Welcoming a New Cannabinoid to the Hemp Market: PHC

Posted by David Nadel on Mar 16, 2024

PHC has emerged as one of the most effective alternatives to delta 9 THC thus far, maybe second best to THCA (the raw form of delta 9 THC). With so many new cannabinoids constantly entering the marketplace, we want to draw special attention to the distinctive nature of PHC, and why itā€™s wholly worth setting your sights on if your primary goal with hemp is to enjoy a traditional delta 9 high.

What Exactly is PHC?

PHC, aka hydrox4phc, is a lab-made hemp derivative thatā€™s semi-synthesized ā€“ that is, itā€™s created by chemically modifying an existing component of the hemp plant, extracted from its natural source. PHC is one of the most mysterious cannabinoids, in that there isnā€™t a ton of published literature about its chemical makeup, the process of producing it, or its unique properties.

However, what we do know is that PHC is created by adding an acetate to delta 9 THC. An acetate is a salt or ester of acetic acid that strengthens a cannabinoidā€™s chemical structure, enabling it to maintain its integrity as it absorbs into the body. In the case of hydrox4phc, the acetate is simply added with the intention of metabolizing once it fully absorbs into the human system, leaving behind whatā€™s 99% delta 9 THC, behaving exactly as THC is known to when it enters the bloodstream.

PHC, therefore, was created with a specific purpose: to provide consumers with a federally legal form of delta 9 THC. As you can see, the cannabinoid becomes delta 9 in the body, but because the chemical structure is different from delta 9 THC when itā€™s in distillate form inside of a product, it does not conflict with federal law.

Will I Get High from Taking PHC?

Yes! PHC is an intoxicating cannabinoid. Again, thatā€™s by design, as PHC simply converts into almost 100% THC once absorbed. What this means is that taking hydrox4phc should give you the exact same high you get from delta 9, without any noticeable differences to speak of.

But, how do delta 9ā€™s unique psychoactive properties feel? Well, keep in mind that delta 9 is the most sought-after plant-derived intoxicant in the world for a reason. The high can be euphoric and calming, and thus, can provide relief throughout the body in the form of a soothing ā€œbody highā€ effect. Of course, if youā€™re vaping, smoking, or dabbing a PHC-based product, the specific nature of the high is going to largely depend on the strain youā€™ve picked out.

Does PHC Have Any Benefits?

Now, letā€™s clarify that PHC has yet to undergo any medical studies on its potential benefits. The hemp derivative is brand new to the market, and it takes time to research a new cannabis compound, let alone get the funding for the research and publish the study. Because of this, we canā€™t make any health-related claims regarding hydrox4phcā€™s effects, but what we can do is compare it to delta 9 THC, because again, theoretically, consuming PHC provides the body with an ample amount of delta 9.

And, delta 9 THC has been studied thoroughly over many decades for its positive effects, so much so that the majority of states across the country have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes. So, what are the key potential benefits you may get from taking PHC?

  • PHC Might Help with Physical Discomfort: PHC likely offers the same analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects seen with delta 9 THC, offering notable relief from physical discomfort, and being useful as a natural means for finding relief on a daily basis.
  • PHC May Help with Mood: Cannabinoids interact with neurotransmitters that control our mood, and PHC likely shares these qualities, offering anxiolytic and mood-boosting properties that can help us feel our best, mentally.
  • PHC May Be Antiemetic: Many cannabinoids have antiemetic properties (in other words, the ability to reduce nausea), and we know that delta 9 THC is useful as an antiemetic agent.
  • PHC May Improve Appetite: One of the most widely observed properties of delta 9 is its ability to boost appetite, and this is likely the case with PHC as well.
  • PHC May Be Neuroprotective: One of the most fascinating areas of research in cannabis is the neuroprotective properties that can be derived from a number of cannabinoids, including delta 9 THC, showing usefulness against neurological and neurodegenerative conditions including epilepsy, dementia, Parkinsonā€™s, etc.

What Kinds of PHC Products are on the Market?

Even though hydrox4phc is still quite new to the hemp marketplace, PHC products that you can find, such as:

  • Vapes: PHC vapes, including vape cartridges used with rechargeable vape pens, and all-in-one disposable vape pens, contain a blend of PHC distillate (extract) and terpenes, in a number of strain options to choose from.
  • Gummies: PHC gummies are delicious edibles that come in many flavors and milligram strengths. They are known to offer the longest-lasting effects out of any delivery method ā€“ up to 8 hours.
  • Tinctures: PHC tinctures are bottled oils that come in dropper bottles, in a variety of strengths and some flavor options as well. They are absorbed under the tongue, offering about 4-6 hours of a PHC high.
  • Dabs: Dabs (aka concentrates) containing PHC offer a very, very powerful high due to how concentrated they are, and are meant to be ā€œdabbed,ā€ which is to vaporize the product at a high temperature using a special device intended for dabbing.

Is PHC a Legal Cannabinoid?

PHC is protected under federal law as all hemp derivatives are legal as long as they contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC, as determined by the United States Farm Bill that passed in 2018. No state has banned hydrox4phc specifically, since itā€™s so new, but a handful of states have outlawed the sales of psychoactive hemp derivatives ever since delta 8 THC first hit the scene as the first legal intoxicating cannabinoid to enter the hemp market.

The states in which you cannot legally buy PHC are:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington

Could PHC Be The Next Delta 9 THC Shortcut?

PHC is a fascinating addition to the hemp industry, and it was specially designed to offer a legal workaround to delta 9 laws in the United States. As you can see, its chemical structure makes it a reliable way to enjoy the famous high of THC, along with the potential benefits for which THC is renowned. While hydrox4phc is only just starting to enter the hemp market, weā€™ve already heard a lot of positive feedback from those who have tried it.

If youā€™re looking for authentic, high-quality, and potent PHC, weā€™ve got you covered here at The Calm Leaf. Weā€™re proud to carry only PHC products from leading brands in the industry, to ensure that youā€™re able to treat yourself to the real deal, and even maximize all that it has to offer.