A new report by the EMCDDA is shining a spotlight on an intriguing substance called hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which is derived from cannabidiol (CBD) found in low-THC cannabis plants (hemp).
HHC is the first semi-synthetic cannabinoid (SSC) to be reported in the EU, and although it was discovered way back in 1940, it only made its European debut in May 2022. Since October 2022, it’s been monitored as a new psychoactive substance (NPS).
At the moment, there’s still a lot to learn about HHC’s effects and risks, but that’s where the report comes in! It aims to raise awareness about the rapidly growing market for HHC and related SSCs, providing a comprehensive and informative overview of what we know so far.
As of March 31, 2023, HHC has caught the attention of 20 EU Member States and Norway. At the time of the report, most European countries didn’t have any specific controls on HHC, and it’s not listed under the 1961 and 1971 UN Conventions.
A legal cannabis alternative?
But wait, there’s more! Since HHC popped up in Europe, two other SSCs, HHC acetate (HHC-O) and hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHC-P), have joined the party in the European drug market.
This could mark the first major shift in the market for legal cannabis alternatives since Spice-type products made their entrance in Europe about 15 years ago.
While lab studies are limited, early findings suggest that HHC might have effects similar to THC, the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. No human studies have been conducted yet, but anecdotal reports from users hint that HHC’s effects might be reminiscent of cannabis.
HHC is making a name for itself as a cannabis and THC alternative, available in various enticing branded and unbranded products. From low-THC cannabis flowers and resin with added HHC to vape pens, e-liquids, and edibles, there’s something for everyone! And the marketing? It’s all about comparing HHC’s effects to cannabis and THC.
Significant HHC trade already happening
Since October 2022, the EMCDDA has received reports of about 50 seizures of HHC-containing products, totaling around 70 kg and nearly 100 liters. Most seizures were small-scale, but three large ones in Italy, Poland, and Germany hint at a potentially larger trade.
HHC might just be the next big thing for current cannabis users and new consumers who are drawn to its effects and legal status, including young and inexperienced individuals. Easy access through CBD and vape shops might even give it a boost in popularity.
HHC first made its way to the US market around September 2021, seemingly due to legislative changes. The EMCDDA is on top of this emerging trend, taking various actions to address potential public health and social risks from this new market.
How is HHC created?
HHC was first created in 1994 by American chemist Roger Adams through a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen molecules are added to Delta-9 THC.
HHC is made by hydrogenating the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD, as CBD-dominant cannabis (hemp) is federally legal in the USA and most of Europe.
The process of making HHC is not straightforward and requires CBD isolate, which is produced by cultivating high CBD hemp, distilling the cannabinoids, and refining them into powdered CBD.
The hydrogenation process saturates the upper ring structure of CBD with hydrogen molecules, converting the white powdered CBD isolate into a dark gold oil that requires further refinement before distilling.
