The humble hemp plant has given way to a wide variety of new kids on the block. Over the last few years, companies have released several cutting-edge innovations and new cannabinoids into the hemp market.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and Delta-8 are the newest cannabinoids to hit the market. Knowing what these substances are and the hazards they pose is crucial as we gain insight into their impacts.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally present compounds found in cannabis plants. Many of these molecules have psychoactive effects. Scientists have discovered over 100 cannabinoids. Delta-8 and HHC are both laboratory-modified cannabinoids. Their status implies they have no FDA-approved applications and that very little information exists regarding their safety and efficacy.
Even though these substances are relatively new, there have already been reports of harmful side effects. Consequently, it is vital to be aware of the possible risks and operate with care while using these substances. It is always best to contact a doctor before consuming any hemp or cannabis-derived product.
Delta-8-THC
Delta-8 THC, an isomer of the primary psychoactive cannabinoid Delta-9 THC, is one of the most recent products to acquire popularity. The compounds can be isolated from hemp extracts via various chemical processes.
Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC have similar chemical structures, but the carbon double bond is on the eighth chain instead of the ninth. Delta-8 THC has a somewhat different effect than Delta-9 THC due to this structural change, producing sensations of relaxation and pleasure but with less psychoactivity.
Because Delta-8 exists in very minute percentages in the raw marijuana plant, most Delta-8 products are manufactured by converting CBD or THC through a chemical process called “isomerization.” To convert CBD molecules into Delta-8 THC, producers rely on chemical reactions with hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, glacial acetic acid, or any other proprietary process.
Delta-8 THC has gained popularity as an alternate way to experience the marijuana high without facing legal ramifications in states where recreational marijuana use is not authorized. Delta-8 THC has more research than HHC, and more product variations are available online.
Chemistry of Delta-8
Delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are two forms of THC that vary chemically and structurally. The only difference lies in positioning a critical double bond in the molecular chain. Delta-8-THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain, while delta-9-THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon chain.
This minor modification dramatically influences the shape of the molecules, which directly affects how well they bind to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. Consequently, delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC have distinct effects on the body and mind.
Delta-9-THC is less stable than delta-8-THC. Delta-9-THC is quickly oxidized, resulting in the formation of cannabinol (CBN) or delta-8-THC. Delta-8-THC, on the other hand, resists oxidation and has a longer shelf life.
HHC
HHC is a hemp derived cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Producers may also manufacture the molecule in a lab. Since it is found naturally, although in minute quantities, HHC differs from the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in spice-type products. It is made from cannabidiol derived from low-THC cannabis (hemp).
Chemist Roger Adams developed HHC in the 1940s by adding hydrogen to the THC molecule and changing its physical characteristics. A 1947 patent paper describes the procedure known as hydrogenation.
HHC Chemistry
Hydrogenation alters the molecular weight and stability of delta 9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms. The slight variations in molecular structures of different cannabinoids change their properties. Hydrogenation increases stability and resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation. HHC has a longer shelf life than either delta-8 or delta-9 THC and is less susceptible to UV radiation and heat destruction.
Industrial Production of HHC
Hydrogenating hemp-derived cannabinoids under pressure with a catalyst like palladium causes a chemical reaction that produces the hydrogenated form of HHC. The added hydrogen molecules change HHC’s properties. Scientists at the National Cannabis Industry Association call the result a “semi-synthetic” cannabis compound.
HHC should not be confused with other related compounds like 9-Nor-9β-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabinol (9-Nor-9Beta-HHC), 9-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (9-OH-HHC), or 11-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (11-OH-HHC and 7-OH-HHC). The molecular formula for HHC is C21H32O2, whereas THC’s molecular formula is C21H30O2. Unlike delta-8 and delta-9 THC, HHC has no double bonds in the cyclohexyl ring.
HHC Biochemistry
There are two forms of the HHC molecule: 9α-HHC and 9β-HHC. The 9β-HHC enantiomer is much more active and probably binds to CB1 receptors more readily than 9α-HHC. Additionally, HHC acetate (HHC-O) is up to 1.5 times more potent than HHC.
HHC binds to CB1 receptors but not to the same degree as THC, meaning it is less potent than THC. Reports from users generally describe the HHC high as being somewhere between delta-8 and delta-9 THC, and some HHC products may be more intoxicating than others.
Psychoactive Effect
Delta-9 THC has more psychoactive potency than delta-8 or HHC and has a higher chance of overstimulating the CB1 receptor in the brain. It has a biphasic nature, meaning that low and moderate doses can produce a relaxed, euphoric, giggly mood and relief from tension. However, higher doses of delta-9-THC can cause it to backfire and trigger anxiety and paranoia, especially in reactive individuals.
