On December 1, 2025, the sixth amendment to the New Psychoactive Substances Act was promulgated – sealing the de facto ban on 10-OH-HHC in Germany. We explain what the ban means, why the debate about "synthetic" cannabinoids is often emotional rather than factual, and what interests are really at play.
What exactly was banned – and why now?
Unlike previous regulations, there was no transitional period. What at first glance seems like another individual ban is in reality a systematic expansion of the covered substance groups.
The new substance group definition in the NpSG
The NpSG does not work with lists of individual substances, but with chemical structural definitions. This makes the law flexible – and difficult to predict. With the sixth amendment, the definitions were adjusted to include several new cannabinoid structures. The focus is on the substance group of "compounds derived from 6H-benzo(c)chromen-1-ol".
Why 10-OH-HHC is chemically covered
The updated definition covers the basic chemical framework of dibenzo(b,d)pyran – regardless of whether the aromatic ring is fully hydrogenated or not. Crucial is the hydroxy group on ring A. Since 10-OH-HHC has exactly this structure – a hydrogenated cannabinoid backbone with a hydroxy substituent – it now falls under the ban on trade and distribution.
Entry into force and legal consequences
Since December 2, 2025, the trade in 10-OH-HHC has been illegal in Germany. This affects manufacturers, distributors, and anyone who passes on the substance. Possession for personal use remains unpunishable, as long as there is no distribution. Anyone who still has stocks may no longer sell or give them away – not even for free.
Synthetic = dangerous? A myth put to the test
With each ban, the discussion flares up anew: Are synthetic cannabinoids inherently riskier than plant-based ones? The answer is more nuanced than many would like to believe. And it has less to do with chemistry than with prejudice.
Why "synthetic" is not a warning sign
We live in a world where synthesis has long been standard. Vitamins, flavorings, food supplements – a large part of what we consume daily is produced or optimized in the laboratory. The reason is simple: this is the only way to ensure consistent quality, purity, and safety. What applies to vitamin C also applies to cannabinoids. Laboratory production is not a flaw, but enables control.
Quality through controlled production
Modern cannabinoids like HHC or 10-OH-HHC are synthesized under defined conditions. This allows for precise analyses, stable formulations, and reproducible results. Natural plant extracts, on the other hand, are subject to fluctuations – depending on the variety, harvest, and processing. Independent laboratory tests are not made superfluous by this; on the contrary, they become simpler and more informative.
Natural vs. synthetic: An outdated debate
The question is not whether a substance comes from a plant or a laboratory. The question is how carefully it was developed, manufactured, and tested. Transparency, documentation, and quality assurance are the standards – not the origin. Anyone who uses "synthetic" as an insult ignores the reality of modern product development.
Who benefits from the ban – and who loses?
Bans do not just appear out of nowhere. They are the result of deliberations, interests, and sometimes pressure. With 10-OH-HHC, it's worth taking a look behind the scenes – because not all actors pursue the same goals.
Innovation meets regulation
Novel cannabinoids like 10-OH-HHC emerge in a legal gray area. They show efficacy profiles reminiscent of THC, but do not fall under the same laws. This is a classic pattern in rapidly growing industries: innovation precedes regulation, and both catch up with each other in an ongoing process. The problem here is that often a blanket ban is imposed, instead of differentiated regulation.
The role of telemedicine providers
Telemedicine platforms offer medical consultations and cannabis prescriptions – often quickly, digitally, and uncomplicatedly. These providers are naturally critical of freely available alternatives. This is understandable, but also transparent: those who sell THC by prescription have little interest in legal, over-the-counter options.
Freedom of choice vs. economic interests
The ban on 10-OH-HHC is a setback for the freedom of choice of adult consumers. It restricts access to alternatives that for many represented a low-threshold option. At the same time, it strengthens markets that rely on prescription requirements and medical indication. The question remains: Is it really about health protection – or about market protection?
What happens next – and what remains
The ban on 10-OH-HHC changes the landscape, but it does not end it. The variety of legal hemp products remains large – and the demand for transparency and quality continues to grow.
Alternatives in the legal spectrum
Those looking for alternatives will still find them. CBD products, CBG, CBN, and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids remain legal and available. Classic hemp flowers with low THC content are also still an option. The selection is diverse – and it is constantly evolving. We keep track and curate what is legal, transparent, and carefully tested.
Transparency and quality as a benchmark
What remains is responsibility: for manufacturers, distributors, and platforms like ours. We continue to rely on independent laboratory tests, clear declarations, and honest classification. Not every product is suitable for everyone – and not every innovation is automatically useful. But bans alone do not create safety. Education, quality standards, and comparability do. And that is exactly what we stand for.
Source: Sixth Ordinance Amending the Annex to the New Psychoactive Substances Act of 01.12.2025