HHC
Cas No.: 36403-91-5
What is HHC?
HHC is hexahydrocannabinol is a compound extracted from cannabis, and is therefore included in the cannabinoid group. The chemical name of the compound is 6aR,7,8,9S,10,10aR-hexahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-1-ol. The compound also goes by the names 9(S)-HHC; trans-(6aR,9S,10aR)-HHC, 6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydrobenzo[c]chromeno-1-ol; 6H-Dibenzo[b,d]pyran-1-ol; 6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-C(11)-Methyl-hhc.
HHC is derived from CBD, or cannabidiol – the best-studied hemp phytochemical. Cannabidiol undergoes a distillation and isolation process to produce THC – tetrahydrocannabidiol. In the next step, this hemp compound is subjected to a hydrogenation reaction, which yields hexahydrocannabinol. The resulting compound is a mixture of two chemical forms – 9R HHC and 9S HHC. One of them naturally activates CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, which are distributed throughout the human body.
HHC occurs naturally in hemp, but its content is too low to be extractable. Therefore, the primary way to obtain hexahydrocannabinol is from other phytocannabinoids. Because of this, HHC is referred to as a “semi-synthetic” cannabinoid. It is worth noting that this is a legal compound, extracted from legally grown industrial hemp species.
Application of HHC
Hexahydrocannabinoid was first synthesized in 1947 by chemist Roger Adams. There is now growing interest in this and other phytocannabinoid compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinol THC has been the subject of much controversy. It is this cannabis compound that conditions the hallucinogenic effects of cannabis and may be responsible for cannabis addiction. The use of cannabis, with its high THC content, is prohibited by law. However, the cultivation of industrial hemp, containing no more than 0.2% THC, is permitted, and the use of products derived from such hemp is legal. And that’s a good thing, because THC exhibits a number of health-promoting properties in addition to its potential hallucinogenic effects. Therefore, it seems reasonable to look for a compound that will exhibit the health-promoting effects of THC, but will not stimulate endocannabinoid receptors strongly enough to be accompanied by confusion or hallucinatory symptoms.
HHC is obtained by hydrogenating THC. Such a change within the tetrahydrocannabinol molecule makes it possible to obtain a compound that is less susceptible to oxidation and decomposition, in addition to showing resistance to heat and UV radiation. The beneficial effects associated with the stimulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors are preserved, while the psychoactive effects are reduced to a minimum.
Hexahydrocannabinoid could potentially find use wherever it might be desirable to benefit from the medicinal properties of THC. Speech m. in. About relieving inflammation and pain. In addition, HHC can be used in fatigue states when a quick burst of energy is needed. The product can act as a stimulant, removing mental fatigue and lack of physical strength. This can translate into better physical performance, such as during training, as well as more efficient mental work. Better memory and concentration, ease in absorbing new information is due to the formation of new nerve connections, which improves the transmission of nerve impulses.
HHC has shown beneficial effects on mental well-being. It enables a feeling of relaxation, and can reduce anxiety and depression.
Mechanism of action
Hexahydrocannabinol affects the human body via the endocannabinoid system. This system is not made up of specific organs or other anatomical structures, only receptors. The greatest accumulation of these receptors has been shown in the nervous (central and peripheral) and immune systems. Of course – this is not the only location of these receptors, as they are scattered throughout the body. Compounds synthesized in the human body, such as anandamide, are responsible for stimulating these receptors. The effects of such endocannabinoids can be mimicked by cannabinoids extracted from hemp, such as HHC.
Hydrogenation of THC results in two forms of the compound HHC, only one of which has high affinity for endocannabinoid receptors. Therefore, the action of this compound is largely dependent on the reciprocal proportions between the 9R form of HHC and 9S HHC. A preparation is considered effective if it contains at least 50% of molecules that activate endocannabinoid receptors.
Activation of endocannabinoid receptors is associated with changes in the levels of such neurotransmitters as serotonin and gammaaminobutyric acid GABA. Increasing serotonin synthesis helps achieve the effect of alleviating depressive states and maintaining emotional balance. In turn, higher levels of GABA translate into the onset of feelings of relaxation. In addition, stimulation of endocannabinoid receptors can be accompanied by an increase in brain neuroplasticity, that is, the formation of new neural connections.
HHC Dosage
As with all hemp products, no strict dosage has been established for HHC. A very general rule of thumb for taking cannabinoids should be followed – the dose should be adjusted experimentally, observing the effect of the product on the body. It is best to start taking HHC in small doses, and if the effect is not satisfactory – you can gradually increase the amount of the product. An example dosage might look like the following:
- Those just starting out with HHC can use a dose in the range of 5 to 12 mg
- Intermediates can use HHC doses of 12 mg to 30 mg
- Advanced individuals can afford to take doses of 30 to 60 mg.
Of course – the effects of such doses on individuals may vary depending on the formulation used and the individual body’s response to the product.
References:
- Bloom AS, Dewey WL, Harris LS, Brosius KK. 9-nor-9beta-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid with potent antinociceptive activity: comparisons with morphine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1977 Feb;200(2):263-70; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/839438/
- Yan G, Yin D, Khanolkar AD, Compton DR, Martin BR, Makriyannis A. Synthesis and pharmacological properties of 11-hydroxy-3-(1′,1′-dimethylheptyl)hexahydrocannabinol: a high-affinity cannabinoid agonist. J Med Chem. 1994 Aug 5;37(16):2619-22; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8057304/
- Nikas SP, Alapafuja SO, Papanastasiou I, Paronis CA, Shukla VG, Papahatjis DP, Bowman AL, Halikhedkar A, Han X, Makriyannis A. Novel 1′,1′-chain substituted hexahydrocannabinols: 9β-hydroxy-3-(1-hexyl-cyclobut-1-yl)-hexahydrocannabinol (AM2389) a highly potent cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) agonist. J Med Chem. 2010 Oct 14;53(19):6996-7010; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3650853/
