What is HHC or Hexahydrocannabinol?

The abbreviation HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol. It’s a long word to describe one of the most fascinating active compounds found in the hemp plant. Like CBD and many other cannabinoids, HHC is also derived from the highly versatile hemp or cannabis plant. CBD is already a well-known and respected product in Europe. HHC began its rise in popularity in the USA and is now gaining more and more interest in Europe—especially in Germany.

For a long time, HHC was considered something of a mystery here, but more and more people are now interested in learning about HHC as a legal alternative to THC. Researchers have actually known about HHC for around 80 years. This unique hemp compound was discovered by Roger Adams, an American chemist, though not a marketing expert. That may be one reason why HHC received little attention after its discovery. Another reason is that, compared to CBD or THC, HHC is present in cannabis in only very small amounts. As a result, extracting it is a complex and demanding process.

Responsible enjoyment with a premium hemp product

Experts consider HHC a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. It occurs naturally in the hemp plant. However, Roger Adams achieved a scientific breakthrough by adding a hydrogen molecule to delta-9-THC, thereby producing HHC himself. This process is now known as hydrogenation. Today, HHC is typically extracted from hemp varieties that have lower THC and higher CBD content. This is also the basis for the legal production of HHC.

HHC is regarded as one of the most resilient cannabinoids. Few other hemp compounds are as resistant to oxidation, UV light, or temperature fluctuations. No other cannabinoid has a chemical structure as stable as HHC. This means that even long-term storage is not an issue for this cannabis product.

HHC contains so little THC that there is strong hope it will be approved without issue in most EU countries. With HHC, the cannabis community now has a new way to enjoy hemp responsibly, alongside CBD.

The effects of HHC

This section covers how HHC is generally believed to work. According to the consensus among experts, HHC is expected to produce effects similar to THC. However, its psychoactive impact is significantly milder. Users often report feeling relaxed and calm after taking it.

It's important to note that HHC is a relatively new product on the cannabis market. Because of this, there is still very little scientific information available about its effects. For now, there are no definitive statements about how HHC actually works.

How effective do experts think HHC is?

The potency of HHC depends on the molecules 9R-HHC and 9S-HHC. Experts believe that the higher the 9R-HHC content in a product, the more effective it is likely to be. This is because 9R-HHC molecules interact more efficiently with the body's cannabinoid receptors.

The varying reports about the effects of HHC products are generally due to the different ratios of 9R-HHC to 9S-HHC. When you buy HHC products from HHC Vapes, you always get the highest possible 9R-HHC content. We maintain this product standard out of responsibility to our customers. This also means that the quality and customer-friendly ratio remain consistent across every batch and every bottle.

HHC vs. THC

HHC is derived from the same plant as THC, but both analyses and user experiences confirm that HHC is only mildly psychoactive compared to THC. Even though HHC and THC are chemically similar, HHC is clearly the much milder version of THC.

HHC vs. CBD

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the most well-known compounds derived from the cannabis or hemp plant. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is considered well tolerated. Currently, there is no comparable statement from the WHO regarding HHC. Pure CBD is available, for example, in crystalline form. When mixed with oils, CBD comes in various concentrations. CBD does not produce psychoactive effects and is not addictive. The potentially very mild intoxicating effect of HHC is one of the main differences compared to CBD. Like CBD, HHC is also available in different concentrations. The benefits of both are also used in combination products.

Is there a therapeutic benefit?

Current research on HHC is limited due to its recent emergence. One of the first known studies suggests that the chemical compound HHC may have a positive effect on an organism's well-being. However, it is clear that any therapeutic benefit of HHC cannot yet be determined. Research in this area has only just begun. As a result, there is not enough evidence to make a reliable statement about whether HHC has therapeutic value.

Production of HHC

The foundation for large-scale HHC production was established by its inventor, Roger Adams. In the lab, HHC is produced through a process called hydrogenation. This method takes place in a pressure vessel, where the molecular structure of various cannabinoids is broken down. The bonds are then replaced with hydrogen. This process allows cannabinoids such as THC or CBD to be chemically converted into HHC, which has a wide range of uses.

Manufacturers emphasize that HHC is not a synthetic cannabinoid. This is because all starting materials come from naturally grown cannabis plants. The process of obtaining HHC is complex and labor-intensive, but this is the only way to produce pure HHC. The work requires many hours and a deep understanding of the plant's natural chemical processes and the conversion procedure.

Producing HHC requires careful attention. The providers at hhc-Vapes.com ensure that their mindful production processes keep residues like palladium or nickel out of the final product. In addition to highly hygienic manufacturing, all quality controls are thoroughly maintained. Combined with top-tier production, these are the key factors for a premium HHC product.

Can HHC be detected in a drug test?

So far, it is known that HHC is broken down in our bodies differently than THC. It is believed that the metabolism of HHC follows a different pathway. If you take a standard drug test, which typically detects THC markers, the results for HHC are negative in most cases. This means that, based on current knowledge, HHC is not detected by standard drug tests. However, there is still not enough data to make a definitive statement on this topic.

Reports from users show that there have still been positive drug tests after taking HHC. Experts interpret these results as being triggered by trace amounts of THC.

How is it administered?

