CBD, HHC, H4CBD: How do they differ and what they have in common?
CBD, HHC AND H4CBD: Processing techniques
Origin and extraction of CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. Extraction of CBD is most often carried out using carbon dioxide (CO2), using varieties of industrial hemp with low THC content (up to 0,3 %). The hemp plant is placed in a closed source into which supercritical CO2 is then injected under high pressure. The result is a concentrated oil which is further processed.
CBD can also be extracted using solvents such as ethanol or butane. In this case, the hemp is first soaked in the solvent to extract the CBD and other cannabinoids, and then the liquid is heated to evaporate the solvent and produce pure CBD oil.
Another method is extraction from vegetable oils, such as olive oil.
How is HHC produced?
Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC can be obtained by hydrogenating THC (or CBD) with hydrogen molecules. Any isomer of THC can be used to produce HHC - Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10. In the hydrogenation of THC extract, a combination of high pressure, hydrogen atoms and a catalyst containing inert metals breaks the double bonds. The resulting molecule is stabilised by the addition of hydrogen.
An alternative to the production of HHC is the production from cannabidiol (CBD) with artificial gastric juices or the production from terpenes such as olivetol or citronellal using the so-called hetero-Diels-Alder reaction.
HHC occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, but only in trace amounts, and, as it is very difficult and expensive to extract this compound from cannabis, it is produced exclusively in the laboratory using a variety of methods without using THC as a feedstock.
Conversion of CBD to H4CBD
H4CBD is a cannabinoid that was created by synthetically modifying the CBD molecule. It is a hexahydroderivative of CBD, produced by a hydrogenation process where four hydrogen atoms are added to the CBD molecule. The process is sometimes likened to a method of making margarine from vegetable oil. H4CBD is a semi-synthetic compound, the addition of hydrogen atoms changes the structure and properties.
Efects of CBD, HHC and H4CBD
How does CBD affects the Endocannabinoid system?
The most well-known and longest-studied cannabinoid of the above is undoubtedly CBD. Most of the effects of CBD are related to its ability to interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The endocannabinoid system is found in the body of all mammals and regulates various bodily functions such as sleep, appetite, immune system, movement, mood and memory. The ECS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids and enzymes. CBD affects these receptors and enzymes.
There are two main types of endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are located in the immune system, digestive tract and other organs.
CBD has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2, which means it does not produce psychoactive effects. However, it acts as a modulator of these receptors, thus helping to regulate and maintain their proper function.
In addition, it can also affect other receptors in the body, such as adenosine, serotonin and vanilloid receptors.
What does CBD help with?
CBD has been used for many years as a supportive therapy for chronic pain, inflammatory diseases, sleep problems and as a prevention of diseases of civilization.
The most commonly reported effects of CBD include:
- Relief of pain and inflammation
- improving sleep quality
- mood regulation
- relieving stress and anxiety
- boosting the immune system
- recovery after physical stress
- alleviating skin problems
Possible effects of HHC
The molecular structure of HHC is largely identical to that of THC, but the broken carbon double bond is replaced by hydrogen. HHC has a lower affinity for the endocannabinoid receptor CB1 compared to THC, so it has psychoactive effects, but at about half the intensity of THC. The effects of HHC are still under investigation and it is not yet possible to confirm with certainty what effects it has on the human body in the long term.
Possible effects that have been confirmed by users include:
- euphoria
- more energy and a clearer mind
- promoting relaxation
- improved sleep
The effects depend, among other things, on the ratio and arrangement of the stereoisomers. Stereoisomers are compounds that have the same structure but a different three-dimensional shape. The arrangement of the molecules in space affects their ability to bind to endocannabinoid receptors. HHC produced in the laboratory is a mixture of two different stereoisomers, (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC.
The stereoisomer (9R)-HHC is active, binds to the body's endocannabinoid receptors and has psychoactive effects, (9S)-HHC is an inactive compound that appears to be much less psychoactive. The ratio of these stereoisomers is dependent on the particular method of production.
H4CBD: Improved CBD?
We have the least information so far on H4CBD, which is natural, as it is a relatively new cannabinoid and scientific research on its effects is still in its early stages.
According to a 2006 study hydrogenated forms of CBD have an extremely high affinity for the brain's CB1 neuroreceptors, which is why H4CBD is sometimes reported to have several times more potency than CBD. The greater potency and faster onset of effects is confirmed by the experience of some users.
