What is 8-OH-HHC, what are its effects and how does it differ from 10-OH-HHC?
- What is 8-OH-HHC?
- How is 8-OH-HHC formed?
- Commercial production 8-OH-HHC
- Structure and stereoisomers of 8-OH-HHC
- Why are metabolites important?
- Effects and properties of 8-OH-HHC
- Side effects of 8-OH-HHC and possible risks
- Comparison table 8-OH-HHC vs. 10-OH-HHC
- Conclusion
What is 8-OH-HHC?
8-OH-HHC is the abbreviation for the chemical compounds called 8-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (8-OH-9α-HHC and 8-OH-9β-HHC). It is one of the trace phytocannabinoids and the so-called primary metabolites of the cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol or HHC. After consuming HHC, new substances (metabolites, breakdown products) are formed in the body, including 8-OH-HHC.
Thus, 8-OH-HHC is the active metabolite of HHC, which is formed by the conversion of HHC in the body of animals and humans.
How is 8-OH-HHC formed?
HHC is processed by special proteins in the body known as cytochromes P450, namely CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, which is similar to that of delta-9-THC (THC) and delta-8-THC. Simply put, the aforementioned proteins add oxygen to HHC, thus creating new substances called oxygenated derivatives.
When the body processes HHC, it's not just about breaking down the substance, but also creating new compounds that may have different effects than the original substance. The two main metabolites that the body produces when processing HHC are 11-OH-HHC and various forms of 8-OH-HHC.
Commercial production 8-OH-HHC
Commercially available 8-OH-HHC products are produced by chemical synthesis from HHC. The process usually involves hydroxylation of HHC, which is a chemical modification - a hydroxyl group (OH) is added to the HHC molecule, in the case of 8-OH-HHC at the 8th position of the hexahydrocannabinol nucleus.
The process by which a hydroxyl group (OH) is added to the site referred to as "C8" of the HHC molecule is called hydroxylation at the 8th carbon.
An important step in the production of 8-OH-HHC is the processing of HHC with enzymes or chemical catalysts that "ensure" that the -OH group can be added.
The hydroxyl group can be added to any position of the molecule to produce different stereoisomers, for example 8-OH-HHC and 8-OH-9α-HHC and 8-OH-9β-HHC. Scientists can make the production by different methods, depending on the desired stereoisomer of the product.
Structure and stereoisomers of 8-OH-HHC
The molecular formula of 8-OH-HHC is C21H32O3. There are 4 main forms of 8-OH-HHC which are formed from HHC and which are distinguished by a small change in their structure, and this slight modification can have a large effect on how they will act.
These forms (stereoisomers) are designated cis- and trans-8-OH-9α-HHC & cis- and trans-8-OH-9β-HHC, and are synthetically produced, with a 1980 study aiming to investigate their effect on the biological activity of cannabinoids.
In 1991, in in vivo tests performed on rhesus macaques, chemist and professor Raphael Mechoulam and his team discovered that the stereoisomer cis-8-OH-9β-HHC showed the highest activity. Experts believe that all of these 4 forms are active.
Why are metabolites important?
When the body processes (metabolises) a substance it has taken in, it usually converts it into other substances called metabolites. Some metabolites may be less active than the original substance, while others may be more active (for example, have stronger effects) or even toxic.
In 2024, a study on HHC was published that looked at how this cannabinoid is metabolised in human liver cells (hepatocytes). The aim of the study was to identify the specific metabolites produced during metabolisation and to determine how quickly these compounds are eliminated from the body.
The study found that HHC is metabolized in liver cells through various metabolic pathways, including oxidation and conjugation. Now let's be clear about these concepts:
- Oxidation: a chemical process in which a molecule loses electrons. This process occurs when chemicals in the body react with oxygen. Once HHC is subjected to oxidation, it changes into new substances that the body can further process or excrete. This process can lead to the formation of new, less active or more soluble forms of the original substance.
- Conjugation: a biochemical process in which small molecules such as glucuronide, sulphate, glycine or glutathione attach to metabolised compounds. These molecules increase the solubility of the compounds in water and facilitate their elimination from the body.
