Marijuana is a big family with hundreds of cannabinoids – natural and synthetic – that only continues to grow. Most recently, you may have started seeing PHC come up from your favorite companies. But, what is PHC, and how does it differ from the many other cannabinoids you know?
Even if you’ve never heard of this cannabinoid, Elevate Holistics is here to get you well-informed.
Below, we’ll discuss the PHC cannabinoid and its effects, letting you know all it has to offer. So, let’s start with the basics: what is PHC?
Understanding Hydrox4phc: What is PHC?
If you ask even the most skilled experts in the cannabis industry, “What is the PHC cannabinoid?” they’re not going to give you a lot of information. This is because PHC is one of the newest cannabinoids around — and we’re still learning a lot.
Unlike more popular cannabinoids like THC and CBN, which have been around for decades, PHC is the new kid on the block, and there’s not much information about the unique cannabinoid.
What we do know is that PHC is short for Hydrox4phc, and it is a synthetic cannabinoid derived from Delta 9 acetate.
By synthetic, we mean that PHC does not occur naturally in the cannabis plant but scientists extract it via a special chemical process.
However, being synthetic does not mean that it is a chemical compound cooked up in the lab; it only means that scientists use a special extraction process to produce it from naturally occurring cannabinoids.
Once PHC enters your system, it becomes THC — practically.
How is PHC Made?
The way that this cannabinoid is made is unique and can only be done by professionals in lab settings. As we’ve mentioned, this compound cannot be created without human intervention.
To make PHC, experts work with a delta-9 THC acetate. This acetate is the result of combining the THC cannabinoid with a chemical called acetic anhydride.
Once scientists have the delta 9 acetate cannabinoids, they subject them to a series of chemical reactions that mimic reactions that happen naturally. These chemical reactions work to turn the acetate into PHC.
This process is why you’ll see PHC being called a synthetic cannabinoid.
PHC doesn’t naturally occur in the cannabis plant like CBD or THC does, and the synthetic attributes may cause complications with the legality in the future. But, hey, maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Does PHC Get You High?
Yes, the PHC cannabinoid can get you high, and that’s good news if you are looking for a psychoactive experience that is literally out of this world.
As we’ve mentioned, PHC is synthesized from delta 9, a potent, psychoactive cannabinoid. Also, PHC is made so that when it enters the body, it is converted into 99% THC, delivering an intensely psychoactive experience.
However, because it is so powerful, it is advisable to consume it in small doses and watch how your body reacts to it before you go all in.
If you’re not someone seeking a powerful high experience, then PHC is not the best choice. Instead, it would be better to stick with non-psychoactive compounds like CBD or CBN.
Comparing PHC vs. THC
Speaking of THC, how does the PHC cannabinoid compare to delta 9 THC as a whole?
Some people may claim that PHC is going to produce much stronger results than THC, but this isn’t necessarily the case. In general, many people find PHC’s effects to be quite similar to delta-9 THC’s. This means that the potency and the results of the high are pretty comparable.
So, why would someone turn to PHC over THC if PHC isn’t even that much stronger? The answer is simple: PHC is federally legal and available online, while traditional THC isn’t.
Comparing PHC to Other Popular Cannabinoids
When compared to other popular cannabinoids like delta 8 THC or even HHC, PHC is going to produce more powerful results. This means that it tends to be better for those more experienced consumers seeking stronger effects for their conditions.
You don’t want to dive right into PHC if you’re not comfortable in the cannabinoid industry just yet. Rather, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to step up from D8, D10, or HHC, but may not live somewhere where delta 9 is legal.
Is the PHC Cannabinoid Safe?
As we’ve said, PHC has not been around long enough for scientists to study it properly. However, it is obtained from marijuana, and marijuana is a safe, natural drug.
What matters the most is that you use marijuana responsibly and don’t take more than you can handle. Also, if you are trying PHC for the first time, we recommend you have someone you trust nearby in case you need medical attention.
