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Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body, and you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis.
The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Below, we’ll be exploring a different substance that you might not have heard of…
What Is HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)?
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, meaning it’s chemically manufactured/developed or artificially created in a lab, but also derived from naturally occurring cannabinoids, like THC or CBD. Hence the ‘semi’.
When HHC was first created, THC was used. Today, however, CBD also works, and is actually preferred by some. One thing is clear though: HHC is not naturally found in the cannabis plant like CBD and THC.
HHC vs THC
There’s little to no evidence on hexahydrocannabinol effects. When it was first introduced, it was marketed as a “legal high” alternative to THC. This is because THC was used to create HHC, so their chemical structures were thought to be similar. Some people have said they’ve experienced HHC ‘high’ effects after consumption, and similar effects to THC in general. However, there is no concrete evidence on this.
And this was all before regulation.
How Does HHC Work in the Body?
Medical cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
Because HHC is thought to possibly mimic the effects of THC, it may act on similar receptors to THC too. But, keep in mind the effects of HHC are unpredictable due to unregulated manufacturing, and little to no research on it.
Is HHC legal in the UK?
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) reviewed semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs), citing concerns about unknown psychoactive risks, impurities/purity issues, and safety for users.
Therefore, semi-synthetic cannabinoids are treated as Class B controlled substances under UK drug law, meaning unauthorised possession, supply or production is illegal. As HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid, this may imply a possible HHC UK ban.
Because of risks such as safety, purity, and unknown effects, the ACMD HHC recommendation is that it should be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (MDA) as Class B.
Is HHC Safe to Use?
We touched on this above, but there isn’t a lot of research on HHC. And this presents the huge risk of unpredictability and untrusted suppliers. And due to this lack of research, we have next to no information on the side effects of HHC. In fact, there are some news articles that highlight the potential dangers of HHC - it’s unregulated and unknown. Unregulated HHC products pose risks due to lack of standardisation, potential contaminants, and unpredictable potency
Some people have said that consuming HHC has resulted in similar experiences as THC. And it might be useful to know what the side effects of THC are if you’re looking into medical cannabis as a possible treatment option.
Some potential short-term side effects of THC may include:
- Coughing
- Bloodshot or irritated eyes
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth or thirst
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
The above should wear off within a few hours. The best thing to do is follow the advice of your clinician, and ask them any questions you have. And remember, there is no approved medical use for HHC in the UK, so be very wary of HHC safety.
Medical Cannabis vs HHC: What’s the Difference?
The biggest and main difference between HHC and medical cannabis, is that medical cannabis is prescribed by specialist doctors, quality-tested and regulated. You’ll also have expert guidance and clinical oversight at every stage of your journey with licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf. Making it much safer.
When it comes to getting a prescription of medical cannabis, you can easily find out if you qualify by completing this 30 second eligibility checker. You’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition. You’ll also need evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition.
One of our expert clinicians will assess your medical history and monitor your progress if you become a patient. This is because medical cannabis is only available by prescription under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify.
What to Do If You’ve Been Using HHC for Medical Reasons
If conventional treatments haven’t been effective for you, and you’ve been consuming HHC as an alternative, it may be time to seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf instead. That way you may be eligible for regulated treatment, under expert guidance.
When it comes to getting a medical cannabis prescription, you can easily find out if you qualify through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. You’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition. You’ll also need evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition.
One of our expert clinicians will assess your medical history and monitor your progress if you become a patient. This is because medical cannabis is only available by prescription under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Complete our 30 second eligibility checker to find out if you qualify now.
Summary
HHC is a cannabinoid that is semi-synthetic but essentially artificially created in a lab. With very limited research on HHC, it's hard to safely assess the risks. There’s also next to no research on the side effects and risks.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Choosing a legal route is simply safer. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.