Anandamide is one of the two primary endocannabinoids generated by human bodies. It is known as the “bliss molecule” owing to its impact on emotional well-being. It has a molecular structure that is comparable to THC. New hemp derived cannabinoids play on these receptors to create their mind-altering effects.
Delta-8 Effects
Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, does not activate the CB1 receptor to the same amount as delta-9 THC and therefore has a lesser risk of anxiety and paranoia. Users of delta-8 may still feel impaired, but they are more likely to feel in control than cannabis users. This variation in how delta-8 and delta-9 cannabinoids interact with the CB1 receptor may lead to differences in their effects on the body and mind.
Delta-8 THC has a slightly modified chemical structure, which may impact its interaction with the brain’s CB1 receptor. When inhaled, it interacts with the CB1 receptor to create similar effects to delta-9 but with a different affinity.
This difference in binding might account for the observed clearer and less anxiety-inducing high associated with delta-8. It’s also plausible that delta-8’s changed chemical structure influences its interaction with other receptors and brain pathways, adding to its unique effects.
Delta-8 Research
There is limited research on the effects of delta-8-THC compared to delta-9-THC. Some report that delta-8 produces a milder, clearer high than delta-9, even at higher doses. However, pharmacologically, delta-8 edibles function very similarly to delta-9 edibles, with both molecules converting into 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver.
It’s important to note that the effects of delta-8 can vary depending on whether it is ingested or inhaled. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution when using delta-8 products, just as you would with other cannabis products.
HHC’s Effects
As a mind-altering cannabinoid, HHC also binds to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), but with weaker affinity than either form of THC, producing less intoxicating and psychoactive effects. However, although laboratory studies indicate that the impact of HHC might be like those of cannabis, no studies have been conducted to examine the pharmacological and behavioral effects of HHC in humans.
Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence from users of HHC have reported that its effects can be like those of delta-8 and delta-9 THC, albeit milder. People who have tried HHC describe its effects as a weaker version of THC, with moderate cognitive effects and possible changes in body temperature and heart rate.
HHC Experiences
The effects of HHC are longer lasting than those of THC. The side effects of HHC are like those of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia, dry mouth, dry and red eyes, hunger, and insomnia. However, according to anecdotal reports from current users, HHC has similar effects but does not appear to be substantially more dangerous than delta-8 THC.
Legality and Availability
Is HHC Legal?
Since many people view delta-8 and HHC as legal alternatives to delta-9 THC, they have been made available to consumers in highly attractive branded and unbranded products online. These include hemp sprayed or mixed with cannabinoids or vapes and edibles, such as HHC gummies.
These developments lead some to believe that delta-8 and HHC could be the first competitive options in the market for ‘legal’ replacements to cannabis since synthetic spice emerged two decades ago. Marijuana remains broadly illegal. Local laws may not distinguish between the two cannabinoids.
EU Law
The US Farm Bill of 2018 and the subsequent legalization of hemp under federal law have caused a proliferation of semi-synthetic cannabinoids in the US, the most prominent of which being delta-8 and HHC. Some European markets have welcomed the novel cannabinoids. The EU Early Warning System has monitored delta-8 as a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) since October 2022. The method of production and the location of sale determine delta-8 and HHC’s legal standing in Europe.
Under EU law, delta-8 extracted from hemp is classed as a “novel food,” not a drug. Accordingly, before being marketed in the European Union, these substances need to have prior European Commission approval. However, the availability of delta-8 and HHC products inside the EU differs per nation.
Malta is the only European nation that has completely legalized cannabis usage. Still, numerous other countries have decriminalized the drug’s possession in small quantities. Fourteen European nations, predominantly in Western Europe, have laws in effect that prohibit people from being imprisoned for possessing cannabis, including derivatives It is crucial to remember, however, that the use, possession, and sale of cannabis and its derivatives, such as delta-8 and HHC, remain illegal in the majority of European nations.
UK Law
Due to the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Psychoactive Substances Act, delta-8 and HHC products are not legally accessible for purchase in the United Kingdom. The UK government closed loopholes by banning all synthetic cannabinoids. Since THC derivatives and analogs are classified as Class B drugs in the UK, punishments may include up to five years in prison.
Although non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD are legal in the UK, any product containing THC derivatives with a concentration of more than 0.2% is illegal. In a 2016 report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), the council specifically identified delta-8 as psychoactive. The council recommended that it remain a controlled substance. As long as cannabis remains a Class B drug in the UK, it is unlikely that delta-8 or HHC will become legal.
Drug Tests
Delta-8 usually will appear on drug tests. It still needs to be determined whether HHC will leave evidence of use in blood, urine, or hair. Theoretically, HHC stands out because it may not appear on a drug test. HHC does not metabolize into 11-hydroxy-THC, which many drug panels test for in practice. However, as Congress has made hemp and all its derivatives federally legal in the 2018 Farm Bill, HHC appears to be a legal hemp product.
Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that individual states may choose to ban HHC at any time. That likelihood increases if it becomes popular enough that it threatens the sales of the legal cannabis market. Therefore, it is crucial to remain aware of the legal status of HHC in your respective state to avoid any potential issues.
Dangers and Side Effects
Delta 8 Side Effects
We still know very little about the minor cannabinoid delta-8-THC or how it affects the central nervous system. Because marijuana flowers typically contain less than 1% delta-8-THC, it is often only sold in concentrated forms. Getting a sizable quantity of this cannabinoid requires intensive extraction and purification processes. While some delta-8-THC extracts are pure, others may include cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9 for a more full-spectrum effect.
Problems with Research
Because there has been little study on the effects of delta-8-THC in people, it is critical to use care while taking these products. Much of what we now know about synthetic cannabinoids depends on animal research, which may vary significantly from the effects reported in people. According to a 2018 systematic review published in Pharmaceuticals, delta-8-THC dramatically decreased heart rate in animals but raised heart rate in people.
Animal studies have also shown that delta-8-THC (with delta-9-THC) elevated blood pressure by temporarily restricting blood arteries. However, this increased blood pressure preceded lower blood pressure and a slower heart rate. The review’s authors found minimal evidence on the effects of delta-8-THC, and further research in human populations is needed to understand how it impacts blood flow. The alleged therapeutic benefits of the relatively new cannabinoid, such as pain relief, must be viewed skeptically until more research is completed.
Metabolism
It is essential to be aware that ingested delta-8-THC converts to 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver, just like delta-9-THC. Someone who orally consumes delta-8 will metabolize it in the same way as a cannabis user. This process can lead to people overindulging in edibles without realizing it, meaning that hemp-derived delta-8-THC edibles may be just as potent as marijuana-derived edibles. It is unknown whether the same process occurs with HHC gummies.
Delta-8-THC edibles are sometimes unregulated, which can make them even riskier. Inhaling delta-8 avoids liver conversion and may not produce the same potentially intoxicating effects. Therefore, it is important to exercise extra caution when trying delta-8 edibles for the first time, as they can lead to a very uncomfortable psychological shift for the unprepared.
HHC Side Effects
The usage of hemp-derived cannabinoids (HHC) is growing more popular, with more individuals resorting to them instead of delta-8 or delta-9 THC. However, like with other cannabinoids, there are hazards to utilizing HHC.
Since HHC is an intoxicating molecule, it may induce some of the same adverse effects as THC. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, red eyes, memory loss, anxiety, elevated heart rate, coordination issues, and slower response times. However, since HHC is less active than THC, these adverse effects may be milder.
Troubling Evidence
Although research is still in its early stages, scientists are already aware of several concerns that may emerge from using HHC in an unsupervised context. Pregnant women who use HHC may put their unborn babies at risk of low birth weight.
Regular usage may progress to cannabis use disorder, particularly in teenagers. Furthermore, HHC may negatively influence relationships and productivity, raise the risk of injury in older persons, and produce dizziness, which may lead to passing out and falling.
Industrial procedures often include harsh chemicals that may make their way into the end product. Therefore synthetically manufactured HHC may have more severe adverse effects. Synthetic HHC products will contain larger amounts of HHC than natural cannabis plants. Therefore bigger dosages may result in more severe undesirable side effects.
Suppose you are contemplating taking HHC for any reason. In that case, you should check with a medical practitioner to verify you are using the product safely and correctly. That way, you can make an educated decision about whether HHC is suitable for you.
Market Reception
Although it seems that some individuals have taken HHC without adverse consequences, others on social media have expressed worries about its synthetic nature. They are concerned about the long-term impacts of HHC and the presence of additives from the production process in the final product. As a consequence, some individuals prefer to choose natural products over synthetized cannabinoids. Nevertheless, HHC products continue to sell in jurisdictions where it is available. Users must remember that all drugs, whether natural or synthetic, may have hazards, and it is always prudent to use care while eating any substance.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC and HHC are two hemp derived compounds that have achieved prominence in the hemp market. However, they have not been well-researched, and little information is available on their safety and efficacy. Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid present in trace amounts in the hemp plant. However, most companies synthesize the molecule by a chemical process known as “isomerization,” which turns CBD into Delta-8 THC.
Hydrocannabinol (HHC) is another cannabinoid present at low levels in hemp and is also synthesized chemically through the hydrogenation process. Delta-8 THC and HHC have different effects on the body and mind than Delta-9 THC, marijuana’s principal psychoactive and more abundant cannabinoids. They may have other potential hazards and advantages. Before utilizing any hemp products, be sure to check local laws and speak with a healthcare practitioner.
