UmmHexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC, is a hydrogenated version of THC. When hydrogen atoms are added to the molecular structure, the result is a more stable compound. Hemp naturally contains HHC, but only in very small amounts. A complicated process is used to add hydrogen atoms to THC to extract a usable concentration using high pressure and a catalyst.
This process destroys the double-bond chemical structure of the THC compound, replacing it with hydrogen while maintaining the potency and effects of the cannabinoid. The slight modification increases THC’s affinity for binding to TRP pain receptors as well as cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Intriguingly, hydrogenation strengthens THC’s molecular structure, making it less prone to oxidation and degradation than its source cannabinoid.
THC loses hydrogen atoms during oxidation, creating two new double bonds. As a result, CBN (cannabinol), which only has about 10% of the psychoactive potency of THC, is produced. So, one upside of HHC is that it doesn’t lose its potency as quickly as THC does when exposed to environmental elements like light, heat, and air.
So, if you’re a prepper for the end of the world, you might save some of that HHC to keep yourself going when things are tough!
How Does HHC Compare to THC?
HHC’s effect profile is very similar to that of Delta 8 THC’s effects. It delivers a euphoric effect, increases your appetite, changes how you perceive sight and sound, and momentarily raises your heart rate. Some HHC users describe it as more relaxing than stimulating, placing the effects somewhere between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC.
Since HHC shares many of THC’s therapeutic benefits, there aren’t many studies that have looked into its potential. In a rat study, the cannabinoid beta-HHC showed remarkable pain-killing effects, but more research is required to determine its full range of supposed benefits.
