HHC, HHCO, HHCP: why these molecules are banned in France

The emergence of new cannabis derivatives such as HHC, HHCO, and HHCP has sent shockwaves through the cannabinoid world. Their growing popularity among consumers seeking legal alternatives to THC quickly attracted the attention of French health authorities. Faced with the increasing use of these products, their sale and consumption were banned in France, raising numerous questions about their psychoactive effects, their regulatory status, and the associated risks. This article explains the reasons and the legal framework that justify this ban.

What are HHC, HHCO, and HHCP? HHC, HHCO, and HHCP all belong to thecannabinoid family. Unlike natural compounds such as CBD or THC, they are distinguished by their chemical structure and method of extraction. Although they are considered cannabis derivatives, their origin raises questions about their safety. HHC (hexahydrocannabinol), HHCO (hexahydrocannabinol acetate), and HHCP (hexahydrocannabiphorol) are designed to mimic some of the effects of THC. However, they are most often synthetic molecules resulting from chemical transformations of natural hemp extracts. This fundamental distinction already raises serious concerns regarding regulation and public health.

Psychoactive Effects and Associated Risks: One of the main reasons for the ban on these substances in France is their similarity to THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. HHC, HHCO, and HHCP induce altered states of consciousness, sometimes more intense or unpredictable, due to their potency or method of manufacture. The similarity to THC is not limited to the euphoria sought by some users. Several reports indicate Side effects such as tremors , vomiting, episodes of acute anxiety, bad trips , or even mental confusion. These worrying manifestations directly contribute to the

risk of abuse and addiction

, which is of particular alarm to health authorities. To gain a deeper understanding of current regulations, a detailed look at theban on THCP by the ANSM (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety) helps to better understand the measures recently taken against these synthetic cannabinoids. Limited safety dataIt remains difficult to accurately assess the extent of the danger when few rigorous studies analyze the medium- or long-term toxicity of these molecules. Unlike natural THC which has been studied for a long time, these new cannabis derivativessuffer from a real lack of scientific perspective. This uncertainty leads health agencies to apply the

precautionary principle to synthetic molecules that are still poorly understood.The reported incidents concern both physical andpsychological reactions. Some people report cardiac or neurological problems, increasing the vigilance of French legislators regarding these products.A significant addictive potentialThese new substances also present a significant addictive potential. Like other potent cannabinoids, they act on the pleasure and reinforcement pathways, thus increasing the risk of abuse and dependence,particularly among young people or vulnerable populations. The complete lack of regulation regarding the purity or concentration of these products facilitates the circulation of cut or overdosed substances, further aggravating the health consequences and multiplying risky behaviors.The legal framework in FranceThe ban in France on HHC, HHCO, and HHCP stems directly from a desire to protect the population from new molecules whose effects remain largely unknown. Classification as a narcotic

results from analyses conducted by bodies such as the

National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM). Upon their arrival on the market, the authorities chose to act quickly. This strategy aims to limit the spread of these substances, anticipating both their potential for abuse and possible circumvention of regulations on traditional cannabis.

The lack of transparency regarding the production methods of these cannabinoids has only reinforced the firmness of the French approach. To understand how these bans take effect and are disseminated within the sector, you can consult a dedicated section on theofficial ban of several chemical cannabinoids. How does the ANSM’s decision work?

The ANSMhas the power to provide expertise and make recommendations on all substances that pose a risk to public healthor that could be diverted for recreational purposes. It relies on feedback from healthcare professionals, analyses from toxicological laboratories, and the observation of emerging phenomena. When a

proven or suspected riskis identified, even without a major incident reported, classification as a narcotic may be decided. This automatically entails the prohibition of its manufacture, import, sale, and consumption throughout French territory.

Biological and legal similarity to THCAt the molecular level, these new compounds present a marked similarity to THC , sufficient to generate similar psychoactive effects. This similarity facilitates rapid assimilation by the nervous system, justifying the severity of the regulatory framework in place.This criterion implies that any

molecule capable of imitating or exceeding the effects of THCalmost automatically falls into the list ofillicit drugs , thus ensuring harmonization of health controls regarding cannabis-derived products Consequences of the ban on the French market The application of theFrench lawleads to immediate changes in the availability of these controversial molecules.Online sales

, once flourishing thanks to legal loopholes and the speed of e-commerce, now become subject to

criminal prosecutionas soon as the official decree is published. Specialized retailers must immediately remove all goods containing

HHC, HHCO, or HHCP under penalty of heavy sanctions. Stocks are destroyed or sealed. For consumers, access to these products disappears abruptly, often without clear information about the risks previously involved. Immediate removalof the offending items from physical stores and online shops Legal risk

for users and sellers

Fluctuation and then cessation of supply on the black market Substitution phenomenon towards other molecules or forms ofsynthetic cannabinoids Deterrent effecton experimentation with new products

The agility of the illegal market sometimes makes it difficult to monitor successive bans. Hence the need, regularly reiterated by public authorities, to accompany each new ban with targeted communicationon the dangers associated with these artificial alternatives.

Frequently asked questions about HHC, HHCO, HHCP and their status in France What are the most common side effects related to the consumption of HHC, HHCO or HHCP? Anxiety and episodes ofbad trips Body tremorsVomiting and severe nausea Mental confusion

and disorientation For some people, the consumption of these synthetic molecules also leads to cardiovascular problems , palpitations, and paranoid episodes. The side effects

• The effects vary depending on the individual, the dose, and the purity of the product used.
• Why does France classify these molecules as narcotics?
• The classification as a narcotic is based on several criteria: Similarity to THC in terms of psychoactive effects
• Lack of reliable studies on long-term safety Reported cases of abuse and dependence Synthetic molecule that is difficult to control
• Such regulations aim to reduce the distribution of substances that pose a potential health risk, while maintaining the strict legal framework surrounding cannabis and its derivatives. Can these cannabinoids still be bought or consumed in France?

No, since the ANSM’s decision, the sale and consumption of HHC, HHCO, and HHCP are prohibited. Any violation is punishable by fines to imprisonment. Shops, including online retailers, are no longer allowed to offer them. Product Status in France HHC Prohibited HHCOProhibited

HHCP

Julien( Rédacteur en chef spécialisé en CBD )