First of all: Unlike CBD, HHC is not available in natural flower form. This is because HHC is semi-synthetically produced and does not occur in large quantities in a Flower. However, there are Flowers that are artificially infused with HHC. HHC hash is also possible. It is important to note that both HHC-Flowers and HHC hash are currently illegal in Germany.

HHC oil is easy to dose. Counting drops from the bottle is straightforward. Liquids are those fluids in which substances for e-cigarettes or Vapes are stored. These can be quickly absorbed into the body through vaporizers. Edibles are foods that contain HHC. HHC edibles are currently not legally available for purchase. HHC is now also available as a cream.

HHC from HHC Vapes – what's inside?

If you browse our selection, you'll quickly notice that, depending on the variety, our HHC products can contain up to 99% pure HHC. The key factor when buying HHC is that the ratio of 9R-HHC to 9S-HHC should favor the former. At hhc-Vapes.com, you can currently get products with up to 70% 9R-HHC. We are committed to ensuring the ideal balance of these two compounds in all our products. This is important because 9R-HHC is the active component in the blend of substances found in our manufactured products.

The purity and quality of products at HHC Vapes are tested multiple times and continuously analyzed. This is done not only internally but also by an independent laboratory. These tests guarantee a high-quality HHC product. Additional checks further reinforce this quality control. Both our own staff and the team of experts at the lab screen for metal residues, mycotoxins, and other contaminants.

We also ensure the quality of HHC products in our range by working exclusively with GMP-certified manufacturers. Only certified natural terpenes are used in the production process and incorporated into the final product.

To guarantee top performance in the area of Cartridges, we use only certified CCell-Cartridges and ceramic cartridges during manufacturing.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of HHC

HHC is a product that deserves further research. Similar to THC, current studies suggest it may have certain effects. There are also various potential benefits and drawbacks associated with HHC.

Possible Benefits of HHC

Based on current knowledge, HHC is believed to have a calming effect on the human body and its many functions. One proven advantage is the high stability of HHC products. Compared to other cannabinoids, HHC has a much longer shelf life. Both heat and light have less impact on HHC than on its related compounds.

Possible Drawbacks of HHC

One of the downsides of HHC is that it's new to the market, so there isn't much solid scientific research on it yet. This is partly because researchers are taking the necessary time to properly analyze and present their findings. Rushed conclusions don't help anyone when it comes to HHC. That's why a slow and careful approach benefits everyone involved.

Another drawback is the price, since the manufacturing process is complex and labor-intensive. Despite all the great customer reviews and the praise for its effects, it's important to note that producing HHC requires significant staff and resources. That's why HHC is currently priced at the higher end of the cannabinoid market.

If you want a purely natural product that doesn't involve any human synthesis, your best bet is CBD. The way HHC is produced means that people have to intervene and add a new dimension to what nature provides.

Are there side effects with HHC?

As mentioned before, there still aren't any definitive scientific statements about side effects from HHC. Based on some user reports, people mention feeling tired, relaxed, and sometimes pleasantly dizzy. If you look through the available scientific literature and relevant publications, there haven't been any reports of potential negative side effects from HHC so far. We're also looking forward to new studies that will give us more certainty in this area.

Tip for using HHC

Our tip for using HHC products: Start with a small amount and a low dose. This gives you room to adjust if needed. You can gradually find the dose that feels right for you. It's always important to buy HHC from reputable sources. If you do that, you shouldn't run into any problems. If you want more detailed information about our products, feel free to get in touch with us at any time.

Is HHC legal?

As of the end of 2022, HHC is legal in Austria and Germany under current narcotics laws. In both EU countries, all cannabis products, including HHC, are legal as long as they do not exceed a certain THC content. For our products, this limit is currently around 0.001%. Some countries allow up to 0.3%, and in Switzerland (which is not an EU country), the threshold is 1%. If you buy HHC products in Switzerland that have a THC content above 0.2%, you should only use them in Switzerland. Bringing them into Germany or Austria is prohibited.

More than just a trend

Cannabinoids are literally everywhere these days. It’s not just the media that are constantly talking about CBD, HHC, and THC. There’s a lot of discussion about their potential benefits for various conditions. While THC has started to move out of the shadows and into legal status in many countries, and CBD is already legal, HHC sits somewhere in between as a new trending substance. Simply put, it’s legal because it hasn’t been made illegal. That’s what makes it so interesting right now. One reason why HHC could become a popular product for everyone in the future is that it offers a promising alternative to THC. Even today, it’s already more than just a passing trend.

Our conclusion

HHC has recently expanded the range of cannabis products with an intriguing new compound. More and more researchers are taking notice of HHC and are starting to explore its potential, which likely falls somewhere between CBD and THC. The hope is to harness the benefits of THC through HHC, without having to accept the drawbacks. This is especially relevant for many areas of therapeutic use.

However, it’s also clear that research on HHC is still in its early stages. The starting gun has fired, the runners are out of the blocks, the first steps have been taken, and things are picking up speed—but comprehensive research on HHC is still a long way off. What’s needed are reliable studies on HHC, both short-term and long-term. What we do know is that initial results and plenty of user experiences suggest a generally positive outlook for HHC.