Since it is a CBD derivative, we can expect similar effects such as pain, inflammation, anxiety and stress relief. Unlike CBD, H4CBD is also reported to have possible psychoactive effects.
Side effects OF CBD, HHC and H4CBD
Like many other substances, whether they come from nature or have been produced synthetically in a laboratory, side effects can occur when cannabinoids are used.
CBD is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated substance, as confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The following possible side effects are known:
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- reduced appetite
- indigestion
- low blood pressure
In the case of HHC, in addition to the above, other side effects such as increased heart rate, red eyes, dizziness, increased anxiety or paranoia may occur.
As regards H4CBD, the side effects, especially the long-term effects, are not yet sufficiently investigated, but can be expected to be similar to those of CBD. In addition, due to the potential psychoactive effects of H4CBD, difficulties in concentration or motor coordination may occur.
Availability of CBD, HHC and H4CBD
Currently, CBD is one of the most widely available and widely used cannabinoids on the market. CBD oils and drops, capsules, flowers, CBD vapes are the most well known, but crystals, CBD patches, CBD cosmetics and more are also available.
It turns out that CBD can also have a positive effect on the endocannabinoid system of animals, so you can choose CBD drops, supplemental food and shampoos for dogs, CBD oils and joint nutrition for animals.
Even the HHC range is already relatively wide, with HHC oils and drops, HHC vape pens and cartridges in various flavours, extracts, HHC flowers and gummies available.
As H4CBD is a relatively new cannabinoid on the market, the supply of H4CBD is still more limited compared to CBD and HHC. It is most commonly found in the form of distillate, vape pens, cartridges, gummies and flowers. The choice of H4CBD products is expected to expand over time.
Quality should be the main criterion when choosing any cannabinoid. A proven and trusted manufacturer will have their products tested by an independent third party.
Specialised laboratories test for the cannabinoid content of the products and the presence of undesirable substances such as heavy metals, pesticides and moulds. These tests result in certificates of analysis, which are available on the website or should be provided by the manufacturer on request.
Comparison of CBD, HHC and H4CBD
As we have already stated, the characteristics of CBD, H4CBD and HHC are based on the structure, method of production, effects and availability on the market. All three cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system, but each in slightly different ways.
The following table may also help to better understand and compare the cannabinoids:
|
Characteristics |
CBD |
H4CBD |
HHC |
|
Chemical formula |
C21H30O2 |
C21H34O2 |
C21H32O2 |
|
Origin |
direct derivative of the cannabis plant |
synthetic cannabinoid, produced by the transformation of CBD |
originally a derivative of THC, currently produced synthetically, for example by hydrogenation of CBD |
|
Structure |
natural molecule |
CBD hexahydroderivative - four hydrogen atoms added to the CBD molecule |
broken double bond on the upper structure of THC, hydrogen atoms added |
|
Binding to receptors |
low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors but modulates their activity |
probably higher affinity for CB1 receptor and binding to CB2 receptor |
(9R)-HHC molecule: likely high affinity for CB1 receptor (but lower than THC) and low binding to CB2 receptor |
|
Effects |
potential to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep |
similar to CBD, with likely higher and faster potency |
euphoria, increased energy, promotion of relaxation, improved sleep |
|
Offer |
oils and drops, capsules, crystals, flowers, concentrates, cosmetics, vapes, sweets, CBD for pets |
spirits, vape foams, cartridges, flowers, gummies |
oils and drops, flowers, vapes, gummies, extracts |
CBD vs. HHC vs. H4CBD: Summary
The best known and best researched cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). It is extracted from the cannabis plant and is sought after for its positive effects on pain, inflammation, improving sleep quality, skin, relieving stress and anxiety. CBD oils and drops, capsules, cosmetics and CBD vapes are particularly popular, but the range of products is much wider.
HHC is only found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant and is therefore produced synthetically from other cannabinoids or terpenes found in the cannabis plant. The effects are still being investigated, and among the known effects so far are relaxing and stimulating. The range of HHC products is already quite extensive, including for example HHC oils and drops, vape foams, extracts, flowers and gummies.
The least known cannabinoid is H4CBD. It is produced by a hydrogenation process from CBD. According to available information and user experience, it is a 'boosted' CBD with a faster onset of effects. Unlike conventional CBD, H4CBD can be mildly psychoactive. The range of products is smaller compared to CBD and HHC, but H4CBD is expected to catch up with its 'predecessors' in the near future and we will see a similarly wide and varied selection.
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