THC and CBD are two dominant cannabinoids in cannabis and infused products available for consumers — however, they are two out of hundreds of other cannabinoids the plant produces.
Since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, which federally legalized hemp, a variety of minor cannabinoids have begun to make their way into different vapes, edibles, and pre-rolls, including HHC-O.
HHC-O, an acetate of HHC, was discovered in 1942 but didn’t come onto the legal market until around 2022. Since it is a relatively new minor cannabinoid to enter the market, many consumers have questions about its potential beneficial and adverse side effects.
What is HHC-O?
There is very little known about HHC-O (hexahydrocannabinol-O-acetate or HHC-O acetate). HHC-O is an acetate of the cannabinoid HHC, which was discovered in the 1940’s by Adams and Todd.1 However, it didn’t make its way back into the conversation until 2021, when it appeared in hemp-derived cannabis products.
HHC is not a natural cannabinoid in the plant and it is not found in detectable amounts. HHC-O is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that is created using HHC, which is a hydrogenated cannabinoid produced from delta-8 THC that was initially converted from CBD.
What are the Effects of HHC-O?
The effects of HHC-O are relatively unknown. The research suggests the potential for the synthesized cannabinoid to bind to receptors at increased rates. Anecdotal evidence online suggests it may feel stronger and induce intoxicating effects in those who have tried it. Still, users did not clarify what product and dosage was administered for those results.
Some vendors claim that it has the potential to be up to 1.5 times stronger than THC, with similar feelings of relaxation and euphoria. However, even the vendors selling HHC-O products note that their conclusions aren’t based on research-based studies but on how they understand THC and HHC to work and feel.
Is HHC-O Legal?
There has been recent chatter in Congress about the legality of semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Some states have started banning them, arguing their synthetic status violates the terms of the Farm Bill put in place in 2018. Mississippi has completely banned delta-8, but hemp-derived CBD remains legal. Countries like Finland and Switzerland have already implemented bans on hemp HHC products.
Currently, HHC is still considered legal, but legislation changes rapidly. Check if HHC or HHC-O is listed as a banned cannabinoid in your state before purchasing.
Due to the synthetic nature of HHC-O, researchers don’t believe it would appear on a drug test. That said, semi-synthetic hemp-derived products may contain trace amounts of THC, so it’s always the safest option to abstain from cannabis use if you're worried about passing a drug test.
HHC-O and Other Cannabinoids
HHC-O is one of many minor cannabinoids infused into various vapes, gummies, and dry flower products. Below, we have compared a few to HHC-O. It is difficult to compare the potential potency of these cannabinoids due to HHC and HHC-O being new cannabinoids that have yet to have any clinical studies done to monitor their effects.
HHC-O vs HHC
HHC-O is the acetate version of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC, making it also a semi-synthetic. Because HHC-O is an acetate, it is not produced naturally in the plant, which is the same for HHC being a hydrogenated cannabinoid. Both cannabinoids are considered to be potentially intoxicating. However, when HHC is manufactured, it creates two isomers, (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC. Of these isomers, only one binds to the CB1 receptor similar to THC. So, these commercially made products may produce a different effect depending on the dominant isomer.2
HHC-O vs THC (delta-9)
Compared to HHC-O, delta-9 THC is found in generous concentrations in high-THC cannabis. Hemp plants contain less than 0.3%. This natural cannabinoid can also be derived from other cannabinoids and be semi-synthetic. It is well known to cause psychoactive effects and other health benefits.
HHC-O vs Delta-8
Delta-8 is a degradation byproduct of delta-9 THC that is not found in detectable amounts within the plant and is synthesized from other cannabinoids, mainly CBD. Delta-8 has been around for a few years but is still in the beginning phases of being studied. It is said to induce intoxicating effects similar to delta-9 THC but less potent.
HHC-O vs THC-O
HHC-O and THC-O are similar to one another because they are both acetate cannabinoids and not readily available in the cannabis plant.3 While little is known about either cannabinoid, they are both thought to produce intoxicating effects, with THC-O reportedly being the more potent option.
HHC-O vs THC-P
THC-P is naturally found in the plant but is usually synthesized from other cannabinoids in hemp products. Similarly to HHC-O, it is classified as semi-synthetic. Researchers found that due to THC-P’s molecular structure, it binds to the brain's cannabinoid receptors at a higher rate making it potentially more potent than THC.4
HHC-O Products
HHC-O is a new cannabinoid to make its way onto retailer shelves. These minor cannabinoid products are not as readily available as other cannabis products that contain cannabinoids like THC, CBD, or even GBG or CBN. Most versions of HHC-O products are found at online retailers and in states where recreational cannabis remains illegal or where medical laws are strict. They typically come in the form of vapes or edibles.
Conclusion
HHC-O is not naturally found in the cannabis plant. It is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, the acetate version of HHC, which is also not a natural cannabinoid found in the plant. There is very little known about HHC-O beyond its chemical structure. Claims of its high potency have yet to be confirmed. Despite the lack of understanding about HHC-O, consumers have already started to purchase and consume these infused vapes and edibles.
HHC-O may have medicinal and intoxicating effects similar to THC; however, there is no research to support any medical claims for HHC-O. Its semi-synthetic status adds an increased risk of potential contamination due to the process it undergoes in manufacturing. If you plan to purchase or consume these products, it is recommended to start at low doses with products from reputable retailers with valid third-party test results.
References
- “Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and Related Substances.” 2023. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) . https://doi.org/10.2810/852912.
↩︎ - 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
↩︎ - 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
↩︎ - Citti C, Linciano P, Russo F, et al. A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific Reports. 2019;9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56785-1
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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.
