HHC, which is an abbreviation for hexahydrocannabinol, is a hydrogenated form of THC naturally present in varieties of cannabis family members. HHC is considered semi-synthetic, due to its composition being a `form of THC. It’s reported to be roughly 70-80% the strength of THC, deeming it significantly more potent than Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC.

HHC is considered both a naturally occurring and semi-synthetic cannabinoid depending on where it’s sourced and how it’s manufactured. HHC appears naturally in cannabis but in small quantities. Small concentrations of HHC, alongside Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC, occur when THC oxidizes into CBN over a long period.

CBN is a cannabinoid existing in aged cannabis. Due to the natural concentration of HHC in cannabis being scarce in quantity, producers are unable to viably make HHC products from it. The solution has led to the research to allow them to hydrogenate THC.

Hydrogenation of THC to HHC is not an extremely complex process. Producers take THC, chemically saturate it with hydrogen atoms, expose it to a nickel or zinc catalyst then finally are able to convert it in to HHC. The inclusion of these allows HHC to emerge more stable than THC with higher heat, oxygen and UV resistance. Due to hydrogenation being a chemical process in order to alter the natural molecular weight and geometry of THC, HHC is regarded as semi-synthetic.

HHC’s safety is unknown, but research into HHC’s safety profile is limited and inconclusive; most are currently based on consumer reports. Currently, there have been no reports of negative effects such as overdose or death from the use of HHC or its products.