What do we know about HHCO?
What is HHC-O?
HHC-O is a recently discovered cannabinoid whose precursor is the well-known HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). It is created through a chemical reaction called acylation, in which an acetyl group is added to HHC to form hexahydrocannabinol acetate (HHC-O). This compound is synthesized in the laboratory and is not present in the cannabis plant. The change in chemical structure leads to an increase in the potency of the cannabinoid.
HHC-O and the endocannabinoid system
Every person has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of cellular signals that regulates various bodily functions, including immune response, sleep, mood, pain perception, and more. The ECS helps maintain body homeostasis through endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids work on similar principles, however, endocannabinoids are produced by the body, while cannabinoids such as HHC-O do not occur naturally in the body. Both endocannabinoids and cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. HHC-O shows a high affinity for the CB1 receptor and can therefore produce relaxing effects, relieve anxiety and stress, or improve sleep quality. The interaction of HHC-O with CB1 receptors also leads to psychoactive effects.
Effects of HHC-O
HHC-O takes effect more slowly than HHC (depending on method of administration and individual response) and has a longer duration of action. HHC-O is more potent than HHC, but the effects of the two cannabinoids are otherwise similar.
As with other cannabis products, especially those with psychoactive properties, HHC-O side effects may occur, including:
- Dry mouth
- Fears
- Redness of the eyes
- insomnia
- Fast heartbeat
- dizziness
- Paranoia
Since HHC-O is one of the new cannabinoids, there is still limited information about its effects on the body.
HHC-O flowers, pens and cartridges
The range of HHC-O is already diverse and is constantly expanding. Manufacturers often combine HHC-O with other cannabinoids to enhance or complement the effects. There are various types of flowers that are enriched with HHC distillate, HHC-O and HHC-P, as well as HHC-O vapes and cartridges that are supplemented with CBD, CBG and particularly strong HHC-P cannabinoids. Distillates with 99% HHC-O or extracts such as HHC-O hash are also available.
HHC-O flowers come from cannabis with high CBD content and a permitted amount of THC. The flowers contain 10-80% HHC-O distillate. HHC-O vape pens are vaporization pens with HHC-O distillate enriched with selected terpenes.
If you want to try HHC-O products, start with a low dose and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Is HHC-O safe and legal?
HHC-O is not on the list of banned substances, and the commercially available products comply with the legal limit for THC content (up to 0.2% in Germany).
In terms of safety, there is very little information available about HHC-O to date. There are no clinical studies that have examined the long-term effects of HHC-O on the body and mind, so caution is advised. For all HHC-O products, it is strongly recommended to only deal with verified and trustworthy suppliers who can guarantee the quality and purity of their products and provide laboratory analysis results.
Updated 26.06.2024: As part of the fifth regulation amending the appendix to the New Psychoactive Substances Act, some cannabinoids have been banned in Germany. These include THC-PO, THC-P, THCV, HHC and all associated derivatives (HHC-O, HHC-P, HHC-PO...). The bans are limited to the production and sale of cannabinoids. The consumption and possession of cannabinoids is still legal. We are just not allowed to sell them to you.
As a replacement, FlowPow offers 10-OH-HHC and 10-OH-HHCP Products are available for sale that have the same psychoactive effect and are currently not regulated in Germany.
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