HHC ban in Germany – What you need to know now

Since 27 June 2024, HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) has been officially banned in Germany. The cannabinoid was added to the annex of the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). This means that manufacture, trade, import and possession are prohibited. Here you will find all the facts about the ban.

This page provides factual information about the legal situation. No content constitutes legal advice. The legal situation may change.

Key facts about the HHC ban

• Banned since: 27 June 2024
• Legal basis: New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG)
• What is banned: HHC, HHC-O, HHC-P, THCP, Delta-8-THC, Delta-10-THC
• Punishable: possession, trade, manufacture, import
• Possible penalties: a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 years
• Will the ban be lifted: currently no signs of this
• In the range instead: HHZ, Superior Blends (H2/H3)

What exactly was banned?

• HHC (hexahydrocannabinol): banned since 27 June 2024
• HHC-O (hexahydrocannabinol acetate): banned since 27 June 2024
• HHC-P (hexahydrocannabiphorol): banned since 27 June 2024
• THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol): banned since 27 June 2024
• Delta-8-THC: banned since 27 June 2024
• Delta-10-THC: banned since 27 June 2024

Currently listed neither in the BtMG nor in the NpSG annex (as of August 2026): HHZ, Superior Blends (H2/H3), DNT-9 and H4CBD. CBD, CBG and CBN from industrial hemp are also not affected. The legal situation for new cannabinoids can change at any time.

What is the NpSG?

The New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG) has been in force since November 2016. It was created to stop the trade in new psychoactive substances that do not fall under the Narcotics Act (BtMG). Unlike the BtMG, the NpSG covers entire groups of substances instead of individual substances. For trade and manufacture, the NpSG provides for a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 years.

What penalties apply for HHC?

• Trade, manufacture, import: a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 years
• Possession: formally prohibited. In practice, the authorities focus mainly on trade.
• Consumption: consumption itself is not directly punishable. However, it requires possession.

Why was HHC banned?

• HHC was classified as a mind-altering substance with a risk of abuse
• HHC products were not subject to any uniform quality control
• The HHC market grew very quickly in 2023 and 2024
• The BfR identified possible health risks from uncontrolled products

Will the HHC ban be lifted again?

There are currently no political efforts to reverse the HHC ban. Substances that are added to the NpSG usually stay there permanently.

Can the police detect HHC?

• Urine test: detectable for several days to weeks
• Blood test: typically 24 to 72 hours
• Hair analysis: long-term detection over months is possible

Important when driving: HHC can trigger a positive result for THC in rapid drug tests. Anyone who has consumed HHC should not drive.

Product range after the HHC ban

• HHZ vapes: semi-synthetic cannabinoid, a substance in its own right, profile documented in the COA
• Superior Blend vapes: multi-cannabinoid blends (H2/H3)

→ Detailed guide: HHC alternatives | All vapes

Timeline: history of the HHC ban

• 2022: HHC appears on the German market for the first time
• 2023: the HHC market grows strongly. First political discussions
• Early 2024: the federal government announces an extension of the NpSG
• 27 June 2024: HHC, THCP and others officially added to the NpSG
• Summer 2024: HHZ and Superior Blends increasingly enter the market
• 2025 and 2026: DNT-9 and other new cannabinoids come onto the market

Frequently asked questions

Is HHC allowed again in Germany?

No. HHC has been banned since 27 June 2024. There are no signs that the ban will be lifted.

Are HHC vapes still allowed?

No. In the range you will find HHZ vapes and Superior Blend vapes instead. Both are currently listed neither in the BtMG nor in the NpSG annex (as of August 2026).

Is any HHC still allowed?

No, no HHC is allowed. Products described as "new HHC" contain separate cannabinoids such as HHZ. This is not a renaming of HHC, but a different substance with its own legal status.