No—HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is illegal in Washington State.
Washington explicitly prohibits synthetic, chemically altered, or artificially derived cannabinoids, and HHC falls squarely within that category.
Unlike states that rely solely on Delta-9 THC thresholds, Washington evaluates how a cannabinoid is made, not just how much THC it contains. Because HHC is produced through hydrogenation and chemical conversion, it is not permitted under Washington hemp or cannabis law.
Washington’s Legal Classification of HHC
Washington law, enforced by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB), prohibits:
- Synthetic cannabinoids
- Chemically modified cannabinoids
- THC analogs are not naturally occurring in cannabis
As a result:
- ❌ HHC is illegal to manufacture
- ❌ HHC is illegal to sell
- ❌ HHC is illegal to distribute or ship
- ❌ HHC is illegal to market as a consumer product
This applies whether HHC is derived from hemp or cannabis.
Why Washington Banned HHC
Washington’s prohibition is based on:
- Public safety concerns over chemically altered cannabinoids
- Lack of FDA approval and standardized testing
- Prevention of intoxicating hemp products bypassing cannabis regulation
- Maintaining strict oversight of psychoactive substances
Washington allows only naturally occurring cannabinoids within its tightly regulated cannabis market.
What Hemp Products Are Still Legal in Washington?
✔ Legal (Non-Intoxicating Hemp)
- CBD isolate
- Broad-spectrum CBD
- CBG, CBN, CBC
- Hemp topicals and wellness products
❌ Illegal
- HHC
- Delta-8 THC
- Delta-10 THC
- THC-O
- THCP
- Any cannabinoid created through chemical conversion
If it causes intoxication and is chemically altered, Washington bans it.
Can You Buy HHC in Washington?
❌ No
HHC cannot legally be purchased from:
- Smoke shops
- CBD or hemp retailers
- Gas stations
- Online sellers shipping to Washington
- Licensed cannabis dispensaries
Washington dispensaries may sell Delta-9 THC cannabis products only, not hemp-derived alternatives like HHC.
Can You Order HHC Online to Washington?
❌ No
Online shipment of HHC into Washington violates state law.
Most compliant brands block Washington addresses entirely.
Age Requirements (If HHC Were Legal)
If Washington ever permitted HHC, the age requirement would almost certainly be:
-
21+
However, HHC remains banned for all ages as of 2025.
FAQs
Is HHC legal in Washington State?
No. Washington bans synthetic and chemically altered cannabinoids, including HHC.
Why is HHC illegal in Washington?
It is produced through chemical conversion and classified as synthetic.
Can stores sell HHC in Washington?
No. Retail sale is prohibited statewide.
Can HHC be shipped to Washington?
No. Shipping HHC into the state is illegal.
Are CBD products legal in Washington?
Yes, if they are non-intoxicating and hemp-compliant.
Can dispensaries sell HHC?
No. Dispensaries sell only state-approved cannabis products.
What Washington Consumers Should Know in 2025
- HHC is illegal statewide
- Hemp-derived intoxicants are strictly prohibited
- Buying HHC online carries seizure and legal risk
- Only regulated Delta-9 THC cannabis is permitted
- Washington aggressively enforces cannabinoid rules
Conclusion
Washington State takes one of the most conservative and clearly defined positions on intoxicating cannabinoids in the U.S. Because HHC is chemically modified and not naturally present in cannabis, it is banned under both hemp and cannabis regulations. No retailer—licensed or otherwise—may sell, ship, or manufacture HHC in the state.
Bottom line:
HHC is illegal in Washington in 2025. Consumers seeking legal THC products must rely on Washington’s regulated cannabis market, not hemp-derived cannabinoids like HHC.