Cannabimimetic and discriminative stimulus effects of hexahydrocannabinols in mice.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) July 1, 2025 Julie A Marusich, Cassandra Prioleau, Luli R Akinfiresoye 1 citation
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), sold as a legal replacement for Δ9-THC, has two epimers: 9(R)-HHC and 9(S)-HHC. In adult male mice, 9(R)-HHC produced all four cannabimimetic effects (locomotor suppression, antinociception, hypothermia, and catalepsy) and fully substituted for Δ9-THC in drug discrimination, with similar potency except for greater hypothermia. 9(S)-HHC only produced effects in two tetrad measures, was less potent, and partially substituted for Δ9-THC. 9(R)-HHC likely has abuse liability in humans, while 9(S)-HHC may produce weak Δ9-THC-like psychoactivity. The ratio of epimers consumed may influence effects in human users.