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

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.

Ferretti, Morgan L et al.·Cannabis and cannabinoid research·2024·Preliminary EvidenceObservational
RTHC-05307ObservationalPreliminary Evidence2024RETHINKTHC RESEARCH DATABASErethinkthc.com/research

Quick Facts

Study Type
Observational
Evidence
Preliminary Evidence
Sample
N=109

What This Study 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.

Key Numbers

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 They Did This

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.

Why This Research 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 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.

What This Study Doesn't 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.

Questions This Raises

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

Trust & Context

Key Stat:
20% of HHC quitters reported withdrawal symptoms
Evidence Grade:
Preliminary survey with small self-selected sample. Provides first descriptive data but cannot establish safety or efficacy.
Study Age:
2024 study
Original Title:
A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cannabis Products: Use Patterns and Perceived Effects.
Published In:
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(5), e1385-e1394 (2024)
Database ID:
RTHC-05307

Evidence Hierarchy

Meta-Analysis / Systematic Review
Randomized Controlled Trial
Cohort / Case-Control
Cross-Sectional / ObservationalSnapshot without intervening
This study
Case Report / Animal Study

Watches what happens naturally without intervening.

What do these levels mean? →

Frequently Asked 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 More on RethinkTHC

Cite This Study

RTHC-05307·https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05307

APA

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

MLA

Ferretti, Morgan L, et al. "A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cannabis Products: Use Patterns and Perceived Effects.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2023.0143

RethinkTHC

RethinkTHC Research Database. "A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cann..." RTHC-05307. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/ferretti-2024-a-survey-study-of

Access the Original Study

Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.