Is the popular HHC cannabinoid legal? Here’s what you need to know about the legal status of HHC on a federal and state level.
The short answer is that yes, HHC is legal in some form in most states. However, the long answer is a bit more complicated than that. Let’s take a closer look at the legalities of HHC on both a federal and state level.
On a federal level, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) lists marijuana (THC) as a Schedule I drug. This means that the federal government considers marijuana to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, the CSA does not specifically mention the HHC cannabinoid. The language only refers to Delta 9 THC, the predominant psychoactive component in marijuana.
This means that technically, HHC is not illegal on a federal level. However, this also means that it’s up to each individual state to decide whether or not they want to allow the use of HHC within their borders. And as you can imagine, states have widely varying laws when it comes to HHC.
In some states, such as California and Colorado, HHC is completely legal for both medicinal and recreational use. In other states, like Texas, HHC is only legal for medicinal use. And still other states, like Idaho, HHC is not legal for any use.
So if you’re wondering if you can legally buy HHC where you live, the best answer is to check with your local laws to see what the current status is.
Keep in mind that even in states where THC is legal, there may be restrictions on how HHC can be purchased. Some states, Nevada for example, allow for the purchase of alternate cannabinoids bit only in the same dispensary you would purchase recreational marijuana.
So if you’re considering using HHC, make sure to do your research. We’ve provided some information about the local legalities of HHC by state. However, this information can change frequently as states shape their laws regarding cannabis.
What Is HHC and Why Is It So Popular?
HHC, or Hexahydrocannibinol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Although it is a naturally occurring compound, it can only be found in trace amounts. As a result, in order to accrue enough HHC for use, it must be synthesized to become cost efficient during production.
HHC is synthesized by adding hydrogen to THC. This process, dubbed Hydrogenation, was invented in the 1940s and is still used to manufacture some of the foods we eat today. Adding hydrogen to THC changes the chemical makeup of THC making it a legal substance.
Changing the molecular structure of THC by adding hydrogen also has an effect on the psychoactive properties of THC. HHC has a less potent high than THC. Aside from HHC being legal in areas where marijuana is not, the less potent high is seen as an attractive quality. It’s affectionately referred to as “work weed” as it provides the calming effects of THC without the intense mind fog often associated with high THC content strains.
For this reason HHC is loved by many. From newbies looking for a less potent high to seasoned veterans seeking a manageable high, HHC is quickly becoming a crowd favorite.
Is HHC legal in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama allows for the use of cannabis products that are compliant with the rules set forth in the 2018 Farm Bill as of April 2021. As long as the HHC is lab tested and has THC content less than .3% it is legal for purchase, sale and consumption.
Is HHC legal in Alaska?
Oddly, HHC and other hemp derived HC isomers such as Delta 8, have been outlawed in Alaska. This is unusual because Alaska has made recreational marijuana legal. Hemp derived CBD is legal but you need to make sure you are purchasing it from a vendor with the proper licensing and lab tested products.
Is HHC legal in Arizona?
Much like Alaska, Arizona has a recreational marijuana program allowing use of Delta 9 THC but prohibit the sale and use of THC isomers.
Is HHC legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas prohibits the sale and use of HHC and THC isomers (Delta 8, Delta 10, THC-O, etc.). The language of their laws bans the use of “modified cannabinoids” so that encompasses quite a few cannabis products.
Is HHC legal in California?
California is known as one of the few states to pioneer the legalization of marijuana. They follow the laws set forth by the federal government in the 2018 Farm Bill without modification. Medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, HHC and other THC isomers are all legal in the state of California.
Is HHC legal in Colorado?
Just like California, Colorado was also a pioneer in legalization on a state level. However, they do not allow the sale or consumption of alternative cannabinoids in Colorado. Products like HHC and Delta 8 are banned likely because they are in direct competition with established, licensed marijuana businesses. Dispensaries and grow operations pay quite a hefty sum for licensing to the state and Colorado is protecting their interests by not allowing products that can be shipped from any other legal state.
Is HHC legal in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut has a medical and recreational marijuana program that allows for the sale and consumption of all THC products. This includes isomers such as HHC.
Is HHC legal in Delaware?
No. Delaware continues to enforce laws prohibiting marijuana and all cannabis products.
Is HHC legal in Florida?
