# HHC

> HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a hydrogenated derivative of THC, found only in traces in the plant; products sold as HHC are semi-synthetic, made by chemically converting other cannabinoids.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hhc.html
- Also written: hexahydrocannabinol, hydrogenated THC, HHC-O
- Glossary category: Cannabinoids and terpenes · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

HHC, hexahydrocannabinol, is a [THC](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thc.md) molecule with its ring double bond saturated with hydrogen. Traces have been reported in cannabis and pollen, but nothing near commercial quantities. Products labelled HHC are semi-synthetic: a [cannabinoid](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cannabinoid.md) starting material, typically derived from [hemp](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hemp.md) [CBD](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbd.md), is converted through intermediates and then hydrogenated over a metal catalyst.

## In practice

Commercial HHC is a mixture of two forms (9R and 9S epimers) whose ratio varies by batch, so two HHC products can differ even at the same labelled strength. Possible by-products and catalyst residues are not covered by an ordinary potency panel. GenetixBay gives no synthesis or conversion information. Reported effects are described as THC-like; human data are scarce. Legal status differs widely between jurisdictions and is changing; check local rules.

## Don't confuse with

- **Delta-8 THC**: an isomer of THC, not a hydrogenated form.
- **THC**: the natural plant-derived cannabinoid (as [THCA](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thca.md)).
- **Distillate**: a concentrate format, which may or may not contain semi-synthetics.

## Related terms

[Delta-8 THC](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/delta-8-thc.md), [THC](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thc.md), [CBD](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cbd.md), [Cannabinoid](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cannabinoid.md), [Distillate](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/distillate.md)

## Sources

1. Hanuš LO, Meyer SM, Muñoz E, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Appendino G. 2016. Phytocannabinoids: a unified critical inventory. Natural Product Reports 33(12):1357-1392.