What is HHC? Potency, Uses, and Safety Explained

Ever heard of HHC — Hexahydrocannabinol? That might sound like a mouthful, but don’t let the name scare you away.

HHC is a cannabinoid — one of the natural chemical compounds in weed — and it’s making waves for its unique properties and effects.

Whether you're a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or just starting your journey, we're here to break down everything you need to know about this hemp-derived cannabinoid.

Visit the Mood Shop to browse our curated selection of high-quality THC and HHC products, including HHC gummies, gel caps, and more. Subscribe for recurring orders to save 15%.

Table of Contents

• What Is HHC?

• How Does HHC Work?

• Is HHC Potent?

• What Is HHC Used For?

• Is HHC Legal?

• Will HHC Show Up on a Drug Test?

• FAQs About HHC

• What HHC Products Should I Try?

What Is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a naturally occurring psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. It’s one of the dozens of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that we currently know about; others include Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC, along with CBD, CBN, CBG, and more.

HHC forms in the cannabis plant in trace amounts, so it’s considered a minor cannabinoid — the same category that cannabidiol (CBD) falls into. However, just because it’s minor doesn’t mean it isn’t majorly worth your time.

Since HHC is only found naturally in very small concentrations, experts create a synthetic version of the cannabinoid in a lab using a process called hydrogenation, which we’ll discuss more below.

Learn more about cannabinoids from the Mood Blog.

The History of HHC

HHC has a rich history dating back several decades.

Chemist Roger Adams first discovered HHC through experiments with hydrogenation — adding hydrogen atoms to molecules to change their chemical structure.

Adams added hydrogen to a Delta-9 THC molecule, altering its chemistry and creating a different cannabinoid with its own unique psychoactive effects. Because of his use of hydrogenation, Adams named the new cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC for short.

This process is now used to create other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), and that’s why much of the HHC on the market is actually a hydrogenated derivative of THC or CBD rather than the trace amounts of HHC that occur naturally.

Because of this, you’ll often hear HHC referred to as a hemp-derived or synthetic cannabinoid.

Keep in mind that using processes like hydrogenation isn’t uncommon with other chemical compounds. In fact, most cannabinoids can be converted to other compounds by altering their molecular chemistry, which changes the way they interact with your body.

Want to learn more about the effects of cannabinoids like HHC? Check out the Mood Blog.

How Does HHC Work?

Like all cannabinoids, HHC attaches to cannabinoid receptors in your body and brain to produce unique effects.

These receptors are part of your body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions like memory and learning, appetite, sleep, overall mood, and even how you manage stress.

In general, the more powerfully a cannabinoid binds with your cannabinoid receptors, the more pronounced the effects will be.

Delta-9 THC is one of the most powerful cannabinoids in terms of binding affinity, while CBD and other minor cannabinoids (including HHC) typically have weaker binding abilities.

HHC’s Chemical Structure

While cannabinoids like Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC), Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC), and Delta-10 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-10 THC) are all considered forms of THC, HHC is different.

While Delta-8 and Delta-10 are isomers of Delta-9 THC, they consist of the same formula but feature different arrangements of atoms in their molecular structures. HHC is more commonly referred to as an analog of THC.

Hydrogenated HHC has a different formula than THC, since its double bond is replaced with hydrogen. This small difference gives HHC unique effects that can complement other cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9.

How Powerful Are HHC’s Effects?

HHC has similar effects to Delta-9 THC and its chemical cousin Delta-8 THC.

The cannabinoid produces psychoactive effects like altered sensory perception, and relaxation, but these sensations generally aren’t as powerful with HHC.

This is primarily because some HHC molecules bind more powerfully to your body’s cannabinoid receptors than others, making HHC a mixed bag in terms of potency.

Overall, the biggest determining factor for the potency of any cannabinoid is the amount you ingest at once. Products that contain more HHC will have more intense effects, and so will products that include a small amount of HHC alongside higher concentrations of other cannabinoids.

What Is HHC Used For?

HHC offers potential benefits similar to THC, including helping you relax, providing a boost of feel-good energy, and more. Since HHC is less potent, it’s possible that you might not notice these effects as much while using HHC alone.

HHC’s Shelf Life

One major benefit of HHC is that it has a longer shelf-life than Delta-9 THC.

The hydrogenation process improves the cannabinoid’s structural stability, so it lasts longer and is less likely to break down in response to changes in moisture levels and temperature. This can be a big perk when you’re picking up cannabis products in bulk and want them to last for as long as possible.

