HHCP: everything you need to know about this mysterious cannabinoid

HHCP: but what exactly are we talking about?

Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHCP to those in the know, is the result of the ingenious work of American chemist Roger Adams in 1947. By manipulating Delta 9 THC, the famous compound that gives recreational cannabis its psychoactive effects, Adams gave birth to HHCP, granting it two more carbons on its alkyl chain than its cousin, HHC.

The molecular structure of HHCP, made up of six carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon and four oxygen atoms, gives it analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and relaxing properties, like CBD. But where it all goes wrong is in its psychotropic effects, which are particularly pronounced due to the molecule's affinity with the 'CB 1' receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which is massively present in the brain.

HHCP has another special feature: its impressive resistance to the elements. Able to withstand temperatures in excess of 100°C, unperturbable and insoluble in water, the molecule is robust and unalterable. This characteristic opens up interesting prospects for its use, while raising questions about its impact and regulation. One thing is certain, HHCP has not finished making news, particularly in the medical sphere where it could potentially play a role in the management of intractable pain associated with certain serious pathologies (cancers, multiple sclerosis, neurological pathologies, etc.)

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His resistance is actually an opportunity to lower storage costs and facilitate transport, which would guarantee better access to pain medication. Another interest: finding a milder alternative to opioid drugs, which are highly addictive, responsible for 4 deaths a week and 7 hospitalisations a day in France according to a survey by Le Figaro.

HHCP and its singular chemical composition

The life cycle of HHCP begins with a prodigious chemical transformation. Delta9-THC, under the wand of cytochrome P450 enzymes, is transformed into Delta9-THC-COOH. But for this metamorphosis to complete and give rise to HHCP, two elements are essential: skilfully controlled heat and an acidic environment.

The chemical composition of HHCP, with its 7-carbon chain and generous dose of hydrogenated Delta-8 oil, makes it a rather special cannabinoid. This structure gives it a remarkable affinity with the "CB 1" receptors in our endocannabinoid system, more than 33 times greater than that of its cousin, HHC, which will be discussed later in this article.

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But HHCP is not just a chemical curiosity. As we discussed in the previous section, it stands out for its therapeutic virtues, with interesting potential as a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anxiolytic. Its psychotropic effects, however, negate any interest in the wellness and relaxation sector and confine it to a strictly scientific and medical potential in the more or less near future.

HHCP: what are the effects experienced?

HHCP, although discovered nearly eight decades ago, is still a mystery to science. Most of what we know about it comes from consumer feedback, not from the findings of rigorous scientific studies.

Here's what we can say about it to date:

• On the scale of psychotropic effects, HHCP is positioned somewhere between HHC and THC. In a way, it's an "optimised" and more potent version of HHC, which isn't really a good thing, as we're dealing with a powerful psychotropic drug;
• While the effects of HHC are almost immediate, those of HHCP sometimes appear after several hours;
• The majority of consumers report deep relaxation, increased appetite, intense thirst and a feeling of euphoria, all of which is generally spread over a period of one to four hour(s). So we're talking about the typical effects of a psychotropic cannabinoid like THC.

Warning: even if the perceptible effects of HHCP disappear within a few hours, the substance itself can persist in the body for months due to its long half-life. This means that even long-standing consumption of HHCP can show up in drug tests. It could therefore cost you points on your driving licence, a fine or even a prison sentence. So be vigilant! Don't make the mistake of sourcing your CBD products from a shady, dodgy or dishonest supplier. All it takes is a poorly sourced product or one riddled with HHCP to not only get you in trouble with the law, but also harm your health.

Once that's been said, it's still worth mentioning the potential beneficial effects associated with HHCP in a controlled medical setting, although these require further research:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: HHCP could provide an interesting alternative for the management of inflammatory skin pathologies such as psoriasis or eczema;
• Analgesic effect: some users report relief from moderate to severe chronic pain, particularly associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis;
• Relaxing effect: like all cannabinoids, HHCP appears to soothe sleep disorders, stress and anxiety;
• Antioxidant action: by fighting free radicals, HHCP is undoubtedly effective against premature cellular ageing.

Note that these effects, however promising, are based mainly on embryonic studies. There is no question of self-medicating with HHCP... Read the next part.

Is HHCP legal in France?

The verdict fell on 12 June 2023: the ASNM (Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament) decided to ban, rightly in our view, the sale and consumption of HHCP. This decision was prompted by the obvious narcotic and euphoric effects of this cannabinoid. According to the ASNM, HHCP, like HHC (also banned), also presents addiction risks. This measure is intended to protect the public from the potential dangers associated with these substances, pending more in-depth studies into their long-term effects.

Famous CBD: no HHCP-based products in our shop!

We're not going to lie: HHCP had very high lucrative potential for at least a year, with fairly sustained demand on the French market. In fact, rival brands didn't hesitate to make it a prominent product on their platform's digital shelves. This is not our position at Famous CBD.

Assuming fully our status as the reference supplier of cannabidiol and legal hemp products in France and other bordering countries, we prioritise your safety and well-being.

HHCP has no place in our catalogue. Its confirmed psychotropic effects and the risk of addiction it presents led us to take this decision well in advance of the June 2023 ban.

Our promise is clear: to offer you healthy, quality, sourced, traceable, non-psychotropic CBD and cannabinoid products at the best price to help you improve your daily life with peace of mind.