HHC, or Hexahydrocannabinol, is a synthetic cannabinoid compound that shares structural similarities with THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. HHC is designed to mimic the effects of THC but is chemically distinct and not derived from the cannabis plant. It is a naturally occuring phytocannabinoid that has rarely been identified as a trace component in Cannabis sativa. It has two diastereomers at the methyl-9 position (S-HHC and R-HHC). S-HHC is inactive, which means it doesn’t bond to cannabinoid receptors and won’t produce a psychoactive effect. This essentially means it’s a filler since it doesn’t produce any known effects. R-HHC is active, which means it can easily bond to the body’s cannabinoid receptors and is considered psychoactive. There are no double bonds in the cyclohexyl ring like delta-8 or delta-9 have - they are removed from the structure and replaced by hydrogen atoms. Essentialy it can be said that HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC.

While HHC has been a known chemical structure for some time, it's only recently become popular as a recreational cannabis product as a federally legal alternative to a marijuana high. HHC is psychoactive—some people say it's about 50–80% as strong as regular delta-9 THC and produces a mellower and clear-headed high.

9S-Hexahydrocannabinol