The craze for cannabinoids continues with the emergence of HHC, known by its chemical name hexahydrocannabinol, which is one of the latest innovations derived from hemp. Like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and other related cannabinoids, there are many questions surrounding what HHC is, its legal status, its origin, etc. This semi-synthetic compound was first discovered in the 1940s by a chemist named Roger Adams through a process called hydrogenation. It is this HHC manufacturing process that we will focus on in this article. More information here.
What is HHC?
The HHC or Hexa Hydrocannabinol for short is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. Hexa Hydrocannabinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a natural phytocannabinoid that has rarely been identified as a trace component in Cannabis sativa, but can also be produced synthetically by hydrogenating cannabis extracts cannabis. As a semi-synthetic , this means that certain elements of the cannabinoid have been manufactured in a laboratory.
Although most people confuse it with THC, a unique fact about HHC is that it is hydrogenated, whereas THC is not. This is why HHC is referred to as a hydrogenated version of THC. Hydrogenation is a process that occurs when a chemical reaction between an active compound and hydrogen takes place. During the reaction, the molecular weight and molecular geometry of the compound change, making the compound more stable. This new compound develops greater heat resistance and has a longer shelf life.
Learn more about HHC
HHC is also known as the "Armageddon ready" because it was created to be more robust than natural natural THC. This becomes even more apparent when we take a closer look at its underlying molecular structure. To begin with, HHC does not suffer from oxidation and degradation like THC. This is due to its hydrogen saturation, which makes it stronger than THC. During the oxidation process, THC loses its hydrogen atoms before forming two new double bonds. When this happens, THC takes on another identity: CBN.
This is why old grass is known to contain high amounts of CBD, THC gradually deteriorates over time. As research indicates, premium CBD can be exploited and transformed into various isomers of HHC and other related subordinates. In addition, high-quality CBD can also be separated into THC in vitro but not in vivo. The transformation of CBD into HHC is an operation that does not occur frequently outside of a laboratory.
Is HHC legal?
As with other semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids appearing on the market, the legality of HHC is debatable. This cannabinoid can be derived from CBD UK and Delta-8 THC found in industrial hemp(which is legal at the federal level), but it can also be considered a variant of THC (which is not legal at the federal level). According to experts, HHC is legal at the federal level because it is a derivative of hemp, covered by the 2018 Farm Bill. It complies with federal law because the Farm Bill legally defines hemp as all parts of cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, which includes isomers and derivatives.
HHC is a derivative of hemp. However, the counterargument that is often put forward is that there is legislation that claims the opposite and that predates the Farm Bill. The Federal Analogs Act of 1986 states that substances that are analogues of a drug are also considered Schedule I drugs. HHC, which is an analogue of THC, would therefore be classified as a Schedule I drug. As long as the legality of HHC is still under debate, the choice to use HHC may carry certain risks, depending on the state in which you live.
How is HHC manufactured?
HHC, like the Delta-8-THC and Delta-10-THC isomers of THC HHC, like the Delta-8-THC and Delta-10-THC isomers of THC, is only present in trace amounts in cannabis in its natural state. It must therefore be manufactured scientifically to be viable as a commercial product. The manufacture of HHC is done through a process called hydrogenation. This process is also used in many other ways, including to convert vegetable oils into margarine. Although many false claims indicate that HHC is naturally present in cannabis products, this has not been proven.
HHC must be created through a conversion process, which is explained below. The HHC manufacturing process involves several steps, beginning with theextraction of CBD from hemp. It is then distilled and isolated in powder form. This process requires the addition of a hydrogen molecule and the use of a metal catalyst, such as palladium. It is important to note that this complicated process of creating HHC can be dangerous for those without the proper equipment.
The reason why this hydrogenation process can be dangerous is due to the use of hazardous catalysts. The catalysts used to create HHC can easily ignite under certain conditions, leading to a potentially dangerous explosion risk. For this reason, it is important that only qualified professionals manufacture HHC. Many companies that create HHC do not create this substance correctly. When choosing HHC, choose one that is extracted with water and vibrations, which results in a safer and cleaner HCC product.
