H4CBD: What is it and why is there so much talk about it?

What is H4CBD?

If you're interested in cannabinoids, this special CBD derivative may not have escaped your attention. H4CBD is produced by synthetically modifying the CBD molecule. So what is H4CBD, you ask?“

H4CBD is such a synthetic version of CBD that has been modified by adding 4 hydrogen atoms to it, which is why it is also called hexahydroderivative CBD. This production process is comparable to how margarine is made from oil. Scientists began exploring synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids in the mid-20th century. H4CBD is one of the products of this work and was created as an alternative form to the classic CBD.

What does H4CBD do?

This hydrogenated cannabinoid is not yet fully explored, but it seems to have a tendency to bind to CB1 neuroreceptors, which means it has an effect on the mind.

It's actually a modified version of CBD that acts similarly to HHC, but without the double bond. Interestingly, H4CBD has two diastereomers - R and S, with the R diastereomer proving to be more potent and effective.

Those who have tried H4CBD say that the effects are similar to CBD, yet they also experience psychoactive effects. Overall, this cannabinoid is not yet fully explored, so it is hard to say more.

Is H4CBD the same as CBD?

H4CBD is not the same as CBD, although both cannabinoids have some similar properties. However, the bigger differences are in their effects, chemical structure, and method of production. Although H4CBD and CBD are like brothers, they are different molecules and there are significant differences between them.

Comparison: H4CBD and HHC 

Although H4CBD and HHC are produced in a similar way, they are different substances.  HHC is essentially a modified version of THC, whereas H4CBD is a hydrogenated version of CBD. These differences are also due to the different base molecules on which each substance is based, which is why each compound has different effects on the body.

7 categories of comparison: H4CBD and CBD

These two cannabinoids have some similar properties, but they also differ in several aspects. Let's explore a few categories that compare these substances.

Method of production

Both CBD and H4CBD come from hemp. CBD is a natural derivative of hemp, whereas H4CBD is created through a transformation process, that involves hydrogenation. Although H4CBD is considered a synthetic cannabinoid, it is only synthetic as a margarine and is not an artificial product in the true sense of the word.

Theoretically, it is possible to synthesize CBD, but why would we do that when there is so much natural CBD in hemp itself?

Chemical structure 

H4CBD has gone through a chemical process to give it a different form than CBD. Essentially, 4 hydrogen atoms were added, which changed its natural properties. This is all done by structural modification, where hydrogen atoms are added to the molecule.

The effects of H4CBD: What studies have revealed..

Only a single study from the year 2006 says that hydrogenated forms of CBD have an extra high affinity for the brain's CB1 neuroreceptors. This has led to speculation that H4CBD may have effects that are 100 times stronger than CBD - at least some of them.

In 2017, those speculations turned out to be correct and H4CBD may indeed have some stronger effects than CBD. But it's important to note that no new studies looking at the bioactivity of H4CBD have been conducted since then.

Potential

You may have already thrown the word around with someone about this cannabinoid, and it may have fallen flat: "I've heard that H4CBD can actually be more potent than CBD, by up to three times!" While some sources claim that H4CBD can be 100 times more potent than regular CBD, this only refers to the effect on CB1 receptors in the brain. So it's not actually clear yet how much more potent than CBD it will be. 

Further studies on H4CBD will be needed to confirm its increased effectiveness. 

So to enthusiastically claim that it is 100 times more potent than CBD in every way is a stretch for now. 

Legality of H4CBD in the Czech Republic

The legal status of synthetic and natural cannabinoids is currently the subject of much debate and controversy. At the moment, H4CBD is not included in the list of addictive substances according to Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll., on the lists of addictive substances. 

What is the availability of H4CBD?

This novelty will probably slowly but surely find its place on the market. CBD is now the most available cannabinoid in both brick-and-mortar stores and e-shops, but with the rise in demand for H4CBD, there is sure to be a new offer for a wider selection of products of this compound.

If you search now, you will discover distillates, isolates and finished products with H4CBD. These new products may also be of interest to more demanding users.

How to find H4CBD dealers

When you want to find the best source of H4CBD, it can be a bit of a challenge. It is always important to find an established vendor that has been in the market for a while. While even finding a quality H4CBD manufacturer is not just that, it is also important to find out if the manufacturer provides detailed information about the product such as its ingredients and manufacturing process. The products should be certified.

Can H4CBD break into CBD market territory?

What do you think, is it even possible for H4CBD to completely displace CBD from the market? That's more of a crystal ball question, but probably not. CBD has been around for a while now and for many people it's the obvious choice. 

