Ban on 10-OH-HHC cannabinoids: changes and legislation

10-OH-HHC was recently among the novelties within the cannabinoid family. However, the question surrounding its legality and safety in Europe continues to grow. Let’s explain how it really is and summarize the basic information regarding the legality of 10-OH-HHC.

What is 10-OH-HHC

Before we focus on the question of legality, it is important to clarify what 10-OH-HHC actually is. HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that is chemically different from regular THC. HHC derivatives, including “10-OH-HHC”, i.e., 10-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabinol, have appeared as a new generation of cannabinoids. 10-OH-HHC is created by hydroxylation of HHC (a hydroxyl group –OH is added to the tenth carbon of its molecule).

According to available information, this cannabinoid has psychoactive effects. Some speak of a possible “cannabimimetic” effect, meaning a mimicking of THC/HHC effects. However, research is still very limited and it cannot be said with certainty how strong the effects of 10-OH-HHC are, how long they last, or how safe its use is.

Therefore, 10-OH-HHC is considered one of the so-called new psychoactive substances (NPS), meaning substances that are chemically modified and often aim to bypass legislation.

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Legislative development and the ban of HHC and its derivatives

In recent years, many countries have responded to the spread of semi-synthetic cannabinoids by amending laws. For example:

• The sale, production and distribution of HHC (and some of its derivatives) have been banned in many countries.
• When it comes to 10-OH-HHC, legislation is uncertain or actively changing in many countries.

In some countries, 10-OH-HHC may still be considered a “grey area”. In other words, a substance that is not explicitly banned but also not legally regulated.

This means that the answer to the question “is 10-OH-HHC legal?” can be very different depending on the country or even region.

Situation in Europe (year 2025)

In many EU countries, HHC and related synthetic cannabinoids have been banned. For example, the sale of HHC is prohibited in several countries. When it comes to 10-OH-HHC, the legal status varies. In some jurisdictions, it is explicitly banned, while in others it is not yet on the list of prohibited substances, meaning it may be available until the law catches up.

This creates a state of uncertainty: users and sellers may find themselves in legal or illegal situations solely due to differences in legal regulations. Let’s take a look at how European countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Poland and Hungary currently stand.

Czech Republic

Since March 2024, the Czech Republic has added a semi-synthetic cannabinoid group to the list of prohibited addictive substances, including HHC, HHC-O and THCP. This means that their production, import, distribution and sale are illegal.

Regarding 10-OH-HHC, available sources state that this substance is not explicitly listed in the list of banned substances. Technically, it may thus fall into a legal “grey area”, but this does not mean that it is legal or safe. Legislation concerning new cannabinoids in the Czech Republic is evolving and the situation may change quickly.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, HHC and its derivatives are discussed as part of new regulations, as there are concerns about the increasing misuse of synthetic cannabinoids.

The legal status of these substances is therefore uncertain, and it can be expected that regulation will be restrictive, similar to other EU member states.

Germany

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC have been explicitly banned in Germany since June 27, 2024, based on the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG).

This means that the production, sale and distribution of HHC are illegal. It is likely that this restriction also applies to new derivatives such as 10-OH-HHC, if they have effects and a chemical structure typical of cannabinoids. German legislation emphasizes the protection of public health and market regulation, and therefore HHC derivatives are considered potentially prohibited.

Poland

In Poland, HHC is considered a synthetic cannabinoid, and its distribution, production or import are evaluated as illegal.

This restriction likely applies to the derivatives as well, meaning that Poland represents a high risk for anyone who would want to buy or distribute HHC or its derivatives.

Hungary

Hungary is among the countries with the strictest regulation of synthetic cannabinoids. HHC and similar substances are banned, and possession, production or distribution are likely criminal offences

Derivatives such as 10-OH-HHC fall under the same restrictions, as Hungarian legislation bans all synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids.

What does this mean in practice?

• The legal risk is very real and it is necessary to check the current legal status of the given country, as the situation changes rapidly.

• There is no unified European rule. Even though some countries have banned HHC and synthetic cannabinoids, others may have a “grey area” or outdated legislation.

• Health risks remain serious. Semi-synthetic cannabinoids, due to their effects, unclear safety and the absence of long-term studies, pose risks for users. European reports warn that these substances belong to new psychoactive substances (NPS), increasing the risk of negative impacts.

• Even new derivatives may be banned quickly. What is legal today (or in a grey area) may be banned tomorrow – legislation reacts to market developments and health risks.

Why new cannabinoids are being banned

There are several reasons why countries tighten regulation or ban HHC and its derivatives:

• Unclear health impact – since research is limited, it is impossible to confirm safety or long-term effects. 10-OH-HHC is new; it has not been sufficiently tested.

• Risk of misuse and recreational use – derivatives that imitate THC’s psychoactivity attract users, often in the form of “legal alternatives” to cannabis. Regulation aims to prevent uncontrolled spread of these substances.

• Prevention of new “drug markets” – if every new synthetic substance could be sold legally, it would be very difficult to track and control its distribution.

Summary and recommendations

• HHC, HHC-O and THCP are explicitly banned in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Hungary.
• 10-OH-HHC and other new derivatives are not yet explicitly regulated in all countries and often fall into the “grey area”.
• Legislation is changing rapidly, making the situation uncertain and risky for users and sellers.
• Slovakia is preparing for restrictive regulation, similar to other Central European countries.

The use, sale or production of these cannabinoids is associated with legal risks and health uncertainties. It is always necessary to verify information according to the current legislation of the given country, as the situation is changing rapidly.