PHC Cannabinoid Effects: What Does the High Feel Like?
Again, scientists have not had the time to study PHC and uncover proven effects, but that does not mean we know nothing about PHC cannabinoid effects; users have reported feeling certain effects after consuming PHC.
From what consumers report, the feeling PHC gives is similar to what you get from consuming delta 9 edibles.
A feeling of bliss that saturates the body and mind, a soothing sensation that results from the body releasing tension and leaving you lighter. A psychoactive feeling unlike what they have experienced with any other cannabinoid.
Users report that consuming PHC gives a potent high similar to when consuming edibles, and the effects last up to eight hours. The reported effects of PHC include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxed feeling
- Anxiety relief
- Happiness
Note that these effects are only as reported by consumers, and scientists are yet to confirm them.
Everybody’s endocannabinoid system is different, so PHC cannabinoid may not have the same effect on you as it does on your friend.
Does PHC Cannabinoid Have Side Effects?
Marijuana is safe and natural. Unlike medications like opiates that result in addiction and fatal overdose or NSAIDs that are harmful to certain people, the side effects of marijuana are relatively mild.
Most of marijuana’s side effects result from consuming too much, so we recommend you start with small doses and give your body time to react before you up the dose.
The side effects of PHC cannabinoid are similar to those of marijuana; they include:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Impaired physician coordination
- Temporary memory loss
- Dry eyes
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, don’t panic, they will wear off with time.
For more information on how to handle the side effects of marijuana, read our piece on what to do in the case of a marijuana overdose.

The Legality of PHC
As we briefly mentioned earlier, PHC is a federally legal cannabinoid — as of right now, at least.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived cannabinoids that contain 0.3% THC or less are federally legal in the US. Thus, PHC products that come from hemp and meet these THC requirements are legal at the federal level.
However, the DEA has recently begun making statements regarding the legality of synthetic cannabinoids, stating that they aren’t actually covered under the Farm Bill. They’ve clarified that this is the case for THCO, making it a controlled substance. They haven’t yet made any statements regarding PHC, but there’s a chance this may change in the future.
For now, PHC and PHC products are federally legal, and you can buy them online and have them shipped to your home.
Where Can I Buy PHC?
If you are eager to try this new cannabinoid taking the industry by storm, we recommend visiting licensed dispensaries. You can call dispensaries in your area to find out if they stock PHC products.
We advise you to stick to licensed dispensaries because they undergo quality control tests and their products have to meet strict safety standards.
There are so many unsafe products on the open market that may be cheaper, but they are not worth the cost in terms of the damage they can do to your health.
You can find PHC hemp flower, PHC live resin, PHC vape, and other products at licensed dispensaries or online retailers.
Will PHC Make Me Fail a Drug Test?
As a rule of thumb, if a cannabinoid is psychoactive, it is likely to show up on a drug test.
PHC is a very potent cannabinoid with great psychoactivity, so if you have a drug test coming up, it’s best to ditch the PHC weed.
If you are worried about failing a drug test and need tips on removing marijuana from your system, see our guide here.
Learn More About Marijuana With Elevate Holistics
One of the biggest hindrances to marijuana therapy is access, and we are here to solve that problem. When it comes to access, the first thing you need is information; how do you access marijuana if you don’t understand it?
At Elevate Holistics, we break everything down into simple language so that you have the information you need to make informed choices at your fingertips.
As we have explained PHC in this article, we have also explained other cannabis terms here.
Even if cannabis is recreationally legal in your area, it’s important to recognize the benefits that come from having your medical card, instead.
A medical marijuana card will grant you access to high-quality products at lower prices, and you’re able to buy more than the average consumer. Plus, you have legal protections that recreational buyers simply never will.
If you’re interested in getting your medical mairjuana card online — in less than 15 minutes, too — Elevate Holistics is here to be your guide.
Simply click here or the button below to book an appointment and get started.