What is HHC?
HHC, with a psychoactive effect similar to THC, has joined herbal teas, candies and other edibles sold in specialized CBD stores in France for several months.
HHC is a shortcut for hexahydrocannabinol. It is an old substance available openly in some European countries, including France, indirectly through the CBD market. Its first synthesis dates back to 1940. Hexahydrocannabinol is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid. Both HHC and THC compounds have virtually the same molecular structure, with some slight differences that can affect how they work in the body. HHC can be called a marginal compound due to its trace presence in inflorescences. This translates into long-term and costly acquisition in a natural way, which is why companies are reluctant to do so. However, it can be artificially synthesized. But the purity of the final product is never 100% guaranteed when performing a synthesis. In terms of effect, HHC far surpasses cannabidiol.
Why is HHC questionable in France?
Due to the ambiguity surrounding the origin and operation of the union, journalists decided to consult the case of HHC in France. A psychiatrist and plant specialist explained the origin and composition of this molecule and raised the question of its legal status.
According to specialists, HHC is an alternative for a smoker who takes advantage of legal uncertainty and is still in unregulated sales in France. Nicolas Authier is a psychiatrist at Clermont University Hospital and a specialist in the medical use of the plant. He says that HHC needs to be considered by health authorities. Meanwhile, it’s selling like little joints.
HHC belongs to the family of synthetic cannabinoids. These are products that are sometimes more potent than THC that can cause serious somatic cardiac effects and even panic attacks. Usually, these new synthetic cannabis products are classified automatically without having to wait for them to hit the market. This was not the case with HHC, on which the drug agency will have to make a quick decision.
Why is the HHC market growing so fast?
HHC sales in France is mainly based on CBD. It is primarily the explosion of this market that has brought HHC synthesis back to the forefront. There are so many CBD flowers in circulation that it must have seemed obvious for the drug market to offer them to consumers. There has been no alert yet on the harmfulness of HHC in France. However, for consistency, it would be quite appropriate for HHC to join delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the drug classification. If he does not join him, the question of the illegality of THC will arise.