The Louisiana medical marijuana program gives access to legal cannabis products for patients with qualifying conditions.
This means testing, regulation, and medical-grade products are standard for medical marijuana patients in Louisiana, but not all cannabis products receive this level of certification.
Other products, such as Delta-8-THC, Delta-9-THC, or HHC are legally sold in many stores and offer a “cannabis like” experience, though the medicinal properties of these kinds of products are still under question.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about HHC, what it is, if it’s legal, and whether or not medical marijuana patients should look at these legal alternatives to cannabis!
What is HHC?
HHC is a Hemp-Derived THC Molecule with Hydrogen
HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol, and it’s a cannabinoid that is created by adding hydrogen molecules to Delta-9-THC, called hydrogenation.
Similar to how margarine is made from vegetable oil, Delta-9-THC becomes HHC when it’s hydrogenated.
Though HHC doesn’t occur naturally in the cannabis plant, HHC can be consumed like any other type of tetrahydrocannabinol, and it can be derived from both hemp and cannabis plants.
HHC is most commonly formed into vape carts, though you can find some HHC edibles and bulk distillate as well.
Is HHC Legal in Louisiana?
Yes! HHC is federally legal when it is derived from hemp and currently there are no restrictions or bans on HHC in Louisiana.
Louisiana has embraced these alternative cannabinoids, favoring regulation over banning these or other synthetic cannabinoids.
That means you can legally purchase and possess HHC products in Louisiana regardless of your status as a medical marijuana patient, though there are some things to consider for patients with health conditions.
HHC, though legal, may not be the best option for patients looking for significant relief for a variety of reasons, though safety and potency are among the top reasons to avoid HHC if you’re a medical marijuana patient.
HHC is considerably weak compared to even Delta-8-THC, which is notably less potent than regular Delta-9-THC. For patients looking for relief, it’s unlikely that HHC can provide effective medicinal relief at reasonable doses, and it currently exists more as a novel cannabinoid rather than a medicinal or therapeutic compound.
Is HHC Safe to Consume?
HHC is in an Under-Regulated Market with Limited Testing & Analysis
There are currently no regulations concerning HHC, and that’s understandable considering its relatively new position as a consumer product.
Although HHC has been around since the ‘40s, it hasn’t been popularized as a consumer product until recently. With the products being so early in their production, there’s not been enough research to determine many of the questions concerning HHC, such as its side effects or the long-term complications of using HHC.
HHC is a novel product right now and hasn’t undergone significant scientific or medical research as a useful compound, and the same goes for its production and manufacturing.
Although HHC as a molecular compound doesn’t appear to pose any health threats as it exists, the manufacturing and contamination of HHC products is where the real concerns are.
Should Medical Marijuana Patients Use HHC?
Since there are no regulations, companies often move to quickly set up operations for these types of fly-by-night THC alternatives that fly under the legal radar, and in many cases, there is limited to no testing or analysis of the products.
Many alternative THC products like HHC/Delta-8/Delta-9 have been found to contain harmful chemicals or toxic materials, and until there is appropriate regulation and standardized testing, you leave a lot up to chance when it comes to HHC.
Products that have a qualified certificate of analysis are an option, though finding a reputable company with genuine lab results can be tough.
For medical marijuana patients, the limited potency of HHC combined with the uncertainty of the product manufacturing process make this alternative compound an unlikely pair for patients with chronic or terminal conditions.
It’s best to stick with products that are reputable and subject to rigorous testing standards if you have any health conditions, and until federal cannabis legalization, medical marijuana products will remain the safest cannabis option.
Get Your Louisiana Medical Marijuana Certification
Louisiana’s medical marijuana program is open for patients with any condition that a physician believes could benefit from medical marijuana. Consult with one of our qualified doctors online and start the journey to getting your medical marijuana card in Louisiana online today!
You can become a medical marijuana patient today by consulting with one of our qualified doctors!
Getting a medical marijuana card in Louisiana is easier than ever, beat the lines and get your medical marijuana certification in Louisiana today, and you can even get certified for medical marijuana online for ease of use and convenience.
For questions about Louisiana’s medical marijuana program, or how to become a medical marijuana patient in Louisiana, consult with one of our trusted doctors and book an online medical marijuana appointment today!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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