Who would have thought that hydrogenation played a role in one of the hottest new hemp cannabinoids on the market? Yes, the same process that extends butter’s shelf-life has been used to make a novel THC cannabinoid!
Like the more popular delta-8, HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that shares many features with the (federally) outlawed delta-9 THC and its cousin delta-8 THC. However, that doesn’t mean HHC is a carbon copy of these two. Indeed, people who’ve tried HHC say it has unique effects that are better suited for select customers.
So, what exactly is HHC, and how can your business profit from its effects? Although we’re still learning about HHC’s properties, initial findings suggest HHC has a few defining traits that have already made it a global hit!
What Is HHC?
“Hexahydrocannabinol” (aka HHC) may be a super-complicated name, but luckily, it’s not terribly difficult to explain. Basically, HHC is just THC with more hydrogen molecules. It was first discovered in 1944 by an American chemist named Roger Adams. He combined THC with hydrogen in a lab experiment, changing the structure of the THC molecule through a process called hydrogenation. This was the first time HHC had been made in a lab (for the scientifically inclined, the original paper can be found here).
HHC occurs naturally in trace amounts in industrial cannabis (hemp) plants, as a byproduct of THC degradation (kinda like CBN). As a result, HHC products, such as vape cartridges and CBD distillate, are made in the lab by hydrogenating THC via a process called isomerization. Essentially, you could say that HHC is a naturally occurring but synthetically mass-produced cannabinoid.
Chemical Structure
To get more technical without getting overly complex, HHC is delta-9 THC without double-bonds in the cyclohexyl. In place of these special bonds, HHC molecules have extra hydrogen compounds. The similarities are even more pronounced when we examine the molecular formula of each one: HHC’s molecular formula is C21H32O2, while THC’s is C21H30O2.
Thanks to the hydrogenation process, HHC has the added side-effect of a prolonged shelf-life (think margarine as an analogy). As the word implies, hydrogenation involves adding hydrogen atoms to the THC molecule, which in turn strengthens the compound’s stability. This makes HHC more resistant to degradation caused by factors such as heat, light, and oxygen. This is excellent news for shop owners who like to buy HHC in bulk, as the substance can be stored indefinitely without the risk of spoilage or degradation.
Key Differences Between HHC and THC
The little evidence we have on HHC suggests it’s not as intense as delta-9 THC. In fact, many anecdotal testimonies claim HHC is weaker than delta-8 or delta-10 THC. According to research, HHC can only bind to CB1 receptors at half the strength of delta-8. Since delta-8 is already less intense than delta-9, HHC has a notably less pronounced effect on users.
Delta-8, delta-9, and HHC are all in the “THC family,” but each has unique features. Typically, consumers claim delta-9 THC holds the top spot in terms of psychoactive potential. Therefore, people with delta-9 sensitivity often gravitate to HHC or delta-8 products.
According to Liam Burns of Bearly Legal Hemp, «Personally, with HHC, I feel energetic. I go to the gym. I’m sharp; my brain’s working properly. I typically have back and shoulder pain, but I have no pain when I’m on it.»
Even though HHC isn’t as strong as delta-8 and certainly not even close to delta-9 THC, it still has noticeable psychoactive properties. Many people who use HHC claim they feel a light “head-buzz high” that could essentially be described as “sativa lite.” This makes HHC an excellent alternative for clients who enjoy microdosing cannabis or for those new to THC cannabinoids.
Legality and Compliance of HHC vs THC
Navigating the legal landscape of cannabinoids in the US has always been tricky. At the federal level, laws like the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) regulate cannabinoids, but HHC isn’t explicitly listed as a controlled substance. However, state laws can differ dramatically: while some states explicitly allow HHC, others have banned it. For example, states like Colorado and California have embraced HHC, while places like Idaho and Montana have prohibited it. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully research your local hemp market before ordering anything like bulk HHC or delta-8 online.
Benefits of HHC For Your Brand
HHC is a highly appealing product for any dispensary or shop. HHC products appeal to a highly engaged customer segment, specifically casual users who may find delta-9 or even delta-8 THC too intense for their taste. HHC’s psychoactive effects are often described as milder and, therefore, more attractive to beginners or customers seeking a lighter, more functional high.
In addition, the added stability of HHC, thanks to the hydrogenation process, means it has a longer shelf life, reducing the risk of product spoilage. For businesses, this translates into fewer losses and more flexibility in inventory management.
With the legality of cannabinoids constantly shifting across states, HHC occupies a gray area where it isn’t explicitly banned in many areas, which makes it easier to stock for now. The growing demand for alternatives to delta-9 also means that offering HHC could give businesses a competitive edge, attracting customers eager to try newer cannabinoids.
At MCN, we offer a wide array of premium HHC products, all available for wholesale distribution. Among others, on our catalog you’ll find items such as:
HHC Distillate
HHC Live Resin
HHCo Acetate
HHCp Distillate
Why Choose MC Nutraceuticals for Bulk HHC?
We’ll be frank: Transparency in the hemp market is a hot mess. So many hemp scammers are flooding the space trying to make a quick buck. Heck, even celebrities like Mayim Bialik can’t catch a break from CBD phonies (FYI, the “Big Bang” star doesn’t endorse any CBD gummies!).
You need to carefully screen delta-8 and HHC companies. If a hemp vendor doesn’t offer third-party lab results, erase them from your shopping list. These tests are the only way you could get a sense of a company’s hemp offerings, so every reputable business should offer them to customers.
Not to toot our own horn, but MCNutraceuticals posts all of our Certificates of Analysis online, so you can feel safe working with our brand. We also offer the most extensive collection of hemp HHC and delta-8 products. From vape carts and concentrates to hemp flowers and edibles, there are plenty of ways you can experience hemp cannabinoids from our shop.
Please take some time browsing all of the bulk HHC and delta-8 solutions in the MCNutraceuticals shop. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1.800.685.8084, email us at sales@mcnutraceuticals.com, or fill out the form below if you have any questions for our hemp experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HHC stronger than THC?
No. In fact, HHC is substantially less potent than THC due to its weaker affinity for CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. Based on customer reviews, the HHC high feels like a perfect middle ground between delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
Does HHC get you very high?
No, HHC won’t get you very high. This is good news for customers who want to enjoy more relaxed sessions than typical cannabis consumers. HHC provides a mild experience that is notably less psychoactive than regular THC.
What does HHC do to you?
HHC is psychoactive, albeit mildly so. Therefore, customers should expect a very slight buzz that will keep them functional. It is worth noting that you should warn your customers not to drive, go to work or operate heavy machinery while having consumed HHC products. Even though the effects are not strong, it is still a psychoactive substance.
