What is HHC and what effects can it have on human health?

HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid that can be either natural or semi-synthetic, depending on how it is obtained. Although it exists in small quantities in cannabis plants, it is extremely rare, being mainly a byproduct of the degradation of THCA. However, the quantity is so small that direct extraction is not commercially viable. Most HHC on the market is therefore produced in laboratories from hemp-derived CBDA, turning it into a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. The process involves hydrogenation, where hydrogen atoms are added to THCA or CBDA, altering its chemical structure. As a result, consuming HHC poses health risks that are important to be aware of.

In most people, HHC has similar effects to THC, but the lack of studies on its safety and the potential contaminants in its production are major concerns. In some people, these effects may be less predictable than those of traditional THC and may cause more severe symptoms, such as anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, confusion, sedation, and even breathing difficulties.

Although there are still not many in-depth scientific studies on the long-term effects of HHC use, there are some potential concerns about its consumption, which has already led several countries to ban its sale. Therefore, and until further research is done, consumption should be done with caution and preferably with products from reliable sources.

Possible health risks of HHC

1. Lack of clinical studies
   There are still not enough studies to determine the long-term effects on the body and its toxicity and interactions with other medications are unknown.
2. Psychoactive effects
   HHC has similar effects to THC, but in some people the symptoms can be more severe and intense.
3. Origin and purity of products
   Commercially available HHC is usually produced in a laboratory through the hydrogenation of CBDA, a process that may involve solvents and catalyst metals. These metals accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process and if they are not properly purified, residues can remain in the final product and pose health risks. Therefore, the purity of HHC and other synthetic compounds must be strictly controlled. The quality and safety of the final product also depends on the manufacturer. Given that most of these products are made in China, there is a strong possibility that they are poorly purified and may contain harmful chemical residues.
4. Cardiovascular risks
   Hydrogenation can alter the way the body metabolizes the cannabinoid, increasing risks such as changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
5. Legality and lack of regulation
   In many countries, HHC is not well regulated, meaning products may contain impurities or inconsistent concentrations.

What HHC products are on the market?

The vast majority of HHC available on the market is produced in a laboratory, through the hydrogenation of hemp-derived CBDA, and can be found in several forms, including:

• Oils and tinctures, for oral or sublingual consumption;
• Vapes and cartridges, one of the most popular formats, used for inhalation;
• Edibles (gummies, chocolates, drinks), a more discreet form of consumption, but with a more intense and prolonged effect;
• Flowers and resins, Hemp flowers are sprayed with HHC, to mimic the effect of THC, and then smoked or vaporized.

Where is it sold?

• CBD Stores and Headshops: In countries where legislation allows it, such as the USA and some parts of Europe;
• E-commerce: Many stores sell HHC online, especially in countries where there are no legal restrictions;
• Illicit market: In places where legality is uncertain, there is always a parallel market, almost always without any guarantee or quality control.

Countries where HHC is available 

The legality of HHC is still being debated in many countries and there is no clear regulation in most of them. Legislation is usually silent on this issue, as it is a relatively new compound.

Currently, HHC is found in several states in the United States of America and in some markets that are not yet regulated, such as Portugal, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Spain.

However, in March, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will decide whether or not to classify HHC in Schedule II of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The EU’s position in favour has already been confirmed, which represents a significant change in international regulation. If HHC is included on the list, it will face widespread regulatory restrictions, some immediate and some that will develop over time.

Countries that have banned HHC

HHC has been banned in several countries due to public health concerns and potential risks associated with its consumption. Countries that have banned HHC include:

• Austria: Banned HHC on March 23, 2023, through an amendment to the New Psychoactive Substances Ordinance (NPSV).
• France: The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) announced the ban on the production, sale and use of HHC and two of its derivatives, HHCO and HHCP, as of June 13, 2023, due to the lack of scientific studies on its safety.
• Sweden: Implemented the ban on HHC on July 11, 2023, considering it an unregulated psychoactive substance.
• Luxembourg: On August 1, 2023, the Ministry of Health announced that HHC would be regulated, expanding its list of psychotropic substances to include all “synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists” and “synthetic cannabinomimetics”, encompassing semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC.
• Lithuania: Banned HHC on November 23, 2022.
• Slovenia: Implemented the ban on HHC on November 15, 2023.
• Czech Republic: The HHC ban came into effect on March 6, 2024.
• Germany: The manufacture and sale of products containing HHC and other synthetic cannabinoids were banned on June 27, 2024. However, possession and consumption of these products remain legal.
• Poland: Banned HHC on April 14, 2023.
• Finland: Classified HHC as a psychotropic substance, making its manufacture, import, sale, transport and storage illegal.
• Belgium, Denmark and the United Kingdom have also announced their intention to ban the sale of HHC.