The HHC creation process
How does the HHC is it made? The above definition provides a strong clue as to the most popular method: the hydrogenation of THC. In fact, this is how HHC was discovered in 1940 by Roger Adams, who described the process in his patent in 1947. In principle, the process involves high pressure, hydrogen atoms, and inert materials such as rhodium, palladium, rhodium, nickel, ruthenium, platinum, or rhenium serving as catalysts. When THC concentrate is subjected to high pressure, its double bonds break, destabilizing its structure. This is where hydrogen comes in to restore stability.
Alternative methods for manufacturing HHC
The THC is not the only cannabinoid from which HHC can be produced. The conversion of CBD premium is another way to obtain HHC, using artificial gastric juice. And coming back to hydrogenation, rumor has it that HHC has also been made from citronellol and L-carvone terpenes using the same process, but this has not been confirmed.
It should also be noted that hydrogenation is used to manufacture products that we consume on a daily basis, such as margarine, but this does not mean that it is a trivial process that anyone can carry out. On the contrary, it can be dangerous and requires solid scientific expertise.
Is the method of manufacturing HHC unique?
Like many semi-synthetic cannabinoids, HHC is formulated in a laboratory. Chemical reactions are used to transform the molecular structure of organic cannabinoids into HHC. There are a number of natural cannabinoids that can be transformed into HHC: CBD, Delta-9 THC or Delta-8 THC. Although there are also ways to transform Delta-9 THC into premium HHC, it is highly unlikely that current producers of HHC products would use Delta-9, as it is still considered a drug according to experts. However, it is almost certain that current producers of HHC products use CBD as a precursor compound to produce HHC products.
The process of converting cannabinoids such as CBD into HHC involves chemical reactions that use acidic reagents. These reagents are not necessarily safe for human consumption. Many HHC producers do not disclose how they produce their HHC, so caution is advised. If the reagents and solvents are not thoroughly "washed" out of the final product, the consumer risks inadvertently consuming these contaminants.
In addition, some experts point out that there are several methods used in the hydrogenation process, and that metal is generally required as a catalyst. Metal catalysts accelerate the chemical reaction without damaging the cannabinoid.
How does the HHC manufacturing method contribute to the benefits provided by HHC?
Some people use white metals, which are good catalysts, but these metals are expensive. This could be one of the reasons why HHC is so expensive on the market right now. The hydrogenation of THC molecules into HHC requires the breaking of electronic bonds on the THC molecule. THCmolecule and inserting hydrogen atoms in their place. In fact, to produce HHC, the double bonds of Delta-8 THC and insert two hydrogen atoms to make it stable and ready for use.
Ultimately, you create a cannabinoid (HHC) similar to tetrahydrocannabinols, except that it has no double bonds in its chemical structure. The insertion of hydrogen molecules significantly increases the longevity of the cannabinoid. Hydrogenation is not only used for cannabis : it is also the process used to convert vegetable oil into margarine. Thanks to hydrogenation, HHC can last longer than other forms of THC, as this process makes the molecule much less sensitive to heat, UV rays, or oxidation in general.
How does consuming high-quality HHC make you feel?
The biochemistry and neurology of HHC and THC are unique, so some people may report a greater impact than others. That said, HHC has a unique onset, different from delta-8 and delta-9. It has a more gradual onset followed by a calm and has a unique onset, different from delta-8 and delta-9. It has a more gradual onset followed by a calm and mellow experience, longer than delta-8 and shorter than delta-9. Many people say it's a less energetic feeling than delta-8, more cerebral, not as strong as delta-9, but a little more foreign than clarity and focus. However, some people report the exact opposite and say it's more of an energetic thing.
The effects could be determined by the different concentrations of diastereoisomers contained in the HHC distillate. A 60-40 version of this mixture in one direction versus 40-60 in another could have a significant impact. Further research is therefore needed.
Is HHC production safe?
Currently, all HCC producers do not do so in the same way. Some laboratories do not have the appropriate methodologies or access to the best reference standards to obtain accurate potency results. The current challenge is that this is new and it takes time to develop the appropriate methodologies properly. In terms of safety, producers must ensure that the conversion of CBD to delta-8 is as clean as possible. If you start with good quality delta-8, the conversions you get to HHC are very good quality.
Few people produce HHC right now, but those you do encounter are doing it correctly, so that's good news. Then there's the concern about creating accidental cannabinoid byproducts in the manufacturing process. You'll need to keep in mind that the HHC seen tested on the market is a very pure product. The hydrogenation process does its job well.