8-OH-HHC can take different forms in different animals. For example, mice produce one form of 8-OH-HHC more than hamsters. We have older research from 1991 that concluded that mouse liver cells preferentially produce 8α-OH-HHC, whereas hamster hematocytes show the opposite selectivity (produce more 8β-OH-HHC). This suggests that different species may respond differently to cannabinoids.
Effects and properties of 8-OH-HHC
The cannabinoid 8-OH-HHC is psychoactive, although probably less intense than HHC or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It can alter perception, induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation or increase appetite.
Like other cannabinoids, 8-OH-HHC could bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, a cellular signaling network that plays a key role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep and pain perception.
However, we do not yet have enough information on how 8-OH-HHC interacts with these receptors and what effects it has.
Side effects of 8-OH-HHC and possible risks
Psychoactive substances of this type naturally carry a risk of adverse effects. As with other psychoactive cannabinoids, some individuals may experience side reactions such as:
- Reddened eyes
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Sleepiness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
The intensity of these reactions will vary depending on the health status, metabolism and sensitivity of the user, dose and route of consumption. It is also good to be aware that (semi)synthetic compounds are more potent than natural ones, so they must be approached with caution to avoid intoxication or overdose.
There are currently no studies that have evaluated whether the use of 8-OH-HHC is completely risk-free.
As new cannabinoids are currently not even regulated in any way, and are usually in a 'grey legal zone', there is some risk of products coming onto the market contaminated with heavy metals or other unwanted and potentially dangerous substances.
Are you planning to purchase a hemp product? Rely on trusted and reputable companies that have their products tested by an independent laboratory. Some sellers post a "Certificate of Analysis" (COA) directly on their online store for each product, or feel free to request one.
Comparison table 8-OH-HHC vs. 10-OH-HHC
Another interesting HHC derivative is 10-OH-HHC, a compound that scientists were able to isolate from the cannabis sativa L. plant in 2015.
In the following table we will show how 8-OH-HHC and 10-OH-HHC differ from each other and which products are most commonly found on the cannabis market.
|
|
||
|
Molecular formula |
C21H32O3 |
C21H32O3 |
|
Occurrence in cannabis |
No |
No |
|
Specifications |
The active primary metabolite, HHC, is formed by hydroxylation at the C8 carbon atom. Hydroxyl group on the 8th carbon. |
A derivative of HHC with an added hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 10th carbon. |
|
Psychoactive properties |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Potential effects |
Euphoria, relaxation support, increased appetite |
Euphoria, relaxation support, increased appetite |
|
Possible side effects |
There is no research that has mapped the side effects, so experience with other psychoactive cannabinoids can be relied upon.
|
There is no research that has mapped the side effects, so experience with other psychoactive cannabinoids can be relied upon.
|
|
Product offer |
|
|
|
Legal status |
Not specified, in most countries in the grey legal zone |
Not specified, in most countries in the grey legal zone |
Conclusion
The cannabinoid 8-OH-HHC is the active primary metabolite of HHC, produced by the conversion of HHC in the body of both animals and humans.
While 10-OH-HHC has a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the 10th position, 8-OH-HHC has a hydroxyl group added at the 8th carbon position.
8-OH-HHC has psychoactive effects, although probably less intense than HHC or THC. It may alter perception, induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation or increase appetite.
It is not recommended to drive or operate any machinery after taking 8-0H-HHC and other similar substances.
Although there is currently a lack of research evaluating how 8-OH-HHC works in the body and whether or not it has therapeutic potential, there is a wide variety of products on the market, most commonly 8-OH-HHC vape pens, cartridges, liqiudas, hash, flowers, pre-rolls and gummies.
Author: Canatura
Photo: Generating ChatGPT, Shutterstock
"All information provided on this website, as well as information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended to be a substitute for a medical diagnosis and should not be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not endorse, condones or advocate the licit or illicit use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. For more information, please see our Disclaimer ."
Recommended products4
Canntropy 8-OH-HHC Vape Pen Galactic Gas, 8-OH-HHC 90% quality, 1ml
Canntropy 8-OH-HHC Liquid Apple Fritter, 8-OH-HHC 90% quality, 10ml
Canntropy 8-OH-HHC Flower Girl Scout Cookies, 8-OH-HHC 90% quality, 1 g - 100 g
