The world of cannabis (aka weed) changes rapidly these days. It’s hard to keep up! HHC is a relatively new cannabis product, marketed as a “legal” alternative to delta-9 THC, the main compound in cannabis that causes a high.

“It’s common practice for drug labs to cook up new chemical compounds to evade the law,” says addiction medicine psychiatrist David Streem, MD. “These products become popular quickly before there’s any reliable data on their potency and risks.”

Dr. Streem explains what we know about HHC, how it compares to THC and why to think twice before trying it.

What is HHC?

HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a compound found in small amounts in the pollen and seeds of the cannabis plant. Its chemical structure is similar to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and delta-8 THC.

It’s often called “light cannabis,” suggesting HHC isn’t as strong as delta-9 and delta-8 THC. People use it recreationally for its euphoric and relaxing properties.

HHC products are widely available through online outlets, cannabis stores, vape shops and even convenience stores. They come in many forms, including:

• Food products, like gummies
• Smokable hemp flowers and resin sprayed with HHC
• Tinctures
• Vape cartridges

HHC vs. THC

Both HHC and THC attach to cannabinoid receptors in your body.

“These receptors are part of your endocannabinoid system and serve as binding sites for your body’s natural cannabinoids,” Dr. Streem explains. Your endocannabinoid system helps regulate essential processes like:

• Memory
• Metabolism
• Pain
• Sleep
• Stress

There’s not yet much research on HHC, so the ways it compares to THC aren’t fully known. Let’s take a look at what we do and don’t know:

• Psychoactive effects. Though both cause mind-altering effects (feeling “high”), HHC is thought to bring on a milder high than THC.
• Potency. “According to research, the more potent form of HHC, called 9R HHC, seems to have similar effects as delta-9 THC,” Dr. Streem says. “Perhaps the difference in the strength of HHC versus THC is because HHC products have a mix of 9R HHC and the less-active form of HHC, called 9S HHC.”
• Side effects and risks. HHC’s side effects and risks are thought to be similar to those of THC.
• Medical uses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications containing CBD (cannabidiol) and synthetic THC for treating certain types of seizures, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and weight loss due to HIV/AIDS. But there isn’t any data yet on whether HHC is effective for treating any health conditions.
• Longevity. THC is detectable in urine for a few days for single use and a month or more for chronic daily use. HHC may or may not behave similarly, but there’s not yet enough research to say for certain.
• Production. THC occurs naturally in cannabis. HHC can be made by converting delta-9 THC to HHC, but U.S. federal law prohibits manufacturing products from conventional cannabis. Drug producers try to get around the law by making HHC with hemp, the legal form of cannabis (which has under 0.3% THC).
• Legality. Cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC is illegal under federal law, but medical and recreational use is legal under some states’ laws. Because of the way it’s made, not everyone agrees that HHC is legal under federal law. Some states also ban hemp products, which include HHC, as well as CBD.

Health effects and risks of HHC

HHC isn’t well-studied, so its overall health effects are unknown. But its side effects may be similar to those of THC, including:

• Anxiety, fear and panic
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness and confusion
• Fast heart rate
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations
• Impaired coordination and reaction time
• Increased appetite
• Memory loss

Other potential health concerns related to THC (and likely HHC) include:

• Addiction
• Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
• Impaired brain development in people who start using HHC before age 26
• Low birth weight and other complications if used during pregnancy
• Lung disease from vaping
• Personal injuries and motor vehicle accidents
• Psychosis

Is HHC safe?

In addition to all of the possible side effects and risks, manufacturers aren’t required to test HHC products for strength or purity. That means you can’t be sure what’s in a product. And with edibles, you don’t know how much to take, which can increase the risk of HHC poisoning.

“HHC production involves hazardous chemicals that can potentially linger in the final product,” explains Dr. Streem. “The HHC you buy may also contain other cannabinoids or added chemicals.”

Does HHC show up on a drug test?

How HHC breaks down in your body hasn’t been well-studied, so it’s unclear how long it stays in your system — and whether it’ll show up on a drug test. Based on the limited evidence available, HHC will likely trigger a positive result on a drug test.

“Whether or not your employment depends on a drug test, it’s best to avoid HHC,” advises Dr. Streem. “The overall health effects and safety are uncertain. And there are healthier alternatives for whatever reason you have for using it.”

Not sure where to turn? Start with a healthcare provider. They can treat underlying health conditions and suggest resources to improve your mental health and overall well-being.