Introducing Hexahydrocannabinoid (HHC): The New Cannabinoid in Town

We’ve generally thought of cannabinoids to be either extracted from the cannabis plant, or in our Endocannabinoid System. But there are few that are extracted in labs as further derivatives or analogs of some cannabinoids. 

Apart from the popular THC and CBD, there are other cannabinoids that have different chemistry and effects on people who consume them. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) happens to be one such cannabinoid. 

It is a derivative of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and extracted in a lab. This makes it a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, as it is present naturally, but extracted in a lab. 

From the standpoint of the marijuana industry, we divulge into how intriguing this semi-synthetic cannabinoid, Hexahydrocannabinoid, is. 

Is HHC a Natural or Synthetic Compound?

HHC is a compound that walks the line on the divide of natural and synthetic compounds. There are some compounds that occur naturally, while some are made in laboratories. HHC is special in the sense that it is extracted from a natural compound and the process transpires in a laboratory. This gives HHC a distinct edge, bearing a close resemblance to a natural cannabinoid like THC on a molecular level, while being the result of some lab experiments.

Synthetic cannabinoids are made and created in labs, from start to finish. But semi-synthetic cannabinoids are extracted from natural cannabinoids in the controlled environment of a laboratory. In most cases, CBD is used as the natural cannabinoid that’s used to synthesize different cannabinoids in the lab. This is exactly the case with HHC. According to a 2007 study, CBD can be transformed to make HHC and THC respectively. 

Despite being synthesized, HHC binds itself to the Endocannabinoid System in our bodies after consumption just like its parent. It also delivers near-identical responses like natural cannabinoids -THC and CBD. 

Some of these cannabinoids relieve anxiety, some reduce pain while others could help with increasing someone’s appetite. These properties can be used in a medicinal way, as marijuana is being accepted as an alternative form of treatment. 

What are the Effects of HHC?

Every cannabinoid has its own molecular structure that binds differently to the ECS, producing varying effects. On the same lines, HHC has its own structure and effects on people who consume it. HHC is close in its molecular structure to THC, though not as potent as the former, it sure has slight psychoactive properties. Even though HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, it fairs pretty well against natural cannabinoids. 

Effects of HHC include –

• A mild but notable sense of euphoria.
• Change in blood pressure 
• Slightly altered sense of hearing and perception  

How is HHC Made?

As extraordinary as one might think the process might be, it is a fairly simple and effective one. A cannabis extract is slowly introduced to hydrogen as well as a metal catalyst under the controlled environment of a lab. This results in a reaction which slowly changes the chemical structure of the extract and turns it into a cannabinoid with totally different characteristics and binding properties, in this case, HHC. 

This conversion of CBD or THC to HHC is a process that does not happen at large naturally. To replicate the process and amplify it, an acidic environment is created in a laboratory. This process requires a great deal of heat and that is why it is advised not to try making HHC at home or in the absence of professional equipment or setting. 

Benefits of HHC 

There haven’t yet been many studies done on the subject matter, but the research done on it suggests that HHC has its set of benefits. As it has similar chemical properties to THC, HHC gives a relaxing high, with very mild auditory and visual distortion. While you can use HHC without applying for a medical marijuana card online, the cannabinoid and laws related to it are still in their prime and may change with time. 

A few other significant benefits of the compound are – 

HHC can be used effectively against cancer 

The reason why some compounds are used effectively against cancer is due to the fact that they can significantly slow or even stop the growth and spread of tumor cells. Though there hasn’t been much research on it, the ones where the properties of HHC were studied indicated that the compound could play a pivotal role in curbing cancer cell growth. 

It has Excellent Pain Relieving Properties 

Along with research that concluded that CBD can be transformed to THC and HHC, came another conclusion that mentioned pain-relieving properties of the compound. Pain-relieving and subsequent sleep-inducing properties of HHC were reflected.

Conclusion

So in effect, we come to realize that there is more than just a black and white in the field of marijuana. Semi-synthetic cannabinoids like HHC come in great use as they are derivatives of natural compounds. This gives them traditional properties of their parent cannabinoid along with a new set of properties, innate to themselves. Compounds like these could well possibly be the future of the cannabis industry.

This is a sponsored post and Save On Cannabis has been paid for the placement of the content and did not author the content of the piece as well as does not necessarily share the opinion of the author. 

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