Similar or completely different cosmic bodies? Comparison of HHC and CBD

07. 03. 2024

Where did CBD come from?

Many years have passed since the discovery of the CBD galaxy, yet its effects and therapeutic potential continue to surprise us. Who was behind the discovery of CBD? It is Roger Adams, whose space mission in January 1940 was a remarkable success, as he managed to isolate chemically pure CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Decades have passed since then, and international space laboratories are still continuing to investigate this cannabinoid.

Nowadays, CBD is most commonly obtained in the following ways:

• extraction using carbon dioxide in the so-called supercritical state (temperature >31°C and pressure >73 atm).
• extraction using solvents such as ethanol or butane
• extraction using vegetable oils such as olive or coconut oil 

For CBD extraction, industrial hemp is used, which contains the legally permitted amount of THC.

Birth and production of HHC

To whom do we owe the discovery of HHC (hexahydrocannabinol)? In this case, too, to the American pioneer Roger Adams, who converted THC into HHC in 1944 by a process known as hydrogenation. How did he do it? He replaced the double bond at the top of the delta-9 structure of THC with hydrogen molecules. He created a substance that is more stable, more durable, less susceptible to heat and UV radiation. In short, it can withstand harsh conditions and even withstand a supernova explosion. It also has a longer shelf life and can therefore be taken on long space trips with an unknown return date.

But now let's fly it from the Moon to Earth and see how it works in practice. The truth is that HHC is only found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant and extraction would be very expensive. It is therefore produced in the laboratory, with CBD as the precursor and terpenes such as citronellal or olivetol as the main ones used today. If HHC is derived from CBD, it is suggested that the two cannabinoids may have much in common. The following table reveals whether this is indeed the case.

 

Intergalactic comparison of CBD vs. HHC

 

The chemical formula of both cannabinoids is similar, but HHC contains two more hydrogens than CBD. The main difference is that CBD is a compound extracted directly from the cannabis plant, whereas HHC is currently obtained through laboratory extraction and is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. Each of these substances also interacts differently with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which directly affects the effects. CBD is not a psychoactive cannabinoid, whereas HHC (and all its derivatives such as HHC-O and HHC-P) has psychoactive properties. Therefore, in no case do we recommend astronauts to drive or navigate a space rocket after ingesting HHC.

Effects of CBD and HHC

CBD is known for its positive effects on the body. It has the potential to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve sleep, according to research by international space labs and the experience of astronauts themselves. But that's not all, it turns out that CBD could also help with symptoms of some neurodegenerative diseases, contribute to skin health or support the immune system.  

Much is still unknown about the effects of HHC, some astronauts report an influx of energy, inducing relaxation and improving sleep, as well as changes in auditory and visual perception. 

The effects are also influenced by the arrangement of stereoisomers (molecules with the same formula that differ in spatial arrangement). HHC is a mixture of two different stereoisomers - (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC. The stereoisomer (9R)-HHC is active and binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the body, (9S)-HHC is an inactive compound.

CBD, HHC and the endocannabinoid system

Both CBD and HHC interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is our body's "regulatory system" that affects a number of important functions in the body. The endocannabinoid system includes receptors, the most well-known of which are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and central nervous system, CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system, as well as in tissues and glands. 

HHC has a relatively high affinity for the endocannabinoid receptor CB1, which gives it psychoactive properties, while CBD has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors but has the ability to modulate their activity and thus may help to alleviate various ailments. The exact mechanism of how cannabinoids act in the endocannabinoid system is still under research.

Side effects of CBD and HHC

Even if you feel in perfect shape and are ready to explore new galaxies, you may be struck by a sudden event such as a meteor strike or space sickness. Unexpected inconveniences can also occur when taking cannabinoids, in the form of side effects. In the case of CBD, side effects are rare and are mainly a risk if you take a higher dose or combine CBD with other substances, such as medicines. Fatigue, change in appetite, nausea or dry mouth may occur.

As far as the side effects of HHC are concerned, there is no research yet on the effects of HHC on the body, so this is based on experience with other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties.

Experience to date and testimony from astronauts suggests that the following adverse effects may occur from exposure to HHC:

• Nausea
• dry mouth
• red eyes
• increased heart rate
• anxiety
• increased appetite
• paranoia

A safe flight or a terrifying fall into other dimensions?

Whether you're new to spaceflight or a seasoned space explorer, you should always know where you want to go and what to expect from your mission. If you have no experience with cannabinoids, or if your goal is primarily to relieve ailments for which CBD has already been proven or proven to have potential, we recommend you start with this cannabinoid. For example, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oils and drops are suitable.  

If you've already had a few space flights, need stronger effects and aren't put off by the lack of scientific research so far, you could try HHC. However, be careful to start slowly and with a low dose. The golden rule is: "If you've only ridden the bus so far, don't start the rocket."