Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) represents a pivotal advancement in the cannabis extraction industry, heralding new frontiers in cannabinoid product development and market expansion. For extractors and cannabis companies, understanding the intricacies of HHC and its production processes is not just about tapping into a novel cannabinoid offering. It’s about innovating in a space that’s increasingly competitive and highly regulated. The allure of HHC lies in its unique chemical structure, offering effects that resonate with both recreational and medicinal consumers, thereby broadening consumer appeal and potentially enhancing therapeutic profiles.
Even some experts wonder, “How do they make HHC?”. This curiosity has evolved into a critical question for cannabis product manufacturers that shows the importance of technological innovation and safety standards in cannabinoid extraction processes. For industry stakeholders, mastering HHC extraction is similar to pioneering a new frontier in cannabinoid science. It may promise to unlock new product formulations and improve the efficacy and safety of cannabis and hemp products, establishing a benchmark for product excellence and compliance.
What is HHC?
HHC is the abbreviation for hexahydrocannabinol. It marks a significant development in cannabinoid science as the first semi-synthetic cannabinoid introduced in the European Union. [1] It emerged through a complex chemical transformation involving the cyclization and hydrogenation of cannabidiol (CBD), leading to a novel compound with unique structural and pharmacological characteristics.
Despite its growing presence in the cannabis market, HHC remains somewhat enigmatic, with comprehensive studies on its pharmacological properties and effects still in the nascent stages. This knowledge gap creates a critical area of research, as the understanding of HHC’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, its potential therapeutic benefits, and its safety profile requires further exploration. The creation of HHC is a step towards diversifying the range of cannabinoids available for medical and recreational use, potentially promising new avenues for product innovation and therapeutic applications.
When was HHC Discovered?
While the concept of hexahydrocannabinol might seem like a novel advancement in cannabis extraction, its origins trace back to the 1940s, debunking the notion that HHC is a new discovery. Roger Adams, a pioneering chemist, first elucidated the process of creating HHC, which he detailed in his 1947 patent. [2] This historic method for how to make HHC involves exposing concentrated THC to high pressure in the presence of hydrogen atoms and utilizing inert materials such as iridium, palladium, rhodium, nickel, ruthenium, platinum, or rhenium as catalysts.
This high-pressure environment facilitates the breaking of THC’s double bonds, leading to a destabilized structure and the formation of HHC. Adams’ innovative work laid the foundational understanding of HHC production, illustrating the compound’s longstanding history and its recent resurgence in interest within the cannabis community and industry.
The Differences between HHC and THC
HHC and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) share a close relationship in their molecular structures, yet exhibit distinct differences that influence their pharmacological effects. Both compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system but differ in their psychotropic activities due to variances in molecular configuration.
HHC’s structure is characterized by the absence of double bonds present in THC, a modification that results from the hydrogenation process. This alteration yields two epimers of HHC, 9R, and 9S, with the 9R epimer demonstrating cannabimimetic activity, whereas the 9S epimer exhibits either negligible or less pronounced psychotropic effects. [1]
The difference in activity between these epimers was highlighted in in-vivo studies, such as the research conducted by Raphael Mechoulam on rhesus monkeys, which noted behavioral and somatic changes post-administration of HHC epimers. This structural difference underscores the importance of precise extraction and synthesis techniques, as extractors have learned how to make HHC from CBD, optimizing for the more active R epimer. [1]
Is HHC Legal?
The legality of HHC exists in a complex regulatory system, directly influenced by interpretations of the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation federally legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided they contain less than 0.3% THC. Since HHC is often synthesized from hemp-derived THC or CBD, it occupies a legal gray area at the federal level, not explicitly mentioned in the bill.
However, the situation becomes more black-and-white at the state level. HHC has been banned or restricted in some states that have taken a proactive stance to regulate or limit the sale and distribution of novel psychoactive substances derived from hemp. These varying state laws create a patchwork of legality across the U.S., making it imperative for consumers and businesses to stay informed about specific local regulations regarding HHC’s legal status.
Does HHC Show up in Drug Tests?
The interaction between HHC and drug testing is a topic of significant interest, especially for individuals undergoing pre-employment drug screening or other forms of drug tests. Due to the structural similarities between HHC and THC, there is a prevailing concern about the potential for HHC to trigger positive results in drug tests.
The current understanding suggests that standard drug tests primarily detect metabolites of THC, not HHC directly. Given that HHC metabolizes differently in the body compared to THC, it is theoretically less likely to be detected by traditional THC-focused drug screenings. Nonetheless, the lack of comprehensive research and variability in drug testing methodologies means there’s still an element of uncertainty. Individuals should exercise caution and consider the potential risks of consuming HHC if subject to drug testing, as the differences in metabolism may not fully exempt them from testing positive.
How is HHC Made?
To grasp the intricacies of how HHC is made, a foundational understanding of hydrogenation is essential. This chemical process is central to transforming other cannabinoids into HHC, serving as the bridge between common cannabis compounds and this semi-synthetic cannabinoid.
Hydrogenation involves the addition of hydrogen atoms to a molecule, fundamentally altering its structure and, consequently, its pharmacological properties. For those intrigued by the creation of HHC, recognizing the role of hydrogenation offers insight into the sophisticated chemistry that enables the conversion of cannabinoids like CBD or THC into HHC. It’s a pivotal first step that not only demystifies the HHC production process but also illuminates the scientific precision required to engineer cannabinoids with specific characteristics.
What is Hydrogenation?
Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the direct addition of molecular hydrogen to another element or compound, usually in the presence of a catalyst. This process can lead to hydrogen simply adding to double or triple bonds within a molecule’s structure, or it might cause the molecule to break apart, a reaction known as hydrogenolysis or destructive hydrogenation.
A hallmark of hydrogenation is its versatility. It can be applied to nearly all organic compounds featuring multiple bonds between two atoms, which is why it was applied to cannabinoids. This reaction has monumental industrial significance, evidenced by its use in creating ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen, methanol or hydrocarbons from hydrogen and carbon monoxide, transforming liquid oils into edible fats, and in petroleum refining for gasoline and petrochemical production.
The discovery by Paul Sabatier in 1897, highlighting nickel as an effective catalyst, marked a pivotal moment in harnessing hydrogenation for industrial applications. Common catalysts include nickel, platinum, palladium, copper chromite, and nickel supported on kieselguhr for high-pressure scenarios. Today, these processes have been ingeniously applied to cannabinoids, opening new avenues in cannabinoid science and product development. [3]
How to Make HHC at Home
Creating HHC involves complex chemical processes, including hydrogenation, which are best left to the professionals. The synthesis of HHC not only requires specialized knowledge of chemistry and access to specific laboratory equipment but also entails handling potentially dangerous chemicals under controlled conditions. The precise manipulation of cannabinoids to produce HHC or its epimers demands a high degree of scientific expertise and adherence to safety protocols, which are typically beyond the scope of home experimentation.
It is important to emphasize that attempting to produce HHC at home poses significant risks, including the potential for chemical accidents and legal consequences. Given these factors, individuals interested in exploring the benefits of HHC should opt for products manufactured by reputable companies within regulated industries. For safety, legality, and quality assurance, do not try this at home.
What are the Effects of HHC?
The effects of HHC have been a subject of scientific exploration, with pivotal studies, such as the one by Raphael Mechoulam in 1980, offering insight. This research highlighted the psychotropic potency of HHC epimers in rhesus monkeys. The (R)-HHC epimer, characterized by an equatorial methyl substituent, was found to induce severe stupor, ataxia, immobility, and other signs of high potency, even at low doses. Conversely, the (S)-HHC epimer, with an axial methyl group, prompted drowsiness and reduced motor activity at higher doses. These findings, albeit from a study using a non-pure compound, show a significant variance in the effects based on the specific epimer present. [1]
The influence of each epimer’s abundance in HHC-containing cannabis products on their potency further underlines the need for detailed analysis and understanding of these compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography and behavioral assays, like the tetrad test on mice, are crucial in evaluating the psychoactive impacts comparable to those of Delta 9-THC, reinforcing the somewhat unpredictable nature of HHC’s effects.
Can HHC Get You High?
Yes, HHC can induce psychoactive effects similar to THC, leading to a high in consumers. HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC, and its psychotropic potency varies based on the specific epimers present. As mentioned, the (R)-HHC epimer, in particular, has been found to exhibit significant psychotropic activity, including symptoms of stupor and immobility in animal studies, even at low doses. These effects are indicative of a high potency that can influence perception, mood, and consciousness, comparable to the experiences associated with THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis.
However, the intensity and nature of the high from HHC can differ due to its molecular structure and the presence of different epimers. Consumers should note that the psychoactive outcomes depend on the abundance of one epimer over the other. Consequently, while HHC can get you high, the experience may vary, highlighting the importance of understanding the effects of hexahydrocannabinol, THC, and other cannabinoids.
Is Consuming HHC Safe?
When considering the safety of consuming HHC, it’s vital to err on the side of caution. Research into HHC and its effects is still in the early stages, with limited studies available on its long-term health implications. Though HHC is structurally similar to THC and offers psychoactive properties, the specific health risks or benefits associated with its use remain under-researched.
Consumer safety is paramount, and without comprehensive, peer-reviewed research assessing the safety profile of HHC, individuals should approach its use with caution. Potential consumers are advised to consider legal aspects, and personal health conditions, and consult healthcare professionals before trying HHC products. Additionally, the quality and purity of HHC products can vary significantly, further complicating safety assessments. In summary, due to the current lack of extensive scientific data on HHC, consumers should proceed with caution and prioritize informed decision-making when considering its use.
The Future of Hexahydrocannabinol
The exploration of hexahydrocannabinol represents a growing field within cannabinoid research, indicating both promising applications and the need for extensive scientific research. Current studies, including works dating back to the 1980s, have begun to unveil the psychotropic potential and unique properties of HHC and its epimers. These insights have laid groundwork suggesting that HHC could offer distinct therapeutic and recreational benefits that are similar yet differentiated from those of THC.
At the same time, the scientific community agrees that more research is needed to fully understand HHC’s safety profile, efficacy, and long-term effects. The preliminary observations highlight the importance of rigorous, peer-reviewed research to ascertain the pharmacological properties and health implications of consuming HHC.
Looking forward, the trajectory of HHC reflects a broader trend in cannabinoid science. The continued discovery and study of novel cannabinoids are set to expand our pharmacopeia, offering new opportunities for medical treatments and understanding human biochemistry. The future of HHC, and cannabinoids at large, rests on advancing research methodologies and fostering a regulatory environment conducive to exploring these compounds’ full spectrum of effects.
References:
- Russo, F et al., The semisynthetic cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Scientific Reports. 2023. 13, Article number: 11061. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369781701_The_semisynthetic_cannabinoid_Hexahydrocannabinol_HHC [Times Cited = 1] [Journal Impact Factor = 4.6]
- US2419937A https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search/family/024105324/publication/US2419937A?q=pn=US2419937
- Hydrogenation. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/hydrogenation