In general, it’s smart to store any hemp goods in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maximize their shelf life. This rule applies to everything from Delta-9 to HHC to CBD.

Is HHC Safe?

Like any cannabinoid, HHC is safe when it comes from a reliable and trustworthy source.

Make sure that the HHC you buy is legal and high-quality so that you can have peace of mind while using it. All of the HHC products in the Mood Shop are rigorously tested in third-party labs for quality, consistency, and safety.

Side Effects of HHC

Folks typically report similar side effects from HHC as those experienced with Delta-9 THC. You might notice mild dry mouth, some redness in your eyes, and a slight feeling of being overwhelmed or nervous if you use too much HHC or other cannabinoids.

Is HHC Legal?

The Farm Bill changed the way that cannabinoids like HHC are regulated and labeled. This bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances in the US, making it possible cannabis users to order HHC products online or pick them up from a local dispensary in some states.

For the record, hemp products are cannabis goods that contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Any hemp derived products over this threshold are classified as marijuana, which is still federally illegal across the US.

Learn more about the legal status of cannabis from the Mood Blog.

Will HHC Show Up on a Drug Test?

When it comes to drug testing and HHC, there’s still a lot we don’t know about HHC apart from anecdotal evidence. However, we do know that it’s always possible to fail a drug test because of HHC.

Whether or not HHC shows up on a test depends on a variety of factors, including the type of test you take, how much HHC you ingested, and whether you used a combination of HHC and THC.

If you’re concerned about failing a test, your best bet is to play it safe and avoid all cannabinoids — including HHC. A standard urinalysis test can detect cannabinoids like THC for up to 90 days.

What Is HHC (THC)? FAQs

Q: What’s the best way to get started with HHC?

A: If you’re new to HHC gummies and cannabis in general, we recommend trying edibles before smoking. Edibles have slower-onset effects, which gives you some time to get used to the experience of getting high and keep track of how specific amounts of HHC make you feel.

Our 25mg HHC Gel Caps (which we’ll discuss more below) provide a medium-potency serving of HHC that makes for the perfect introduction to the cannabinoid. Give these a try, then move on to vaping or smoking when you’re ready for something new.

Q: Should I try HHC or THC?

A: It’s worthwhile to sample a wide selection of different cannabinoids, including Delta-8, Delta-9, CBD, and HHc. The more diverse your experiences with cannabis are, the easier it will be to figure out what works best for you.

HHC can be a solid introduction to cannabis, as it has milder effects than some other cannabinoids. However, if you prefer to get started with classic Delta-9, you can always micro-dose THC for a more mellow high.

Q: What does an HHC high feel like?

A: Everyone responds differently to cannabinoids like HHC, and some folks report that the compound makes them feel a little drowsy at times. However, unlike some cannabinoids, HHC isn’t specifically known for its sedating effects.

If you find that using HHC makes you feel more tired than you expected, a smaller serving of the cannabinoid might be a better fit for you.

What HHC Products Should I Try?

The Mood Shop features multiple premium products made with HHC. Everything we sell is Farm BIll-compliant and made with cannabinoids extracted from USA-grown hemp plants.

Here are a few of our favorite HHC vapes and edibles:

25mg HHC Gelcaps

These compact and convenient gelcaps provide a happy high with medium potency. Each capsule contains 25mg of HHC that produces long-lasting effects without the addition of any Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC.

Get a bottle of 25mg HHC Gel Caps for just $69. Subscribe to save 15%.

Hero Dose Delta-8 THC Blueberry Diesel Disposable Vape

This sleek vape takes the edge off with a highly potent blend of HHC, Delta-8 THC, THCp, and HHCp. This powerful blend of cannabinoids produces a happy, energizing high that you’ll feel not long after your first hit.

All of the vapes in the Mood Shop feature a USB-C charging port and a premium ceramic coil.

Pick up a Hero Dose Delta-8 THC Blueberry Diesel Disposable Vape for just $45. Subscribe to save 15%.

Hero Dose Kush Mintz Disposable Vape

Designed for a happy mood, this vape contains a stimulating blend of HHC, THCp, THCa, Full-Spectrum CBD, and plenty of aromatic, flavorful terpenes.

Grab a Hero Dose Kush Mintz Disposable Vape for just $45. Subscribe for recurring shipments to save 15% on your order.

Looking for something else? Visit the Mood Shop to browse our full selection and find exactly what you’re looking for based on your mood.

Prices subject to change.