What is HHC and why it's gaining popularity

(Updated December 2023)

Have you ever heard of HHC? If not, you're not alone. But this completely legal cannabinoid is gaining popularity in Europe for a good reason – it works! Keep reading to learn more about what HHC is and how it stimulates an increase in activity more so than other cannabis products usually do.

What exactly is HHC

High-hydroxy cannabidiol, or HHC, is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis, but in amounts too small to make extraction cost-effective. Since commercial production of HHC is just getting off the ground, it’s still not widely known. Most cannabinoids can be converted to other cannabinoids by altering the chemistry of the molecules. Like delta 8 THC and delta 10 THC, commercial HHC is made from hemp-derived CBD in a lab through chemical processes.

High-hydroxy cannabidiol has one major legal advantage over delta 8 and delta 10. It isn’t called THC. In fact, its effects are so similar to those of THC that you might think it was made from d9THC itself. The only difference between them is their legal status: d9THC is illegal in most countries, while HHC has been deemed legal by several countries.

HHC vs CBD 

The difference between CBD and HHC is that the latter carries effects that make it a more potent product. This means that CBD products can be used for numerous health reasons, but it will never give its consumers the exceptional effects that HHC and Delta 9 would provide. After all, HHC is also very good for pain, as several studies (for example by Satoshi Yamaori) have shown.

HHC vs THC

While the available research on the safety of HHC is limited, there is no indication that it poses a greater risk than THC. The primary distinction between HHC and THC lies in the duration of their effects, with HHC capable of producing effects lasting up to 12 hours, in contrast to THC, whose effects typically endure for only a few hours.

We covered this topic more in deep in this article.

Is HHC legal in Europe?

Yes, it is legal in most countries in the world including those in Europe. However, while HHC products are currently legally available in many European countries, it's important to stay informed about the laws surrounding HHC in your particular area. As more research is conducted on HHC and its effects, regulations can always change. So make sure to regularly check your local laws to ensure you're purchasing HHC products legally. And of course, always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any type of HHC product.

According to available data, now in December 2023, HHC is legal in many EU states, such as Germany, Spain, or, for example, the very liberal Czech Republic in this regard. On the other hand, HHC is illegal in Italy, France and countries in northern Europe, for example. If you are going to travel in Europe, we always recommend checking the current law. Here we only mention freely searchable data on the internet as of today.

Different Forms of HHC

HHC products come in a variety of forms. If you're new to HHC, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to start. Let's break down some of the options available on the market.

HHC joint

HHC joints are a medical-grade cannabis product that helps relieve pain and inflammation. It's made with all-natural ingredients, and it doesn't contain any THC, which means it won't get you high.

HHC pen

The HHC pen is the perfect balance of convenience and discretion. It's the only vaporizer that lets you enjoy your favorite cannabis strain without the bulky equipment or lingering smell.

HHC Flower

Our flowers are grown in a controlled greenhouse environment. These are enriched with HHC in a content of up to 40%.

HHC edibles

 Many customers, both new and experienced often opt for HHC in an edible form since it takes the experience to a whole new level. For example a shot is an easy-to-use liquid form of HHC that contains no harmful substances. It can be used sublingually or dropped under your tongue, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for an alternative way to consume HHC without having to take pills or capsules every day. Next, our jellies are made from pure HHC extractions combined with high quality terpenes from each strain we offer on our website!

Increasing popularity

HHC stands out as a non-psychoactive option, rendering it safer than Delta 9 THC. Its growing popularity as a substitute for Delta 9 THC is attributed to its lack of psychoactive effects. Users can expect to experience no mind-altering sensations, enhancing its overall safety profile.

Additionally, HHC enjoys broader legal acceptance in numerous countries compared to THC. It is readily accessible online, further contributing to its widespread availability.

Is HHC Natural or Synthetic?

It's both!

HHC appears naturally in cannabis, but in small quantities. Tiny concentrations of HHC and delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC appear when THC oxidizes into CBN over a long period. CBN is a cannabinoid present in aged cannabis.

However, since the natural concentration of HHC in cannabis is so small, producers are unable to viably make HHC products from it. So, what do they do instead? They hydrogenate THC—and we'll get into what that means shortly.

Hydrogenation of THC to HHC is a simple process. Producers take THC, chemically saturate it with hydrogen atoms, expose it to a nickel or zinc catalyst, and convert it into HHC. The inclusion of hydrogen causes HHC to become more stable than THC with higher heat and UV resistance.

Since hydrogenation uses a chemical to alter THC’s natural molecular weight and geometry, HHC is now regarded as semi-synthetic—right between pure natural and pure synthetic compounds on the spectrum of purity levels (the closer something is to 100% pure).

Dominik, Kratomit