H4CBD: the new synthetic cannabinoid
List of contents
What is H4CBD?
- Name: Hexahydrocannabidiol
- Formula: C21H34O2
- IUPAC name: 2-(2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl)-5-pentylbenzene-1,3-diol
- Molecular mass: 318.501 g·mol−1
- Melting point: unknown
- Boiling point: unknown
Research in the world of cannabis and its compounds does not stop; Recently, we have told you in our Blog about a new synthetic cannabinoid called HHC or hexahydrocannabinol, which is a hydrogenated form of THC, in other words, a THC molecule to which hydrogen atoms have been added and changed its structure.
Well, today we present a new compound also obtained in the laboratory through the hydrogenation process, although in this case CBD or cannabidiol has been taken as the base cannabinoid. Yes, we are talking about H4CBD or hexahydrocannabidiol, a new form of the famous CBD that has entered the market with force and that we will study in detail today.
H4CBD, an improved version of CBD?
H4CBD or HHCBD, like other synthetic compounds derived from CBD such as H2CBD, were first synthesized in 1940 by the Todd group through catalytic hydrogenation of CBD, in other words, the addition of hydrogen atoms to the CBD molecule. However, it's important to know that this compound goes by other names like CyclohexylCBD or HHCBD, and you'll often see it referred to simply as "hydrogenated CBD." You have to be careful with this last nomenclature since other hydrogenated CBD compounds such as H2CBD or 8,9-Dihydrocannabidiol often receive this same name, which can create some confusion.
Decades later, in 2006, a group of researchers led by Shimon Ben-Shabat discovered that H4CBD has a special affinity with the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in our body, with anti-inflammatory properties that act independently of the action of this cannabinoid receptor.
Broadly speaking, and thanks to the fact that this affinity with the CB1 receptor is even greater than in the case of CBD, we would be talking about an "improved" version, more powerful, of CBD or cannabidiol, probably the most widely used cannabinoid in the medical field. Thus, H4CBD presents clear anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects, although more research on this compound and its relationship with our endocannabinoid system is undoubtedly needed - as well as clinical trials with humans - to confirm these properties, already known by researchers and CBD users.
What is the endocannabinoid system? (ECS)
Do you know what regulates hunger, sleep, menstrual pain and also libido in our bodies? The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the balance of all these functions on which our health and emotional well-being depend so much. In this article, we explain what it is, how it works and what to do to keep it healthy.
How is H4CBD produced?
We know that hexahydrocannabidiol (H4CBD) is a synthetic compound derived from cannabidiol (CBD). But where exactly does it come from? Its production involves a series of chemical processes that modify the structure of CBD to form the additional ring that characterizes H4CBD. Very briefly, these are the steps involved in the synthetic production of H4CBD:
- Obtaining CBD: CBD can be obtained from cannabis plants or through chemical synthesis in the laboratory. Extraction of CBD from plants is usually done using methods such as solvent extraction or supercritical CO2.
- Hydrogenation reactions: The CBD obtained is subjected to hydrogenation reactions to add additional hydrogens and form the characteristic cyclohexane ring of H4CBD. These hydrogenation reactions can be carried out using catalysts and specific conditions of temperature and pressure.
- Purification: After the hydrogenation reactions, it is necessary to purify the product to remove impurities and reaction residues. This is usually accomplished by separation and purification techniques, such as chromatography or distillation.
It is important to note that the exact process of producing H4CBD can vary depending on the methods used by the manufacturers and the researchers in the laboratory. Furthermore, the production of synthetic compounds such as H4CBD often requires specialized knowledge in chemistry and as you will understand, it is something that must be carried out in controlled and regulated environments, not something that can be done in the kitchen at home.
Finally, it must be taken into account that, as it is a synthetic compound, it is necessary to follow the corresponding legal regulations and guidelines in each jurisdiction for its production, use, and commercialization.
Are H4CBD and HHC similar?
Broadly speaking, the main similarity between these two compounds is that both are hydrogenated cannabinoids (to which hydrogen atoms have been added, thus slightly varying their structure), one starting from CBD and the other from THC. On the one hand, H4CBD is obtained from the CBD extracted from the plant, and a priori cannot be found naturally. On the other hand, HHC is found naturally in the cannabis plant in pollen and seeds, although in minimal concentrations; the HHC that you see on the market is obtained as H4CBD, through a laboratory hydrogenation process.
Regarding its effect, and commenting in advance that more research is necessary in both cases, it seems that HHC would have effects similar to those of THC but would not be as potent as THC, while H4CBD also seems to have the same properties as CBD but acting in a more intense way, so it can have a really interesting therapeutic potential and is worth studying in depth.
HHC or Hexahydrocannabinol
HHC or hexahydrocannabinol has been making headlines in the cannabis press lately. This novel cannabinoid, obtained mostly in the laboratory from other cannabinoids or from cannabis extracts, has revolutionized the scene by breaking into the market with products that promise an effect very similar to that of THC, although there are no studies confirming this. Today we tell you everything you need to know about HHC.
Is H4CBD legal?
In the same way that we saw with the HHC case, H4CBD is a compound that does not fall within any list of substances prohibited by Law, so it must be thought that it is a legal product. However, the marketing of certain types of substances such as cannabinoids may be regulated in some cases, and aspects such as their presentation or method of administration may mean that their sale is not approved.
Each country has its own regulations regarding cannabis and derivatives, so it is important to know them to know if the Law is being violated when marketing and consuming this type of substance. Of course, insist on the idea that these are substances that must be investigated in greater depth and that in no case can they replace the indications of medical professionals, no matter how promising their potential therapeutic properties may be.
