legal to sell according to the 2018 Farm Bill).
Hexahydrocannabinol will bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. Ultimately affecting your endocannabinoid system in the brain. The actual “effects” of the high may vary depending on who you are and what you feel based on your use of the product.
The current method of mass production for HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol) relies on hemp-derived CBD extract. Initially, this extract undergoes cyclization to form a mixture of Δ8 /Δ9 -THC. Subsequently, the catalytic hydrogenation gets used to yield a blend of (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC epimers.
Comparing HHC to traditional recreational THC products
“Active” THC products (like that you would get at a recreationally legal dispensary or a medically legal dispensary across the United States) have a very high percentage of “active” tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”) percentage. HHC, on the other hand, only has around 0.3% of “active” tetrahydrocannabinol.
HHX or HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol) does have an effect on the cannabinoid brain receptors in our endocannabinoid system. Which many consumers feel to have a slightly “head-like” high but not a full on “mind altering” state of consciousness.
If you’re comparing HHC to traditional cannabis products you might experience from a dispensary, these are not going to be as “strong” as those. In fact, if you’re expecting your experience to be the same, you might be disappointed.
Comparing HHC to Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10
If you’re a Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) or Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) consumer and you want to know which is more potent, the answer is usually HHC—at least when you read reviews online from multiple consumers.
The reality is that both products (HHC and Delta) are a CBD oil derivative. With the Δ8-THC creating a double bond on the 8th carbon chain. And Δ9-THC creating a double bond on the 9th carbon chain. Delta-8 is first required to create HHC (a hydrogenated conversion of Δ8-THC into Hexahydrocannabinol).
Users feel like the addition of the hydrogen molecule on the product itself does create a “heavier” feel to the high. And/or it may simply do a better job of having an effect on the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Ultimately, this will still be fairly dependent on your own personal experience with the products. And which ones work best for you in terms of creating a “light ‘head’ feel” for your high.
Other HHC resources
Related HHC resources: