What is 10-OH-HHC?
What is 10-OH-HHC and how is it formed?
10-OH-HHC is the hydroxy derivative of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). We have already introduced HHC in several previous articles. It's a cannabinoid that was discovered in 1944 by Roger Adams when he converted THC to HHC through the process of hydrogenation. This cannabinoid is found in small amounts in the cannabis plant, but is nowadays produced (semi)synthetically by hydrogenating CBD, terpenes or using artificial gastric juices.
10-OH-HHC is produced by the oxidation of HHC with the help of an enzyme found mainly in the liver - cytochrome P450. And what does this process involve? Ten -OH hydroxyl groups, which are oxygen atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, are added to HHC.
10-OH-HHC has low bioavailability and a short half-life in the body. This cannabinoid can be further metabolised and converted into the inactive 10-carboxy-HHC.
What are the effects of 10-OH-HHC?
Research on 10-OH-HHC is in its infancy, so we have very little information, and some of it is based only on assumptions or experience with analogue derivatives.
It seems that 10-OH-HHC could mimic some of the effects of THC and other cannabinoids - this ability is referred to as cannabimimetic activity. There are whispers in the cannabis world that it is a very potent cannabinoid, and so a strong affinity for the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system would also be expected.
However, we do not know much about how 10-OH-HHC interacts with the receptors and with what specific intensity. The effects will also depend (in addition to the individual's specific disposition) on the route of administration, as more of this cannabinoid may be converted to inactive 10-carboxy-HHC by oral administration than by vaporisation or sublingual administration.
'Oxygenated' forms of HHC
Scientists are still trying to isolate 'oxygenated forms' of the cannabinoids CBD, THC, HHC and others from highly potent varieties of Cannabis sativa. Thus, in addition to HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P, there are a number of other similar derivatives such as 7-OH-HHC, 9α-OH-HHC, etc.
We still have to wait for research and scientific studies to clarify the properties and effects of 10-OH-HHC and other oxygenated forms of HHC.
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