HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) has become one of the most talked-about cannabinoids on the market. If this is your first time hearing the name, here’s a quick primer so you can follow along.
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 vegetable oil into margarine, THC is converted to HHC by adding hydrogen atoms to THC molecules.
HHC’s popularity has been climbing quickly in recent months.
HHC is closely related to its “cousins” Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC, but it tends to produce a mellower high than standard Delta-9 THC – often described as a “THC-light” experience. Some describe the effects of HHC as more relaxing than stimulating.
Right now, HHC’s legal status in the United States remains unclear, since lawmakers have yet to fully address this cannabinoid’s rising popularity. That leaves the legal picture a bit murky. Don’t worry – we’ll walk through the likely legality of HHC in each state so you have a clearer sense of your local laws.
Keep in mind that the contents of this article and our website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We try to stay current on cannabis law, but the rules are constantly changing. Be sure to do your own research to decide whether HHC is a good option for you.
Is HHC Actually Legal?
HHC’s legal status is anything but simple.
On one hand, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal, which suggests hemp-derived HHC should be federally legal too. On the other hand, HHC is an isomer of THC, so it can also be viewed as a federally illegal substance.
On top of that, the picture looks completely different from state to state. Each U.S. state can pass its own laws concerning the legality of various cannabis products, and given how fast the cannabis industry keeps shifting, it’s no surprise that these state laws keep changing too.
State-by-State HHC Legal Status
At present, no state has passed a law that explicitly addresses HHC’s legal status.
That said, several states have placed restrictions on other intoxicating cannabinoids such as Delta-8 THC, and it’s reasonable to assume those states would take the same stance toward HHC. In most cases, these states are banning the consumption and distribution of all psychoactive cannabinoids, regardless of whether they’re derived from hemp or marijuana.
Alabama HHC Laws
Under Alabama law, all hemp-derived products must contain less than 0.3% THC, which means hemp-derived HHC is likely legal in the state.
Alaska HHC Laws
Alaska classifies all THC isomers as Schedule 3 prohibited substances, and since HHC is a THC isomer, it’s most likely illegal in the state.
Arizona HHC Laws
Like Alaska, Arizona prohibits THC isomers such as Delta-8 and Delta-10. Since Delta-8 is illegal there, HHC may hold the same illegal status. Only standard Delta-9 THC is permitted for recreational use.
Arkansas HHC Laws
Arkansas state law bans the use and distribution of modified cannabinoids. Because HHC occurs only in small traces in hemp plants, it’s typically extracted from CBD rather than directly from the plant, which is why Arkansas considers it a modified cannabinoid. As a result, HHC is most likely illegal in the state of Arkansas.
California HHC Laws
HHC is likely legal in California. As in most states, there is no law specifically regarding HHC. However, California law states that hemp-derived products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal.
Colorado HHC Laws
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.
Connecticut HHC Laws
Connecticut permits the sale of all cannabis extracts, including HHC. HHC is currently legal in Connecticut.
Delaware HHC Laws
HHC is likely illegal in Delaware, which bans all THC products and their isomers, including Delta-9.
Florida HHC Laws
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.
Georgia HHC Laws
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.
Hawaii HHC Laws
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.
Idaho HHC Laws
Idaho bans all THC isomers, including HHC, THC-O, Delta-8, and Delta-10 products.
Illinois HHC Laws
The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently stated that hemp cannot 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.
Indiana HHC Laws
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.
Iowa HHC Laws
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.
Kansas HHC Laws
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.
Kentucky HHC Laws
Kentucky is another state with restrictive cannabis laws, banning THC isomers like Delta-8 and Delta 10. HHC is likely illegal in this U.S. state.
Louisiana HHC Laws
In line with the 2018 Farm Bill, HHC is legal in the state of Louisiana.
Maine HHC Laws
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.
Maryland HHC Laws
Maryland also complies with federal law, so the HHC cannabinoid is legal.
Massachusetts HHC Laws
All hemp-derivatives with less than 0.3% THC, including HHC, are legal in Massachusetts.
Michigan HHC Laws
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.
Minnesota HHC Laws
Similar to other THC isomers like Delta-8, HHC is legal in the state of Minnesota.
Mississippi HHC Laws
Mississippi bans all forms of THC, including HHC, classifying every THC derivative from the cannabis plant as a Schedule I substance.
Missouri HHC Laws
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.
Montana HHC Laws
HHC is most likely illegal in Montana as this state prohibits all forms of THC.
Nebraska HHC Laws
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.
Nevada HHC Laws
HHC is not legal in the state of Nevada. State laws consider all THC isomers a controlled substance.
New Hampshire HHC Laws
HHC is likely legal in New Hampshire under the 2018 Farm Bill.
New Jersey HHC Laws
New Jersey allows THC isomers, cannabinoids, and derivatives of hemp. As such, HHC is also considered legal.
New Mexico HHC Laws
New Mexico complies with the federal law – considering all hemp extracts, cannabinoids, and isomers (HHC included) legal.
New York HHC Laws
New York restricts THC isomers like Delta-8 under state law. Therefore, HHC is also considered to be illegal in this state.
North Carolina HHC Laws
North Carolina also follows federal law. Therefore, HHC is legal in the state of North Carolina.
North Dakota HHC Laws
Similar to other THC isomers like Delta-8, HHC is illegal in the state of North Dakota.
Ohio HHC Laws
HHC, similar to Delta-8, is legal in Ohio.
Oklahoma HHC Laws
Hemp-derived HHC, like other hemp derivatives, is legal in the state of Oklahoma.
Oregon HHC Laws
All cannabinoids like THC, Delta-8, and HHC are legal in Oregon.
Pennsylvania HHC Laws
HHC is also legal in the state of Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island HHC Laws
Rhode Island permits all hemp derivatives and cannabinoids. However, this state defines Delta-8 as THC, making it illegal. Under the same logic, HHC may be considered illegal in Rhode Island.
South Carolina HHC Laws
Similar to Delta-8, hemp-derived HHC is legal in South Carolina.
South Dakota HHC Laws
HHC, like other THC isomers, including Delta-8, is legal in South Dakota.
Tennessee HHC Laws
Similarly, HHC and other THC isomers are legal in the state of Tennessee.
Texas HHC Laws
Texas bans modified isomers like Delta-8. Delta-8 is derived from CBD in a similar manner to HHC. Therefore, HHC is probably illegal in the state of Texas.
Utah HHC Laws
HHC legality in Utah is pretty straightforward. According to Utah’s state law, cannabinoids like Delta-8 and HHC are prohibited.
Vermont HHC Laws
Vermont prohibits isomers like Delta-8. As such, HHC is probably illegal in the state of Vermont.
Virginia HHC Laws
Virginia law follows the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalizes hemp products with less than 0.3% THC, like Delta-8 and HHC.
Washington HHC Laws
The state of Washington considers THC isomers like Delta-8 and HHC controlled substances, making them illegal here.
West Virginia HHC Laws
Following federal law, HHC is likely legal in the state of West Virginia.
Wisconsin HHC Laws
Like other THC isomers such as Delta-8, the state of Wisconsin allows the sale of hemp-derived HHC.
Wyoming HHC Laws
Wyoming considers isomers such as Delta-8 legal. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the HHC cannabinoid is legal in this state.
