Survey of HHC users found they used it about 10 days per month, mostly for anxiety and pain, with some reporting withdrawal | Research

The takeaway

In a survey of 109 hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) users, participants reported relatively frequent use (~10 days/month) for anxiety and pain, with most perceiving more good than bad effects, though 17% reported adverse effects and 20% of quitters experienced withdrawal.

Cannabis regulators evaluating novel cannabinoid products; clinicians encountering patients using hemp-derived intoxicating products.

20% of HHC quitters reported withdrawal symptoms

What the researchers found

HHC users reported using approximately 10 days in the past month. Common reasons included anxiety and pain management. Users perceived more positive effects (relaxation, euphoria) than negative ones. About 17% reported adverse effects, and approximately 20% of those who stopped using HHC experienced some withdrawal symptoms. Few sex differences were observed.

Why it matters

HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that became widely available through regulatory gaps in the hemp market. This is among the first studies providing systematic data on who uses HHC, how often, and what they experience, filling a major gap as regulators consider how to handle novel cannabinoids.

The numbers in context

109 HHC users surveyed. Average use: ~10 days in past month. 17% reported adverse effects. ~20% of those who stopped experienced withdrawal. Primary uses: anxiety, pain. Primary positive effects: relaxation, euphoria.

How the study worked

Online survey via Prolific of 109 individuals who self-reported HHC product use at least once within the past 6 months. HHC use questionnaire covering patterns, motivations, and perceived effects.

What this study cannot tell us

Small convenience sample from online crowdsourcing platform. Self-reported effects without objective verification. No comparison group. Cannot verify product contents or HHC purity. Cross-sectional design.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary survey with small self-selected sample. Provides first descriptive data but cannot establish safety or efficacy.

When this study was published

2024 study

The bigger picture

As novel cannabinoids proliferate in the consumer market ahead of safety research, user surveys like this provide initial safety signals. The withdrawal finding is notable because it suggests HHC may produce dependence similar to THC despite limited pharmacological research.

Questions still open

How does HHC compare to THC in potency, safety, and addiction potential? Should HHC be regulated differently from other cannabinoids?

Common questions

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol is a hydrogenated form of THC that occurs naturally in cannabis in trace amounts but is typically manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. It produces intoxicating effects and became widely available through legal loopholes in hemp regulation.

Is HHC legal?

HHC exists in a regulatory gray area. It can be derived from legal hemp, but its intoxicating nature has led some states to restrict it. Federal regulation remains unclear, and product quality and purity vary widely.

Read the original research

A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cannabis Products: Use Patterns and Perceived Effects.

Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(5), e1385-e1394

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Ferretti, Morgan L; Gournay, L Riley; Bingaman, Mia G; Leen-Feldner, Ellen W. (2024). A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cannabis Products: Use Patterns and Perceived Effects.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(5), e1385-e1394. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2023.0143