Yes. Florida has a medical marijuana program that allows patients to purchase THC products. As a result, they also allow the recreational use of hemp derived products such as HHC, THC-O and Delta 8 and 10.
Is HHC legal in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia currently allows for the sale and consumption of any hemp derived cannabis product containing less than .3% THC. You can purchase HHC, Delta 8 and other cannabinoids within the state or have them shipped from another state with similar laws.
Is HHC legal in Hawaii?
HHC is legal in Hawaii and their laws follow the same guidelines of the federal 2018 Farm Bill. Any hemp derived product with less than .3% THC content can be legally sold and consumed in Hawaii.
Is HHC legal in Idaho?
If you live in Idaho and you want to get high legally, you’ll need to move. Idaho has some of the most strict laws in the country in regards to marijuana and alternative cannabinoids like HHC.
Is HHC legal in Illinois?
Illinois state laws allow for the use, sale and production of HHC and other hemp derived cannabinoids. However, in March of 2022, the Illinois Department of Agriculture made the production of hemp derived cannabinoids by local licensed hemp farmers illegal. This is in direct contradiction with state law, which should supersede other governmental bodies in a court of law. If you are buying HHC products for consumption you have no worries. If you’re considering manufacturing HHC in Illinois, we would check with an attorney before getting started.
Is HHC legal in Indiana?
HHC and all hemp derived products containing less than .3% THC are legal for sale and consumption in Indiana.
Is HHC legal in Iowa?
Although there is no specific language in Iowa laws pertaining to HHC, the hemp laws on the books are quite strict. Iowa doesn’t even allow for the legal sale of CBD, an innocuous hemp derivative.
Is HHC legal in Kansas?
The state of Kansas follows federal laws for the sale and consumption of hemp derived products. HHC and other compounds containing less than .3% THC can be sold, manufactured and used by consumers.
Is HHC legal in Kentucky?
Hemp derived alternative cannabinoids are legal in Kentucky. In August of 2022, a Kentucky court sided with the hemp industry ruling any hemp product that is in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill, including HHC, is legal.
Is HHC legal in Louisiana?
Yes, HHC is legal in the state of Louisiana. Louisiana follows the 2018 Farm Bill and allows for the sale and consumption of any hemp products that contain less than .3% THC.
Is HHC legal in Maine?
Maine has a medical and recreational marijuana program. HHC, THC-O and other alternative cannabinoids are also legal.
Is HHS legal in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland follows federal laws in regards to hemp derived cannabinoids such as HHC, Delta 10, Delta 8 and others.
Is HHC legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, HHC and any other hemp derivatives containing less than .3% THC are legal for sale and consumption.
Is HHC legal in Minnesota?
As of July 1st 2022 any cannabis product derived from hemp and containing less than 50mg of THC per product is legal. This includes HHC and other THC isomers.
Is HHC legal in Mississippi?
All THC and hemp derived cannabinoids, including HHC are banned in Mississippi. The only exclusion is CBD. CBD is allowed to treat seizures with a diagnosis and medical recommendation from a licensed physician.
Is HHC legal in Missouri?
Yes, as of October 4th, 2021 HHC, Delta 8, Delta 10 and all other hemp derived cannabinoids containing less than .3% THC are legal to sell and consume.
Is HHC legal in Montana?
No. All forms of THC products are banned in Montana including HHC. The only legal cannabinoid in the state of Montana is CBD with less than .3% THC content.
Is HHC legal in Nebraska?
The Governor of Nebraska recently requested the State Attorney General clarify state laws in regards to cannabinoids with psychoactive properties such as HHC and THC-O. There was never a response to the matter and Nebraska currently permits the legal sale and consumption of HHC.
Is HHC legal in Nevada?
Yes, HHC is legal in the state of Nevada. It must be purchased in a dispensary licensed to sell THC products.
Is HHC legal in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire legalized all hemp extracts, isomers and concentrates. HHC containing less than .3% Delta 9 THC can be purchased and consumed legally in New Hampshire.
Is HHC legal in New Jersey?
All THC and hemp derived products are legal in the state of New Jersey.
Is HHC legal in New Mexico?
Yes. HHC and other hemp derived cannabinoids in compliance with the federal 2018 Farm Bill are legal in New Mexico.
Is HHC legal in New York?
No, New York prohibits the sale and consumption of any hemp derived product with psychoactive properties. It is illegal to purchase HHC in New York state.
