Where Does HHC Come From?
HHC has been making waves as an hot “new” cannabinoid in recent years. Users have been loving it as an alternative to THC. Though its popularity has soared recently, this cannabinoid isn’t actually new. But where does HHC actually come from? Keep reading to learn all about its history, and where all the HHC on the market really comes from.
In the meantime, shop our selection of HHC blunts and prerolls.
Origins of HHC
As I mentioned above, HHC isn’t new. This cannabinoid was first synthesized in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams. Adams added two hydrogen molecules to THC, which created HHC. This process, known as hydrogenation, is used for a variety of other things, including the creation of margarine from vegetable oil. A man ahead of his time, Adams was criticized by his superiors for noting the “pleasant effects” of cannabis. Unfortunately, his work with HHC would not become widely relevant for many, many more years.
The farm bill
You may have noticed that, almost overnight, tons of “new” cannabinoids have appeared on the market. It started with CBD (remember how that was suddenly everywhere?). More recently, consumers can select from HHC, delta 8, delta 10, THC-O, THCA, and more. But what happened to cause this cannabinoid craze?
This sudden presence of all these cannabinoids is thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized hemp on a federal level. Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less delta 9 THC by weight. The intent of this bill was to legalize hemp production for things like clothing, rope, and food. Unintentionally, the bill resulted in the federal legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Suddenly, tons of “new” cannabinoids were legally allowed to be sold across the country, as long as they came from hemp.
Where does HHC come from today?
HHC can be made from hemp-derived delta 8 THC. This usually starts as CBD, which is then converted to delta 8 through a process known as isomerization. Chemists then use two active catalysts to disband the double atom bonds in delta 8. From here, they add the hydrogen atoms which converts the delta 8 to HHC. The catalysts used for this process are metals such as palladium and nickel.
The importance of lab testing
HHC is a wonderful cannabinoid, but definitely something that should be handled by the professionals. The process of synthesizing it can be dangerous, as some of the materials are flammable. However, when done correctly, the results yield a cannabinoid that is an excellent alternative to traditional THC. That being said, lab testing is essential to ensure that there are no leftover byproducts from the conversion process. Here at DVNT, we share our lab test results online. Aside from confirming that there are no harmful byproducts, lab testing also ensures that the cannabinoid content in the final product is what it should be.
How does it compare to THC?
So now that we’ve answered “where does HHC come from”, you might be wondering how it differs from THC. The addition of hydrogen increases stability. This means that HHC has a longer shelf life than THC. So, if you’re someone who likes to stock up and be prepared, then this may be the cannabinoid for you since it’s less susceptible to damage from light, heat, and oxygen than THC.
The addition of the hydrogen also decreases HHC’s ability to bind to our CB1 receptors. This means that HHC is less potent than THC. While some may consider this a drawback, this can actually be a good thing. Less potency can mean less potential for anxiety, paranoia, and burnout. For those looking to dip their toes into cannabis, or for others looking for a less intense experience, HHC may be the answer.
The bottom line
Where does HHC come from? The short answer is hydrogenated THC. Though this cannabinoid was discovered 80 years ago, it’s only having its moment in the limelight now. It was initially created by adding hydrogen to cannabis-derived THC. Today, HHC comes from hemp to adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill guidelines. Through hydrogenation, and the use of metal catalysts, HHC can be made from other hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as delta 8. When done by professional chemists, this process is perfectly safe. However, lab testing is essential to ensure that there are no harmful byproducts leftover. Here at DVNT, we’ve got you covered with our selection of lab-tested HHC prerolls and blunts.