No—HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is illegal in Rhode Island. The state prohibits all synthetic or chemically modified cannabinoids, regardless of whether they originate from hemp or cannabis.
Rhode Island law classifies these compounds as Schedule I controlled substances, placing them in the same category as illicit THC analogs.
This ban applies to:
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- Retail sales
- Possession for commercial purposes
- Importing or shipping products into Rhode Island
Below is a detailed breakdown of how and why the state restricts HHC.
Rhode Island’s Official Position on HHC
Rhode Island’s Department of Business Regulation (DBR) and Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) enforce strict hemp and cannabis rules.
❌ Illegal to sell
Retailers cannot sell HHC products of any kind.
❌ Illegal to manufacture
Creating HHC via hydrogenation or chemical conversion violates state law.
❌ Illegal to distribute or ship
Shipping HHC into or within Rhode Island is prohibited.
❌ Illegal to possess for commercial activity
Businesses are barred from possessing HHC for commerce.
✔ Personal possession is not the focus of enforcement
The state targets business activity, but consumers may still face risks.
Why Rhode Island Bans HHC
Rhode Island prohibits HHC because:
- It is chemically altered, not naturally extracted
- Safety concerns exist due to unregulated production
- The state seeks to prevent intoxicating hemp sales outside the regulated cannabis program
- Synthetic cannabinoids fall under Rhode Island’s controlled substances list
HHC cannot be legally produced or sold under the state’s hemp regulations.
What Hemp Products Are Legal in Rhode Island?
✔ Legal (non-intoxicating)
- CBD isolate
- Broad-spectrum hemp extracts
- CBG, CBN, CBC
- Hemp topicals and lotions
❌ Illegal (intoxicating or chemically altered)
- HHC
- Delta-8 THC
- Delta-10 THC
- THCP
- THC-O
- HHC-O
If a cannabinoid is created through isomerization, hydrogenation, or other chemical alterations, Rhode Island considers it illegal.
What HHC Products Are Banned?
All HHC product categories are prohibited, including:
- HHC vapes
- HHC disposables
- HHC gummies
- HHC tinctures
- HHC edibles
- HHC capsules
- HHC flower or pre-rolls
Licensed dispensaries cannot sell HHC either.
Can You Order HHC Online to Rhode Island?
❌ No
Online retailers are barred from shipping HHC into Rhode Island.
Packages may be blocked, returned, or seized.
Most reputable brands list RI as a restricted state.
Age Requirements (If HHC Were Legal)
If the law ever changes, Rhode Island would likely require buyers to be:
- 21 or older
For now, HHC remains banned for all ages.
FAQs
Is HHC legal in Rhode Island?
No. HHC is banned and classified as a controlled substance.
Can stores sell HHC in Rhode Island?
No. Retail sale is prohibited.
Why is HHC banned?
It is chemically altered, making it illegal under state law.
Can you ship HHC to Rhode Island?
No. Shipping HHC violates state regulations.
Are CBD products legal?
Yes—non-intoxicating hemp extracts are allowed.
Do cannabis dispensaries sell HHC?
No. HHC is not approved for regulated cannabis sales.
What Rhode Island Consumers Should Know
- HHC is illegal statewide
- Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-O, and THCP are also banned
- Only licensed cannabis retailers may sell Delta-9 THC products
- Buying online or from gas stations is not compliant with state law
- Enforcement focuses on businesses, but consumers should still exercise caution
Conclusion
Rhode Island maintains some of the strictest hemp and cannabinoid rules in the country. Because HHC is a chemically modified compound, it is treated as a controlled substance and is prohibited from the state’s hemp marketplace. No licensed or unlicensed retailer may sell, ship, or manufacture HHC within Rhode Island.
Bottom line:
HHC is illegal in Rhode Island in 2025. Only regulated cannabis products sold through licensed dispensaries are permitted.