It is important to note that legislation regarding HHC is constantly evolving and other countries may implement restrictions or bans in the future.

Studies and research with HHC

There are not many studies yet that can guarantee the safety or confirm the dangers of HHC. However, some scientific articles have been published on Hexahydrocannabinol. Although research is still limited, some recent studies have investigated its chemical and pharmacological properties and potential biological effects.

1. 'Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) driven activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 results in biased intracellular signaling“, 2024
This study analyzes the structural and pharmacological differences between HHC and Δ9-THC, highlighting how small modifications in the chemical structure can influence the stability and pharmacological characteristics of cannabinoids.

2. 'Studies Pertaining to the Emerging Cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)“, 2023
This research focuses on two isomers of HHC, (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC, evaluating their cannabinoid receptor binding affinities and functional activities. The results indicate that (9R)-HHC has similar affinity and activity to Δ9-THC, while (9S)-HHC shows reduced functional activity.

3. 'The Semisynthetic Cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)“, 2023
This article discusses the emergence of HHC on the European market, especially in Switzerland, where it emerged in early 2022. The study addresses the semi-synthetic synthesis of HHC from CBD and its psychoactive properties.

Although these studies provide some insights While initial information about HHC is available, it is important to note that research on this cannabinoid is still in its early stages. More research is needed to fully understand its effects, safety, and potential therapeutic applications.

In any case, Ethan Russo, one of the most experienced doctors and researchers in the world and a reference in the field of medicinal cannabis, with training in neurology and psychopharmacology, warned that “synthetic cannabinoids are 10 to 100 times more potent than THC” and can cause irreversible damage to health and even cause death”. In an exclusive interview with CannaReporter®, Ethan Russo explained that “the fact that these things are being manufactured is a byproduct of prohibition. Most of these substances don’t show up in urine tests,” he said, justifying why they are sought after.

How do synthetic cannabinoids work in our bodies?

Ethan Russo explained to CannaReporter® that the synthetic cannabinoids that have become available are generally “full agonists of the CB1 receptor,” in contrast to the plant’s natural THC. “THC is what’s called a weak partial agonist. Now, let me explain what I just said: If you think of the receptors as locks and the substance as the key, you want a good fit. With THC, that’s a weak binding. And that’s the way nature works. THC is like anandamide, which is also a weak partial agonist, whereas these synthetic cannabinoids bind extremely strongly [to the receptors] and so they’re what I call full agonists. They can often be 10 to 100 times more potent than THC. So, right off the bat, that’s a lot. Just as too much THC produces paranoia, anxiety, and rapid heart rate, these are much worse because they not only affect the CB1 receptor, but also often have what are called 'off-target' effects. Some of these synthetic cannabinoids can be directly toxic to the heart, liver, or kidneys.

Russo also considered that “because of prohibition, people are dying from exposure to dangerous synthetic cannabinoids. So, in fact, they should not exist and the need is being perpetuated by the laws and laws alone”.

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Laura Ramos

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With a degree in Journalism from the University of Coimbra, Laura Ramos has a postgraduate degree in Photography and has been a Journalist since 1998. Winner of the Business of Cannabis Awards in the category "Journalist of the Year 2024", Laura was a correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome, Italy, and Press Officer in the Office of the Minister of Education of the 2018st Portuguese Government. She has an international certification in Permaculture (PDC) and created the street-art photography archive “What does Lisbon say?” @saywhatlisbon. Co-founder and Editor of CannaReporter® and coordinator of PTMC - Portugal Medical Cannabis, Laura made the documentary “Pacientes” in XNUMX and was part of the steering group of the first Postgraduate Course in GxP's for Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal, in partnership with the Military Laboratory and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.

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