Is HHC legal in North Carolina?
Yes. HHC and hemp derived products with less than .3% THC are legal in North Carolina.
Is HHC legal in North Dakota?
No. All THC products are prohibited by law in North Dakota with the exception of CBD meeting the 2018 Farm Bill standards.
Is HHC legal in Ohio?
Yes, all hemp derived HHC is legal in Ohio. You can also purchase Delta 8, Delta 10, THC-O and other cannabinoids legally.
Is HHC legal in Oklahoma?
HHC and all other hemp derived cannabinoids are legal in Oklahoma. There is even specific language permitting their sale, possession and consumption of any hemp derived product with less than .3% THC on the books unlike many other states that haven’t clarified their laws.
Is HHC legal in Oregon?
As of July 1st, 2022 Oregon has banned the sale of all hemp derived cannabinoids. This includes some cannabinoids with no psychoactive effects, such as CBN.
Is HHC legal in Pennsylvania?
HHC and other Farm Bill compliant cannabinoids are legal in the state of Pennsylvania. This was true with the passing of House Bill 967 in July 2016, 2 years before the Farm Bill was enacted.
Is HHC legal in Rhode Island?
You can purchase and consume HHC and other hemp derived cannabinoids legally in the state of Rhode Island with the exception of Delta 8 and Delta 10. Rhode Island has decided that Delta products are derived from THC, not hemp in their legal definitions.
Is HHC legal in South Carolina?
Technically, yes. Hemp derived cannabinoids are legal in the state of South Carolina. If they are in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill you can possess and consume them according to their law books.
However, in October of 2021 the State Attorney General and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) issued a public opinion about Delta 8. In this opinion they stated Delta 8 is not covered by the Farm Bill because it is not a natural derivative of hemp. No actual laws have changed and there was never any specific mention of HHC in the language. While its technically legal, you’re taking your chances with the law.
Is HHC legal in South Dakota?
HHC and other THC isomers are legal in the state of South Dakota. The state only requires that you are age 21 or older as do most other states. Surprisingly, the state has passed a law against CBD products. If you suffer from seizures, you can purchase Epidiolex, an FDA approved CBD product that requires a prescription.
Is HHC legal in Tennessee?
Yes, you can legally purchase HHC, THC-O, Delta 8, Delta 10 and other cannabinoids in Tennessee.
Is HHC legal in Texas?
Despite the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) trying to halt the sales of Delta 8 and other cannabinoids in Texas the state has put an injunction in place. The state is arguing that HHC and Delta 8 are legal according the 2018 Farm Bill. Currently, you can legally purchase HHC in Texas.
Is HHC legal in Utah?
No. Utah prohibits the purchase and consumption of all cannabinoids with the exception of hemp derived CBD. HHC, Delta 8 and other alternative compounds are considered a Schedule I substance in Utah.
Is HHC legal in Vermont?
No, Vermont prohibits the sale and consumption of HHC products. The same is true for THC-O, Delta 8, Delta 10 and other psychoactive cannabinoids.
Is HHC legal in Virginia?
Yes, you can legally purchase HHC products in Virginia with one stipulation. In June of 2022 the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) banned the sale of cannabinoid products that come in edible form. They claim that the facilities manufacturing edibles and drinks containing HHC and other cannabinoids do not adhere to the same standards as a restaurant may have. You can only purchase HHC if you buy it in the form of a vape, cart or distillate.
Is HHC legal in Washington?
No, Washington prohibits the sale and consumption of synthesized cannabinoids. This includes HHC.
Is HHC legal in West Virginia?
Virginia only requires that you are age 21 or older to purchase HHC and other alternative cannabinoids.
Is HHC legal in Wisconsin?
Yes. HHC and other hemp derived cannabinoids containing less than .3% THC can be legally sold, purchased and consumed in Wisconsin.
Is HHC legal in Wyoming?
You can legally purchase and consume HHC and other THC isomers in Wyoming.
In Summary
The laws regarding HHC vary greatly from state to state and change frequently. While the current 2018 Farm Bill makes HHC federally legal, there is language in the bill that allows for states to set their own rules. Furthermore, a new Farm Bill is proposed every 5 years. A change to the current laws permitting the use of psychoactive cannabinoids like HHC may be coming in 2023.
