DEA Officially Bans HHC, Hemp's Sketchy Cousin, Nationwide
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Rule
Summary
The DEA is giving hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) its own official spot on the list of Schedule I drugs, making it clear that HHC is controlled separately from other similar substances. This change starts May 4, 2026, and affects anyone making, selling, or using HHC, which stays illegal under federal law. No new fees or costs are introduced, but the update helps law enforcement and businesses know exactly where HHC stands.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
HHC Listed Separately in Schedule I
The DEA added hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) as its own specific Schedule I listing with DEA drug code 7220, effective May 4, 2026. HHC remains a Schedule I controlled substance (it was previously controlled under the tetrahydrocannabinols drug code 7370), so making, selling, or using HHC stays illegal under federal law.
DEA Can Set HHC Production Quotas
The rule lets DEA establish an aggregate production quota and grant individual manufacturing and procurement quotas specifically for HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). DEA-registered manufacturers of HHC, who previously received quotas under the tetrahydrocannabinols drug code, will receive quotas tied to the new HHC drug code.
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