The fact is that this new hydrogenated form of CBD is slowly gaining traction and starting to get people's attention. So who knows if H4CBD will compete with regular CBD once it's on the market. H4CBD is like an improved version of CBD with higher potency

On the other hand, CBD is considered a natural alternative with lower potency. However, if H4CBD offers any benefits that strike a chord with anyone, it will likely gain its own fan base.

It will depend on consumers and what products manufacturers offer. It will definitely be interesting to see how this all plays out, and how H4CBD will perform in the marketplace. For now, CBD dominates the market. 

Learn more: 11 FAQs about H4CBD

Do you feel like you don't know enough about H4CBD and would like more information? Explore the most frequently asked questions.

1. What are hydrogenated cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids can undergo the process of hydrogenation, which involves adding hydrogen atoms to the molecules. Thus, a hydrogenated cannabinoid is a cannabinoid that has undergone hydrogenation. This process can be applied to many different cannabinoids and different numbers of hydrogen atoms can be added. Each hydrogenated cannabinoid has its own specific properties, but in general the chemical hydrogenation of cannabinoids often results in an increase in potency.

2. Is H4CBD synthetic?

Yes, H4CBD is essentially a synthetic cannabinoid. While it was derived from a natural cannabinoid, it has been modified to give it new and unique properties. Although H4CBD is not entirely man-made, any tampering with a natural compound is generally considered a synthetic modification of the original substance.

3. Is H4CBD 100 times more potent than CBD?

It is important to note that the claim that H4CBD is 100 times more potent than conventional CBD is based on speculation rather than real facts. There is only one study that is over 15 years old that suggests that H4CBD could have a significantly higher affinity for CB1 nervous system receptors compared to CBD. However, these receptors are not the main target of conventional CBD and such speculation may therefore be more scientific hype than reality.

Normally, CBD has very little affinity for CB1 and may even reduce its activity. However, when combined with four hydrogen atoms, CBD's affinity for CB1 is clearly increased, making the new cannabinoid (H4CBD) more psychoactive.

4. Does H4CBD cause "highs"?

It certainly cannot be said that H4CBD causes highs. However, this cannabinoid also does not provide the effects we usually associate with CBD. The effects of taking H4CBD appear to be similar to those of taking large doses of CBD, but we must bear in mind that this information is based on limited preliminary research and anecdotal evidence.

H4CBD can induce a feeling of relaxation and euphoria that can help relieve stress without causing a significant high.

5. Is H4CBD the same as HHC?

No, H4CBD and HHC are different, but in the context of their origins it is natural that the two cannabinoids may be confused. Just as H4CBD is a hydrogenated form of CBD, HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC. HHC is produced in laboratories and is also found in the cannabis plant, but only in trace concentrations.

6. Are there strains with H4CBD?

H4CBD is not found in nature. This means that there are no strains of cannabis or hemp containing H4CBD. Since it is not possible to extract natural H4CBD, this cannabinoid can only be produced by hydrogenation.

7. What is the best type of H4CBD product?

Users generally prefer H4CBD vapes and gummies. Over time, capsules, tablets, and even topical H4CBD preparations can also be expected to come to the fore. Whatever the product type, H4CBD products should contain simple ingredients and be accompanied by thorough lab reports.

8. What are some common effects of H4CBD?

Given what little we now know, H4CBD appears to have roughly identical effects to CBD. However, some evidence suggests that this synthetic CBD derivative may be more effective on certain neuroreceptors. In the context of the continuing lack of research, not enough is known about H4CBD to say anything definitive about its effects.

9. What is H4CBD distillate?

H4CBD distillate consists of H4CBD grouped with 'denatured' cannabis distillate from which other cannabinoids have been removed. Rare cannabinoids such as H4CBD are predominantly available in distillate form. This is because it is easy to combine the distillate base with virtually any isolated cannabinoid.

Like most cannabinoids other than CBD and CBG, H4CBD must be made as a derivative of a natural cannabinoid from cannabis, and this makes the H4CBD distillate an inherently synthetic product. Even though the synthetic cannabinoid dominates the distillate, H4CBD still looks as you might suspect - typically honey-coloured, viscous and transparent.

10. . What is the difference between CBD and H4CBD?

CBD and H4CBD differ significantly not only in that CBD is natural while H4CBD is synthetic, but also in many other aspects that scientists are still thinking about and researching. Although interest in both cannabinoids has increased significantly in recent years, there are still many properties and effects that need to be explored.

11. H4CBD gummies vs. H4CBD tinctures

H4CBD tinctures are simple and natural, whereas H4CBD gummies may be better tasting or easier to use. Given that new cannabinoids are still relatively new discoveries, the availability of quality products is limited at the moment.

PHOTO: Shutterstock

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