HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is the pinnacle of cannabinoid conversation. If you haven’t heard of HHC, we will quickly catch you up so you can join in on this popular product!
This hemp-based cannabinoid is naturally found in hemp plants, albeit in trace amounts. Since HHC is rarely found in cannabis, it must be synthesized in a lab through hydrogenation to create enough for commercial use. This hydrogenation process was discovered in 1947 by chemist Roger Adams. Similar to turning vegatable oil into margerine, THC is converted to HHC by adding hydrogen atoms to THC molecules.
Lately, the HHC market has been quickly growing in popularity.
HHC is very similar to its “cousins” Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC. However, it produces a mellower high than standard Delta-9 THC that many consider a “THC-light” experience. Some describe the effects of HHC as more relaxing than stimulating.
At the moment, HHC’s legal status in the United States is unclear. Lawmakers in the U.S. haven’t completely addressed the growing popularity of this cannabinoid. As such, the legal status of HHC is a bit confusing. Do not worry! We’ll dive into the possible legality of HHC in each state so you can have a better idea of your local laws.
However, keep in mind that the contents of this article and on our website are for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Although we try to stay up to date on all the laws concerning cannabis, the laws are constantly changing. Make sure you do your own research to decide whether HHC is a good option for you.
Is HHC Cannabinoid legal?
The legal status of HHC is not very straightforward.
On one hand, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal. Based on this, hemp-derived HHC is assumed legal under federal law. On the other hand, HHC is an isomer of THC. As such, it can also be viewed as a federally illegal substance.
Moreover, there is an entirely different story on a state-by-state level. Each U.S. state can pass its own laws concerning the legality of various cannabis products. Given the significant changes to the cannabis industry, it is no wonder as to why these state laws are constantly changing.
HHC Legality by State
Currently, there are no state laws explicitly referring to the legal status of HHC.
However, some states have put restrictions in place for other intoxicating cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC. It’s assumed that the states that have restricted Delta-8 THC are likely to hold the same stance on the legality of HHC. In most cases, states are banning the consumption and distribution of all psychoactive cannabinoids, regardless on whether it is derived from hemp or marijuana.
HHC laws in Alabama
Alabama law states that all hemp-derived products must contain less than 0.3% THC. Because of this, hemp-derived HHC is likely legal in Alabama.
HHC laws in Alaska
The state of Alaska classifies all THC isomers as Schedule 3 prohibited substances. Being a THC isomer, HHC is most likely illegal in Alaska.
HHC laws in Arizona
Similar to Alaska, Arizona also prohibits THC isomers like Delta-8 and Delta 10. Given that Delta-8 is illegal in Arizona, HHC may hold the same illegal status. Only standard Delta-9 THC is permitted for recreational use.
HHC laws in Arkansas
The state law in Arkansas bans the use and distribution of modified cannabinoids. HHC is found in small traces in hemp plants. Therefore, HHC is often extracted from CBD, not directly from the plant. As a result, Arkansas considers it a modified cannabinoid. Hence, HHC is most likely illegal in the state of Arkansas.
HHC laws in California
HHC is likely legal in California. Like with other states, there are no laws specifically regarding HHC. However, California law states that hemp-derived products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal.
HHC laws in Colorado
Colorado prohibits modified cannabinoids, including Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. Since HHC is considered a modified cannabinoid, it is likely illegal under Colorado state law. Only standard Delta-9 THC is permitted for recreational use.
HHC laws in Connecticut
Connecticut allows the sale of all cannabis extracts, including HHC. HHC is currently legal in Connecticut.
HHC laws in Delaware
HHC is likely illegal in Delaware. This state bans all THC products and their isomers, including Delta-9.
HHC laws in Florida
Since cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC are legal in Florida, it is safe to assume that HHC holds the same legal status in this state. Florida doesn’t have any laws explicitly regarding HHC, but they have declared that all hemp-derived products and extracts with less than 0.3% THC are legal.
HHC laws in Georgia
Georgia likely has no restriction on the sale of hemp extracts. Therefore, we can infer that HHC is currently legal in Georgia. However, they have banned the sale of synthetic cannabinoids, so if Georgia lawmakers were to consider HHC “synthetic,” it may become illegal in the future.
HHC laws in Hawaii
While there are no laws that address the legality of specific cannabinoids in Hawaii, the state does not allow smokable hemp products and hemp-infused foods and beverages. However, it does allow the sale of other hemp products with less than 0.3% THC. Smokable HHC would therefore be considered illegal in Hawaii.
HHC laws in Idaho
All THC isomers, including HHC, THC-O, Delta-8, and Delta-10 products are illegal in Idaho.
HHC laws in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently stated that hemp cannot not be used to synthesize intoxicating substances including, but not limited to, Delta-8, Delta-9, and THC-O. Since HHC is considered one of these substances, it is illegal in Illinois.
HHC laws in Indiana
Indiana’s state laws are in line with federal law. All hemp-derived extracts containing less than 0.3% THC are legal in Indiana, HHC included.
