H4CBD effects: stronger than CBD? Compared to HHC

What is H4CBD and what are its effects? A visit to the pavilion ruled by relaxation and an elevated mood

Information corner: What is H4CBD?

H4CBD (hexahydrocannabidiol) is a modified version of CBD (cannabidiol) - it has a very similar chemical skeleton to CBD. However, unlike CBD, you won't find H4CBD in the plant, it's made in the lab 🔬. It is a (semi)synthetic cannabinoid.

H4CBD also bears the designation tetrahydrocannabidiol (THD). However, this substance is based on the CBD molecule, is not a derivative of THC and therefore does not have the psychoactive power of THC. However, although it is a hydrogenated CBD, the effects differ in certain respects.

H4CBD production

H4CBD is produced by a process called catalytic hydrogenation. In practice, this means that four hydrogen atoms are added to the CBD molecule, hence the 'H4' in the name. Hydrogenation of CBD saturates the double bond in the structure - the result is a molecule derived from CBD, but with a different spatial arrangement and properties.

History 📜: The first synthesis of H4CBD was carried out in 1940 by chemist Alexander R. Todd, who prepared it from plant CBD by catalytic hydrogenation.

The addition of hydrogen increases the stability and durability of the molecule - it can withstand heat, light and oxidation.

H4CBD is not just any molecule, it consists of 2 different stereoisomers, i.e. molecules :👇

  • 1(S)-H4-CBD, also 1(S)-THD: shows higher binding to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
  • 1(R)-H4-CBD, also 1(R)-THD: appears more as an inactive component

 

Illustration of a CannabiZoo-style elephant holding a flask with H4CBD extract – showing the molecules 1(S)-H4-CBD and 1(R)-H4-CBD

You may be wondering why we're dealing with these molecules. The answer is simple - they have a major impact on the effectiveness and overall effect of the product.

Pavilion of relaxation and elevated mood: how does H4CBD work?

While classic CBD is a bit like a sloth 🦥 - it acts on the endocannabinoid system silently and indirectly, H4CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors directly - like a koala latching onto a eucalyptus branch 🐨.

Although there are rumours in the zoo that H4CBD is as potent as a herd of elephants🐘 , i.e. a hundred times more potent than CBD, the reality is a little more complicated. The information comes from a 2006 study that looked at hydrogenated compounds and concluded that they showed more effective binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS.

While scientists confirmed in 2017 that H4CBD binds to the CB1 receptor, that doesn't mean it will give you an effect 100 times stronger than CBD.

Research to date suggests that H4CBD may act differently on the central nervous system than cannabidiol. Specifically, H4CBD is thought to partially activate CB1 receptors (similar to THC, although probably with lower potency) and thus may produce mild psychoactive effects.

Effects of H4CBD

From user experience, H4CBD seems to have a similar effect to CBD - just a bit more intense and with a hint of light euphoria. It's definitely not a wild ride like with THC, more of a gentle rocking on the waves of well-being 🌊.

H4CBD is often compared to the effect of CBD with a drop of THC - something like a 2:1 ratio. This means that instead of a "high" comes calmness, relaxation, a subtle brightening of mood, a retreat of stress and tension or inducing sleep 💤.

Some visitors to the H4CBD enclosure speak of a "clear head" - a light high without the mental numbing usually associated with stronger psychoactive substances.

Because H4CBD binds to endocannabinoid receptors directly - the effect may be faster and more intense than with cannabidiol.

 

Illustration of an otter relaxing on waves with a pack of H4CBD sweets from Canntropy, suggesting possible relaxing effects

Side effects

H4CBD is relatively safe, but it may not fit you. Side effects are especially likely at high doses.

Possible side effects include 👇:

  • Dry mouth
  • Increased heart rate
  • Fatigue and
  • Redness of the eyes

The intensity of these effects will vary depending on the dose and method of consumption, health, body proportions, metabolism, experience and tolerance of the individual.

Souvenir stand: H4CBD products

H4CBD has quickly found its place in CannabiZoo and appears in a wide range of products, from vapes, hashes to oil.

Check out a selection of the most popular H4CBD products 👇:

Conclusion

H4CBD is a hydrogenated derivative of CBD to which chemists have added four hydrogen atoms. As a result, it has slightly different effects than cannabidiol, with users reporting greater relaxation and a slightly elevated mood, sometimes even mild euphoria. H4CBD does not produce the same states as THC.

 

FAQ

1. What is the difference between H4CBD and CBD?

H4CBD is a hydrogenated version of CBD - it is more stable, more resistant and can have mild psychoactive effects. CBD is a natural cannabinoid that is not psychoactive.

2. Is H4CBD stronger than CBD?

H4CBD is not more potent in the sense of "100-fold effect" as advertisements sometimes promise, but it may be more intense than CBD. It binds directly to the CB1 receptors in the ECS, so effects such as relaxation and mild highs tend to be more pronounced.

3. H4CBD vs. HHC: how do they differ?

H4CBD and HHC are different animal species. What are the differences between them? Check the following table 👇:

 

H4CBD

HHC

Specifications

A hydrogenated derivative of CBD, formed by adding four hydrogen atoms.

Originally a hydrogenated version of THC, it is now more commonly produced synthetically by hydrogenating CBD. It is created by adding hydrogen molecules.

Occurrence in cannabis

No

Yes, in a small amount

Psychoactivity

None to very mild

Mild to moderate

Effects

Similar to the effects of CBD, but with higher intensity

Very close to THC

Legal status

Currently somewhat unclear and variable, varying from state to state. It is now not on the list of addictive substances in the country.

HHC is now effectively banned in all UN member states, which must strictly regulate production, distribution and possession (except for licensed research or medical applications).

4. Is H4CBD addictive?

No, H4CBD does not show signs of addictiveness according to the available data. As with CBD, there is no evidence yet that it leads to addiction or compulsive use.

5. What is better H4CBD vape or oil?

It depends on what you expect from the effect and which way of consumption suits you better.

  • H4CBD vape 🐯💨: almost immediate onset of action, ideal for instant release. But the effect lasts for a shorter time than with oils.
  • H4CBD oil 💧: flexible dosage - can be dripped under the tongue (sublingually) for quick onset of action, or added to food or drinks. Although the oils have a slower onset of action than vapes, the effect lasts longer.

6. Is H4CBD psychoactive like THC?

No, while H4CBD may cause mild psychoactive effects in some users, it does not cause the "high" typical of THC.

7. Can I drive after H4CBD?

Although CBD is considered a safe substance for normal use - unlike THC, it has no psychoactive effects and does not induce a state of intoxication - H4CBD has mild psychoactive effects that can affect perception and reaction time.

H4CBD can be said to be somewhere between non-intoxicating CBD and mildly psychoactive cannabinoids, so leave driving or operating machinery for another day ❌.

 

 

Sources:

 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

 

Photo: AI

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