Comparison of CBD, HHC and H4CBD: origin, production, effects

07. 03. 2024

How is CBD obtained?

CBD (cannabidiol) occurs naturally in cannabis. Carbon dioxide is most often used for extraction in the so-called supercritical state (temperature >31°C nd pressure >73 atm). In this state, carbon dioxide has the properties of a liquid and a gas at the same time and thus has an ideal dissolution capacity. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is a separation process in which no chemical reaction takes place and the purest possible product is obtained, containing no residual solvent. The extract is also free of any heavy metals, herbicides and pesticides - as these are insoluble in CO2.

One other method is extraction using solvents such as ethanol or butane. The cannabis is soaked in the solvent and then the liquid is heated to leave pure CBD oil. This is one of the cheapest and easiest methods, but unfortunately it comes with risks. The resulting extract can be tainted and may contain undesirable substances or solvent residues.

CBD can also be extracted using vegetable oils such as olive or coconut oil. This is a cheap and safe method, but the resulting product does not contain as much CBD as when supercritical CO2 or solvents are used. CBD is usually obtained from industrial hemp with less than 0,3 % THC.

Production of HHC and H4CBD

HHC (hexahydrocannabidiol) is produced by hydrogenation of THC, a process discovered in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams when he added hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC. When concentrated THC is exposed to high pressure, the double bonds break down, destabilising the structure. Hydrogen is added to restore stability. The resulting substance is more resistant to heat, light and has a longer shelf life.

HHC is only found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant and would be very expensive to extract, so today it is mostly made from CBD in the laboratory. Several research groups have also successfully synthesised HHC from organic compounds such as citronellal or olivetol.

H4CBD (hexahydrocannabinol) is a synthetic cannabinoid produced by hydrogenation from CBD. As the name suggests, H4CBD was created by adding four hydrogen atoms to the CBD molecule.

CBD vs. HHC vs. H4CBD

It's already been said that while CBD is a natural derivative of the cannabis plant, H4CBD and HHC are compounds that are created in the lab. Thus, they differ not only in chemical formula and structure, but also in effects. The following table lists the key differences and similarities:

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

Effects of CBD

CBD is known for its positive effects on the body. According to past research and user experience, it has the potential to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve sleep.

has the potential to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve sleep. These benefits are based on the fact that CBD and other cannabinoids 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 found mainly in the brain and central nervous system, CB2 mainly in the immune system, as well as in tissues and glands.

CBD has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, but has the ability to modulate their activity and thus may affect their function and help alleviate various ailments.

Research into the exact mechanism and specific effects is ongoing, with the following effects being the most commonly reported:

Relief of pain and inflammation
improving sleep
reducing anxiety and stress
promoting cognitive functions such as attention, memory and concentration
alleviating skin problems
strengthening the immune system

The frequency of side effects is low, if they do occur they are usually mild and soon resolve.

Mezi krátkodobé účinky patří:

fatigue
change in appetite
dry mouth
reduced blood pressure
nausea

Side effects can occur especially if too high a dose of CBD has been taken or when combined with medications.

H4CBD: Amplified CBD?

H4CBD is a synthetic cannabinoid that is obtained by transforming CBD. H4CBD has similar effects to CBD, but they are characterized by greater intensity and faster onset. While CBD has a low affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors, H4CBD has a higher affinity for the CB1 receptor and also binds to the CB2 receptor. Therefore, H4CBD can induce mood changes, euphoria and increased energy.

As far as H4CBD is concerned, the side effects have not yet been sufficiently mapped but can be expected to be similar to those of CBD. However, because H4CBD has a higher affinity for the CB1 receptor, it may also have other side effects such as dizziness, difficulty concentrating or altered perception of time. Further research is needed to fully understand the possible side effects.

Effects of HHC

HHC is originally a derivative of THC, but is currently produced semi-synthetically, by modifying other natural cannabinoids such as CBD. HHC therefore has a similar molecular structure to THC, except that the carbon double bond is broken by the hydrogenation process and replaced by hydrogen.

Possible effects of HHC that have been confirmed by users include euphoria, increased energy, promoting relaxation and improving sleep. HHC has a relatively high affinity for the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor, so its psychoactive effects are less pronounced than those of THC.

The effects are also influenced by the ratio and arrangement of the stereoisomers, which are compounds with the same chemical structure but a different three-dimensional shape. HHC produced in the laboratory 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.

Conclusion

Those looking for proven natural potency will probably opt for conventional CBD. Those who prefer stronger effects with a faster onset and are not concerned about possible psychoactive effects may be interested in one of the newer cannabinoids, i.e. HHC or H4CBD. It is important to note that both HHC and H4CBD are relatively new compounds and the effects and potential risks are still being investigated. Caution is always warranted when testing new substances, and this is not only true for cannabinoids.

Currently, the three cannabinoids are available in a variety of forms, including oils and drops, capsules, flowers, concentrates, cosmetics, vapes, gummies and other products. CBD products are the most widely available.

None of these cannabinoids are yet listed as narcotics in the Czech Republic, but in the case of HHC this is likely to happen with effect from 1 July 2023. It is always important to familiarise yourself with current legislation regarding the use and further handling of CBD, HHC and H4CBD and to respect the laws and regulations of the country concerned.

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