USA: Study sheds light on how HHC interacts and safer synthesizing methods

A recent study by researchers at the University of California — (UCLA), in the United States of America (USA), has just provided new data on how hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) interacts with receptors in the body, suggesting even safer methods for synthesizing it. HHC is a cannabinoid that is gaining popularity in the US and European recreational cannabis markets, but not without some risks associated with its use.

HHC belongs to a group of compounds called intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids (IHDC), along with the better known Delta-8 THC. These IHDCs are psychoactive substances derived from the cannabis plant and can occur naturally or be synthesized from other cannabinoids, namely CBD extracted from hemp, in order to circumvent the gray areas of the law and thus be considered “legal”.

Despite limited knowledge about HHC and its effects on the human body, online searches and sales of HHC products are increasing rapidly. The compound has now been identified in over 20 European countries, which has led some countries to consider stricter regulations on its use.

Products with HHC available on the market are “inconsistent”

In this new study, researchers from University of California — (UCLA) carried out a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness with which HHC binds to receptors in the human body. Commercially available HHC products usually contain a mixture of two different isomers of the HHC molecule, (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC.

Research has shown that although both isomers bind to the same cannabinoid receptors as Delta-9 THC, only one of the isomers, (9R)-HHC, exhibits a binding capacity comparable to that of THC, thus suggesting that only the latter has effects. similar to those of Delta-9 THC.

The lead author of the study, Neil Garg, who is a professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA, explained that although these compounds had been tested on animals, they lacked the fundamental binding assays of each isomer. The professor highlighted the need for more research to be carried out in this evolving field to better understand these compounds. The study also highlighted the inconsistency of HHC products available to consumers.

New, safer methods for synthesizing HHC

Most HHC available on the market is synthesized from THC obtained from hemp, through the conversion of CBD into THC, namely Delta-8 THC, which undergoes a process called catalytic hydrogenation. This method produces both isomers in varying proportions, which leads to inconsistencies in the composition of HHC products between different brands and batches. Some products contain lower amounts of the more biologically active isomer, (9R)-HHC, due to this variability.

To solve this problem, Professor Garg and UCLA Adjunct Professor of Chemistry Daniel Nasrallah, have developed a new method for synthesizing the most biologically active isomer of HHC using a chemical process called hydrogen transfer. In this way, it produces about 10 times more of the active isomer compared to the less active one. Furthermore, this method is considered safer than catalytic hydrogenation, which involves handling hydrogen gas and heavy metals that are potentially toxic to humans.

The researchers underlined the importance of further studies on cannabinoids and their effects. They believe that such research is necessary to establish fair laws and policies, ensure consumer safety and explore the potential therapeutic benefits of new cannabinoids such as HHC.

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João Xabregas

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With a professional background in CAD technical drawing (2D and 3D), João Xabregas is an activist and advocate for all uses and applications of cannabis. He discovered and entered the world of cannabis during his youth, where he developed a special interest in the cultivation of the plant, which led him on a journey of self-learning through the world of cannabis that continues to this day. His adventures linked to cannabis cultivation began with the same goal as many others: to be able to guarantee the quality and eliminate any possible risks to his health of what he consumed, as well as to avoid any type of dependence on the illicit market. However, he quickly began to view the world of cannabis and everything related to it with a very different perspective. He admits the enormous passion he has for the most persecuted plant in the world and about which he is always willing to write and have a good conversation.

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