HHC laws in Iowa
Iowa hemp laws are quite restrictive, with Delta-8 and CBD considered illegal substances. Because of this, we may infer that HHC is also illegal.
HHC laws in Kansas
HHC is likely legal in Kansas as the state complies with the federal hemp laws allowing the sale of hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC.
HHC laws in Kentucky
Kentucky is another state with restrictive cannabis laws. THC isomers like Delta-8 and Delta 10 are banned in Kentucky. HHC is likely illegal in this U.S. state.
HHC laws in Louisiana
Being in line with the 2018 Farm Bill, HHC is legal in the state of Louisiana.
HHC laws in Maine
HHC is likely legal in Maine as the state complies with the federal hemp laws allowing the sale of hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC. This includes cannabinoids, isomers, extracts, and more.
HHC laws in Maryland
Maryland also complies with federal law, so the HHC cannabinoid is legal.
HHC laws in Massachusetts
All hemp-derivatives with less than 0.3% THC, including HHC, are legal in Massachusetts.
HHC laws in Michigan
HHC is legal in Michigan, but there are some restrictions. Michigan’s cannabis laws dictate that hemp and marijuana-derived cannabinoids can only be sold by dispensaries and manufacturers licensed by the state.
HHC laws in Minnesota
Similar to other THC isomers like Delta-8, HHC is legal in the state of Minnesota.
HHC laws in Mississippi
Mississippi bans all forms of THC, including HHC. Mississippi classifies all forms of THC from the cannabis plant as Schedule I substances.
HHC laws in Missouri
Missouri allows the sale of all hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC. State law does not specifically mention HHC, but it’s likely that HHC is legal.
HHC laws in Montana
HHC is most likely illegal in Montana as this state prohibits all forms of THC.
HHC laws in Nebraska
THC isomers like Delta-8 and others are legal in Nebraska. Therefore, HHC is currently legal in this state. However, state officials are currently re-evaluating the legality of Delta-8. If Delta-8 is considered illegal in the future, HHC will likely be illegal as well.
HHC laws in Nevada
HHC is not legal in the state of Nevada. State laws consider all THC isomers a controlled substance.
HHC laws in New Hampshire
HHC is likely legal in New Hampshire under the 2018 Farm Bill.
HHC laws in New Jersey
THC isomers, cannabinoids, and derivatives of hemp are legal in New Jersey. As such, HHC is also considered legal.
HHC laws in New Mexico
New Mexico complies with the federal law – considering all hemp extracts, cannabinoids, and isomers (HHC included) legal.
HHC laws in New York
State law in New York restricts THC isomers like Delta-8. Therefore, HHC is also considered to be illegal in this state.
HHC laws in North Carolina
North Carolina also follows federal law. Therefore, HHC is legal in the state of North Carolina.
HHC laws in North Dakota
Similar to other THC isomers like Delta-8, HHC is illegal in the state of North Dakota.
HHC laws in Ohio
HHC, similar to Delta-8, is legal in Ohio.
HHC laws in Oklahoma
Hemp-derived HHC, like other hemp derivatives, is legal in the state of Oklahoma.
HHC laws in Oregon
All cannabinoids like THC, Delta-8, and HHC are legal in Oregon.
HHC laws in Pennsylvania
HHC is also legal in the state of Pennsylvania.
HHC laws in Rhode Island
All hemp derivatives and cannabinoids are legal in Rhode Island. However, this state defines Delta-8 as THC, making it illegal. Under the same logic, HHC may be considered illegal in Rhode Island.
HHC laws in South Carolina
Similar to Delta-8, hemp-derived HHC is legal in South Carolina.
HHC laws in South Dakota
HHC, like other THC isomers, including Delta-8, is legal in South Dakota.
HHC laws in Tennessee
Similarly, HHC and other THC isomers are legal in the state of Tennessee.
HHC laws in Texas
Modified isomers like Delta-8 are illegal in Texas. Delta-8 is derived from CBD in a similar manner to HHC. Therefore, HHC is probably illegal in the state of Texas.
HHC laws in Utah
HHC legality in Utah is pretty straightforward. According to Utah’s state law, cannabinoids like Delta-8 and HHC are prohibited.
HHC laws in Vermont
Vermont prohibits isomers like Delta-8. As such, HHC is probably illegal in the state of Vermont.
HHC laws in Virginia
Virginia law follows the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalizes hemp products with less than 0.3% THC, like Delta-8 and HHC.
HHC laws in Washington
The state of Washington considers THC isomers like Delta-8 and HHC controlled substances, making them illegal here.
HHC laws in West Virginia
Following federal law, HHC is likely legal in the state of West Virginia.
HHC laws in Wisconsin
Like other THC isomers such as Delta-8, the state of Wisconsin allows the sale of hemp-derived HHC.
HHC laws in Wyoming
Isomers such as Delta-8 are considered legal in Wyoming. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the HHC cannabinoid is legal in this state.
