Choosing H4CBD products: effects, availability, safety
The origin and potency of H4CBD
For starters, let's recap what H4CBD is. Hexahydroderivative CBD, H4CBD for short, is a hydrogenated cannabinoid that is produced synthetically by adding four hydrogen atoms to the CBD molecule. Initial research suggests that in some ways it may be more potent than conventional CBD because it shows a higher affinity for CB1 neuroreceptors.
H4CBD can induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria without a significant high. Some users also report relief from stress, pain, and anxiety with a supposedly stronger and faster onset of effects.
What can we find on the market?
Like all other cannabinoids, H4CBD comes in many forms that appeal to all types of consumers. While it was primarily available in distillate form at the beginning of its commercialization, H4CBD is now also available in gummies, cartridges, vape foams, and flowers. As it is a newly discovered cannabinoid, it is likely that other products with H4CBD will soon start to appear.
H4CBD distillate
The distillate consists of H4CBD and 'denatured' cannabis distillate from which the other cannabinoids have been removed. Rare cannabinoids such as H4CBD are predominantly offered in distillate form, as the distillate base can be combined with virtually any isolated cannabinoid.
Distillation, during which terpenes and other substances are partially removed, allows much greater customisation and control over the strength, aroma and consistency of the final product.
H4CBD distillate is honey-coloured, viscous and transparent. Distillates up to 99% concentration are available in a variety of flavours and with less than 0.001% THC. Distillates are added to edibles, used as a filling for vaporizers or in various topical preparations.
Vape pens
H4CBD also offers vape pens. These are compact vaporizers shaped like pens or electronic cigarettes. Vape foams are discreet and always ready to use at home or on the go. There are vape foams with 95% H4CBD content, with different flavors and without THC. H4CBD vape foams have a 1ml liquid in the cartridge.
Cartridge
Cartridges are replacement cartridges for vape pens. H4CBD cartridges usually contain 95% distillate and terpenes from different varieties to give them a specific flavour. You can choose for example the thick aroma of Sour Diesel, the earthy taste of Gorilla Glue with a hint of pine, the legendary spicy Jack Herer with a touch of herbs and pine or Super Lemon Haze, which is typical for its tangy citrus aroma and taste with a slightly sweet finish.
H4CBD flowers
These flowers are derived from technical cannabis infused with 30-60% H4CBD distillate with a THC content of less than 0.2%. Popular varieties include White Widow with a strong floral aroma, Blueberry with a berry aroma, Alien OG from the Bay Area, known for its citrus and pine aroma, and Durban Poison with a spicy and exotic flavour with notes of anise, liquorice, lemon and clove.
H4CBD product safety
If you want to try H4CBD, only choose products from reputable brands from trusted and proven manufacturers.
H4CBD products should be tested by a third party, i.e. an independent laboratory. The results of laboratory tests can be found on the manufacturers' websites. An integral part of the full-scale test results is the determination of purity and potency.
In addition, it is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid the risk of side effects.
Summary
For those looking for a finely tuned alternative with higher potency than conventional CBD offers, H4CBD products may be an option. H4CBD distillates, vape foams, cartridges, gummies and flowers are currently the most affordable H4CBD on the market.
Aside from one earlier study focusing on hydrogenated forms of CBD and their ability to bind to CB1 neuroreceptors, there is no other research to confirm the properties and effects of H4CBD.
Thus, at present, it is mainly based on user experience, which may vary. According to some of the available claims, H4CBD is slightly 'psychoactive', while others claim that the effect is similar to CBD but stronger.
H4CBD is on the rise and other types of products in different variations can be expected to appear soon.
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