What is HHC and how does it relate to cannabis?

What is HHC and how does it relate to cannabis?

HHC , or Hexahydrocannabinol, is a semi-synthetic compound that has recently gained much attention in the cannabis industry.

But what is HHC, how is it made, and how does it differ from other cannabinoids?

Let's find the answer!

How is HHC produced?

Although HHC is naturally found in cannabis, commercial HHC is usually produced through a semisynthetic process, where THC is converted under pressure to be hydrogenated. This process, called hydrogenation , involves adding hydrogen atoms to the THC molecule.

This process was first discovered by Roger Adams in the mid-20th century.

Hydrogenation extends shelf life and protects against UV or heat deterioration.

Chemical structure and properties of HHC

The chemical structure of HHC is:

C21H30O2

HHC differs from both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC in that it does not contain a double bond in the cyclohexyl ring of the molecule, unlike the THC commonly found in high concentrations in cannabis.

The difference between HHC and THC

HHC and THC have similar molecular structures, but HHC is only found in trace amounts, while THC is found in large amounts in the cannabis plant.

HHC and THC are also legal at the federal level if extracted from hemp plants as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Comparing HHC with Delta-8

Delta-8 is a form of THC that is isolated from the hemp plant, while HHC is semi-synthetic. HHC contains less than Delta-8 and must be processed semi-synthetically.

Delta-8 is very popular and has gained much attention, while HHC is still in its early stages and is chasing the popularity of Delta-8.

Comparing HHC with Delta-9

HHC is naturally found in trace amounts in cannabis, while Delta-9 THC , or THC as we know it, can make up to 30% of the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

Delta-9 is produced directly from the cannabis plant, while HHC requires a semi-synthetic process.

Current legal status of HHC

HHC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill , which defines hemp as the cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC. Products derived from hemp are therefore legal at the federal level.

However, several states in the US have started banning products related to Delta-8, Delta-10, Delta-0, but so far, there is no ban on HHC because it is just starting to gain popularity.

Types of HHC products on the market

HHC products available in the market include:

• HHC Vapes (vaping machines)
• HHC Edibles (Foods containing HHC)
• HHC Oil (HHC Oil)
• HHC Flower (Hemp Flower Coated with HHC)

Since HHC is only found in trace amounts in cannabis plants, HHC flower and pre-rolls are usually coated with HHC distillate.

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HHC is becoming a cannabinoid to watch in the cannabis industry, as it has properties similar to THC but is produced through a semi-synthetic process. Knowing about HHC and understanding its legal status and usage patterns will help you be an informed consumer and use cannabis products effectively.