H4CBD vs. HHC: Comparison table, effects and product offer
Welcome to another space mission! In our journey, we have already talked about H4CBD and HHC. But how do these two cannabinoids differ and what do they have in common? What effects can they produce? Find out the answers in this article.
- H4CBD and HHC: What do these cannabinoids have in common?
- Table comparing H4CBD vs. HHC
- Effects of H4CBD and HHC
- Side effects
- H4CBD and HHC product offerings
- Conclusion
H4CBD and HHC: What do these cannabinoids have in common?
Today's mission begins in the CBD galaxy, and for a simple reason. CBD is the precursor to both cannabinoids H4CBD and HHC, and both compounds are formed through a process called hydrogenation. However, if we go back in time to 1944, we find that HHC originally originated as a hydrogenated version of THC. However, THC is still illegal in most parts of planet Earth, so it is currently made from CBD or terpenes (citronellal or olivetol).
H4CBD was born as a hydrogenated version of cannabidiol in the 1940s. It was discovered by the pioneering Todd group.
The hydrogenation process eliminates the double carbon bonds in compounds. Hydrogen is then added to fix the compound and form either HHC or H4CBD. This modification also results in changes in the mass, geometry of the molecules and effects on the organism. Like a space body undergoing transformation, HHC and H4CBD acquire new properties that may affect their interaction in the organism.
We already know that the more double bonds there are, the less stable and more prone to oxidation the compound is. In contrast, space research has confirmed that hydrogenated variants of cannabinoids with broken double bonds are highly resistant and stable to thermo-oxidative decomposition. Their storage resists the harsh climate of space, UV radiation and severe temperature fluctuations.
Although the history of these cannabinoids dates back to the last century, their popularity on Earth only began to grow after word spread to the universe that the US Farm Bill in 2018 legalised the cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of less than 0.3% and allowed the extraction of cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. As a result, new cannabinoids have started to spread at the speed of light to Europe.
Table comparing H4CBD vs. HHC
|
H4CBD |
HHC |
|
|
Chemical formula |
C21H34O2 |
C21H32O2 |
|
Occurrence in cannabis |
No |
Only in minute abundance |
|
Origin |
(Semi)synthetic cannabinoid, hexahydroderivative of CBD |
(Semi)synthetic cannabinoid, derived from CBD |
|
Production |
Produced by a hydrogenation process, 4 hydrogen atoms are added to the CBD molecule. |
It is produced by hydrogenation, usually from CBD, possibly from terpenes such as citronellal or olivetol. |
|
Binding to receptors in the endocannabinoid system |
The molecule (9R)-H4CBD binds very efficiently to the CB1 receptor. |
Molecule (9R)-HHC: apparently high affinity for the CB1 receptor (but lower than THC) and low binding to the CB2 receptor. |
|
Psychoactive properties |
Possible psychoactive effects |
Confirmed psychoactive effects |
|
Possible benefits |
Similar to CBD, but with a more pronounced potency. May contribute:
|
|
|
Side effects |
|
|
Effects of H4CBD and HHC
The effects of the cannabinoid H4CBD have been compared to CBD, but due to modification, H4CBD binds better to CB1 receptors. This means that it can produce relaxing and calming effects, relieve stress and alleviate pain symptoms, similar to CBD, but probably with a higher intensity of effect. H4CBD may have psychoactive properties, whereas CBD is not psychoactive.
Explorers of HHC can expect a psychoactive effect, euphoria, more energy, relaxation and improved sleep.
Both cannabinoids H4CBD and HHC consist of two different stereoisomers. In the case of H4CBD, these are (9R)-H4CBD and (9S)-H4CBD, while for HHC the stereoisomers are designated as (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC.
The stereoisomer (9R) is active and binds to receptors in the body, (9S) is considered an inactive compound. If the (9R) molecule dominates the product, the product will be more effective. Usually a 1:1 ratio is used in practice, possibly with the (9R) molecule predominating.
Side effects
The International Space Station does not yet have sufficient evidence on the side effects of H4CBD and HHC. It is believed that side effects may occur as with other cannabinoids that exhibit psychoactive properties:
- nausea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- red eyes
- paranoia
- anxiety
- headache
- increased heart rate
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
H4CBD and HHC product range
CBD is the most widely available cannabinoid on earth. The H4CBD product range includes:
- H4CBD vapes and cartridges
- flowers
- hash
- distillate
- H4CBD gummies
The HHC range is a little wider, you can get:
- HHC vapes and disposable vaporizer pens
- cartridges
- HHC liquids
- oils and drops
- flowers
- HHC hash
- distillate
- extracts and concentrates
- HHC edibles and gummies
⚠️ HHC is banned in the Czech Republic from 1 March 2024.
Conclusion
If you've already visited the CBD galaxy, have experience with cannabidiol, and are ready for a more advanced journey, H4CBD may be a great option. However, be judicious and start slowly and with the smallest dose possible.
Original text: Patricie Mikolášová, translation by AI
Foto: Shutterstock
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