TheHHC, the cannabinoid that is becoming popular in the cannabis market. What it is, the effects, legality in Italy, contraindications and if it is detected in a drug test.
What is HHC
Thehexahydrocannabinol, commonly known as HHC, is a cannabinoid synthesized for the first time in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams, then head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Illinois and one of the leading researchers in the field of cannabis.
Although present in the cannabis plant in minimal quantities, given its very expensive extraction, it is produced in laboratory starting from THC. For this reason it has been called the "semi-synthetic" cannabinoid.
HHC and THC: structure and effects compared
First obtained by adding hydrogenated carbon atoms to THC, thanks to a process known as hydrogenation, HHC and THC have a chemical structure very similar.
Simply the first is a hydrogenated form of the second. The difference key is that HHC has additional hydrogenated carbons and THC is missing an ester atom and a carbon bond.
Furthermore, contrary to THC, the cannabinoid present in cannabis for recreational or therapeutic use, and responsible for its psychoactive effects, it seems that theHHC currently on the market derives mainly from hemp.
The effects of HHC
Although HHC is believed to have a potency equal to approximately 70-80% of that of THC, the structural similarity that they share allows this cannabinoid to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, generating similar effects but decidedly lighter. Among which:
- slight euphoria
- altered perception of reality
- munchies
- a feeling of relaxation
- appearance of red eyes
- dry mouth
- increase of sensory pleasure
Is hexahydrocannabinol safe?
Since there are no studies regarding short and long-term effects, we cannot say either that HHC is safe or that its use could have side effects.
However, since HHC is already on the market, everything we know comes from the experience of consumers who have already tried it. For now, it seems have not been reported hiring cases that have caused serious safety problems.
HHC: what the law says in Italy
The HHC it's legal? The situation is complicated to say the least.
Taking the art. 14 paragraph 4) of the consolidated law on narcotics (presidential decree 309/90) which states: "Any other substance which produces effects on the central nervous system and has the capacity to determine physical or psychological dependence of the same or higher order than those previously indicated", and then in paragraph 6) including all: "Cannabis indica, the products obtained from it; tetrahydrocannabinols, their natural analogues, substances obtained by synthesis or semi-synthesis which can be traced back to them by chemical structure or pharmaco-toxicological effect; "HHC It shouldn't be legal.
Despite this, as previously mentioned, HHC is sold as a derivative of hemp. And, as we know, the phenomenon of light cannabis was born from a legislative vacuum, making its trade neither legal nor illegal. Therefore, appealing to this non-regulation, manufacturers and retailers could offer products with HHC.
Everything is still to be clarified.
Is HHC detected by a drug test?
This time too, unfortunately, there are no studies available they are not enough to be able to tell whether or not HHC is detected in a drug test.
We could hypothesize that, having a slightly different molecular structure, HHC is not broken down in the same metabolites of THC, metabolites which are then traced in a test. But nothing is certain. For this reason, if we were to undergo analysis, it is better to resort to tests valid remedies and refrain from consuming either for approximately 30 days.
