HHC Safety
HHC has made waves as an alternative to THC. Users love it, but critics have raised concerns about safety. Whether you’re considering trying HHC for the first time, or use it regularly, you may be wondering about HHC’s safety. Read on to learn more about this cannabinoid, and whether or not it’s really safe.
What is HHC?
Before we get into the safety of HHC, let’s cover the basics. HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC, initially synthesized in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams. The addition of hydrogen makes HHC less potent than THC. This is due to its molecular structure, and its interaction with our endocannabinoid system. Our endocannabinoid system is made up of two groups of receptors; CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors are located in our central nervous system, primarily the brain. If a cannabinoid attaches to these receptors, then it produces a high. HHC attaches to these receptors, but not as securely as THC does. So, it is psychoactive, but not quite as potent as THC.
Why now?
So, if HHC has been around since the ‘40s, why are we just hearing about it recently? The popularity of HHC and other cannabinoids is due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized hemp on a federal level with the goal of increasing its production to make things like clothing, rope, and food. Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less of delta 9 THC by weight. However, it wasn’t long before people realized that hemp-derived cannabinoids were also technically legal due to this new legislation. This started with CBD (remember how hot that was in 2019?), and soon expanded to other cannabinoids like delta 8 and HHC.
How it’s made
In order to be considered legal federally, HHC needs to come from hemp. Most, if not all, of the HHC on the market comes from hemp-derived delta 8 THC. In a lab, chemists add hydrogen to the delta 8, and use a metal catalyst in order to force a reaction. This same process of hydrogenation is still used today to create margarine from vegetable oil.
Criticism
As we know, cannabis is not legal in every state. Thanks to the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, people living in states without legal cannabis could now legally enjoy other cannabinoids. Of course, many were quick to criticize these new products. Some, unfortunately, did so because there will always be backlash around cannabis and anything related to cannabis. However, other critics actually raised valid concerns about the safety of HHC and other cannabinoids. Cannabis from state-run dispensaries is subject to rigorous testing and standards to ensure safety. Hemp-derived cannabinoids, on the other hand, are vastly unregulated.
The importance of lab testing
Cannabinoid conversion needs to be handled by the professionals in white coats. Assuming it’s handled professionally, even then there are risks that call into question the safety of HHC. Lab testing of the final product is absolutely essential to ensure that there are no harmful byproducts leftover from the cannabinoid conversion process. It’s also necessary to make sure there are no surprise cannabinoids in there that you may be trying to avoid. Here at DVNT, we share our lab test results from all of our products right on our site so you can shop with confidence.
Today
Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the safety of HHC has had its own legal implications. Individual states have implemented their own laws regarding HHC and other hemp-derived cannabinoids. Some states have affirmed the federal law, and confirmed the legality of these cannabinoids. Others have imposed safety regulations and restrictions, and still others have banned these products altogether. This map shows where things stand today. Definitely stay up to date with what’s going on in your state before indulging in HHC.
The bottom line
If you’re using reliable, lab-tested products (like ours!), then HHC is safe to use. Lab testing is completely necessary to ensure the safety of HHC. Federally, there are no laws about lab testing. Certain states have required it, but due to the vast size of the market and the presence of countless online vendors, not all HHC products are held to the same standard. Here at DVNT, we have you covered with reliable, safe HHC products. Check them out for yourself and see why HHC has become such a hit.