What is HHCO? Everything You Need to Know

The 2018 legalization of hemp was a turning point in cannabis regulation. Since then, novel cannabinoids such as HHCO have appeared at smoke shops, online stores, and other retailers. Understandably, many patients and consumers have questions about these products, including concerns about their safety and effectiveness.

What Is HHCO?

First discovered in the 1940s, HHCO is an acetate of HHC, a hydrogenated cannabinoid produced from delta-8 THC, which in turn is produced from CBD.¹ Because it is manufactured from the semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC, HHCO is also considered a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. Neither compound occurs naturally in cannabis plants, but they can be produced with chemical processes using natural cannabinoids found in hemp.²

Following the legalization of hemp with the 2018 Farm Bill, interest in psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids such as HHCO spiked. By 2021, hemp products with HHCO began appearing at retailers nationwide.

What Are the Effects of HHCO?

Research into HHCO is limited, so much of the information on the compound’s effects is based on anecdotal accounts. Some users report that HHCO has strong psychoactive effects, including relaxation and euphoria that are more potent than THC. These accounts, however, often do not include information on dosage or product type, which limits their usefulness. Plus, because there is so little research on HHCO available, and the products on the market are unregulated, it's impossible to verify these reports.

Interestingly, HHCO doesn't seem to act on CB1 receptors. Instead, in a preliminary study, researchers suggested that HHCO may break down into HHC, which, in their tests on cells, did activate CB1 receptors.³ More research is needed to get a clearer picture of just how HHCO affects the body.

Additionally, when HHC (the precursor of HHCO) is manufactured, two isomers are created, (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC.⁴  However, only one of these isomers binds to the CB1 receptor in a fashion similar to THC. Because of this, the dosing and effects of HHC products may be inconsistent.

Is HHCO Safe?

Researchers haven't tackled the topic of HHCO's safety just yet, so its safety profile remains unknown. Some HHCO users report that the compound is more potent than THC, but there's a lack of research to back these claims up. Still, if the cannabinoid is more potent, anyone who does choose to use HHCO should exercise a healthy dose of caution.

It is important to remember that HHCO products are not regulated, unlike licensed cannabis products. As a result, HHCO goods are generally not subject to testing for purity and potency. So, you'd never know for sure exactly what you're getting. Additionally, as a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, HHCO is manufactured through chemical processes that could be subject to contamination.

With all the uncertainties surrounding the cannabinoid, it's best to steer clear. Opt for tested, reputable products from licensed dispensaries instead.

Is HHCO Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, making HHCO legal under federal law. Some states, however, have passed laws to regulate intoxicating hemp cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC and others. Before purchasing, patients and consumers should check the cannabis laws and regulations for their area.

Does HHCO Show Up on a Drug Test?

It is possible to test for HHCO and HHC metabolites through drug screening. Additionally, many cannabis products, including hemp products, contain trace amounts of THC that can be detected. People who are subject to drug tests for cannabis should avoid cannabinoid products, including HHCO.

HHCO vs Other Cannabinoids

With the wide range of cannabinoids popping up on the market, it's natural to wonder how they compare to one another, and HHCO is no different. Here's how it stacks up against similar cannabinoids.

HHCO vs THC

Delta-9 THC, most commonly referred to as simply THC, is found in varying quantities in different cultivars (strains) of cannabis plants. Hemp plants, by the legal definition, contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. The psychoactive effects of THC are well-known, and many patients use the plant with the guidance of a medical cannabis doctor or pharmacist. 

By contrast, HHCO is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid cooked up in an unregulated lab whose effects largely remain a mystery.

HHCO vs HHC

HHCO is the acetate version of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC, making it semi-synthetic, as well. Both cannabinoids are considered to be potentially intoxicating.

HHCO vs Delta-8

Delta-8 THC is a degradation byproduct of delta-9 THC that is not found in detectable amounts in cannabis plants. Delta-8 is synthesized from other cannabinoids, primarily CBD. It is said to induce intoxicating effects similar to delta-9 THC, but it is not as potent. 

Some states have regulated or banned products with delta-8 and other intoxicating hemp cannabinoids, so check the laws and regulations for your area before purchasing delta-8 or HHCO products.

HHCO vs THC-O

HHC-O and THC-O are both acetate cannabinoids that are generally not found naturally in cannabis plants. While little is known about either cannabinoid, they are both thought to produce intoxicating effects, with THC-O reportedly being the more potent option.

HHCO Products and Availability

HHCO products, such as vapes and edibles, can be found at online retailers. They may also be found at some smoke shops or convenience stores, particularly in states that have not yet legalized cannabis. Some jurisdictions have adopted laws that prohibit intoxicating hemp cannabinoids such as HHCO, so check the laws and regulations in your state before purchase.

Is HHCO Right for You?

HHCO is a psychoactive cannabinoid that reportedly has effects similar to THC. As a relatively new cannabinoid on the market, however, the effects and safety of HHCO are not fully understood. HHCO products are generally unregulated and untested, so patients and consumers should consider the potential risks before purchasing or consuming these products.

References

1. “Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and Related Substances.” 2023. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) . https://doi.org/10.2810/852912. ↩︎
2. Holt AK, Poklis JL, Peace MR. ∆8-THC, THC-O Acetates and CBD-di-O Acetate: Emerging Synthetic Cannabinoids Found in Commercially Sold Plant Material and Gummy Edibles. J Anal Toxicol. 2022;46(8):940-948. doi:10.1093/jat/bkac036 ↩︎
3. Persson M, Kronstrand R, Evans‐Brown M, Green H. In vitro activation of the CB₁ receptor by the semi‐synthetic cannabinoids hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), hexahydrocannabinol acetate (HHC‐O) and hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHC‐P). Drug Testing and Analysis. Published online June 19, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3750 ↩︎
4. Nasrallah DJ, Garg NK. Studies Pertaining to the Emerging Cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). ACS Chemical Biology. 2023;18(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/acschembio.3c00254 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.