ANSM classifies HHC and two of its derivatives as narcotics

Like the The health minister had announced it, and following an assessment by the National Agency for Medicines Safety, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and two of its derivatives, HHC acetate (HHCO) and hexahydroxycannabiphorol (HHCP), will be added to the list of controlled substances effective Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Their production, sale, and consumption will therefore be banned on the same date in France, bringing it in line with many countries in Europe that already ban it.

As I had promised, HHC has been evaluated and is now classified as a controlled substance by the’@ansm. Starting tomorrow, the use and sale of HHC will be prohibited. My department @Sante_Gouv is committed to protecting the health of the French people and combating addiction.

— François Braun (@FrcsBraun) June 12, 2023

HHC, HHCO, HHCP: What Are They?

HHC is produced through a chemical process called hydrogenation of CBD. The synthetic molecule, which occurs in very small amounts and only in seeds in nature, is said to produce effects psychotropic drugs similar to those experienced when consuming THC. Sold primarily online and in CBD stores, HHC It comes in the form of a distillate-like extract that can then be incorporated into oils, resins, vape products, or food products, or sprayed onto hemp flowers. The HHC concentration of products sold on the market varies and can reach up to 99 %, depending on the form and brand.

According to the ANSM, monitoring conducted by the national drug surveillance network indicates that HHC use is currently on the rise in France, sometimes without users realizing it, as they believe they are using another product, such as CBD.

According to various reports, HHC accounted for a significant share of revenue at CBD stores and online sales, demonstrating, in particular, the appeal of a product sold «legally.» Will manufacturers challenge this classification, as they did with CBD? Stay tuned for the next installment.