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What is H4CBD? What are its effects?


In terms of chemical compounds, cannabinoids are quite malleable. This shows that scientists can play around with them in the laboratory. H4CBD represents one of the freshest innovations from the world of cannabinoid compounds to hit the market, but it's already generating waves of excitement as a slightly more potent form of CBD. Want to know what H4CBD is, how it's made and what effects it has? Find out in our article, which also tells you where to find products with this rare cannabinoid.

What is H4CBD?

H4CBD (hexahydrocannabidiol), also known as THD, is produced in the laboratory and is a derivative of CBD (cannabidiol). It is hydrogenated CBD (hexahydroderivative CBD), a synthetic form of cannabidiol that was first produced in the mid-20th century.  

In 1940, H4CBD was discovered as part of the Todd Group's efforts. This pioneering team of cannabis researchers is responsible for the identification and synthesis of dozens of cannabinoids.

Where it came from, it came from or how H4CBD is made

H4CBD is made by adding 4 hydrogen atoms to CBD molecules. The process of making H4CBD can be compared to making vegetable margarine. H4CBD has undergone structural modification to give it a different form than CBD.

Thus, H4CBD is obtained through a hydrogenation process, whereas CBD is a direct derivative of hemp. Hexahydrocannabidiol is one example of hydrogenated CBD, but it is not the only variant. There is also H2CBD, which contains only 2 added hydrogen atoms.

A variety of different hydrogenated forms of CBD can be produced, and each of these variants has its own unique chemical structure and effects. The known hydrogenated variants of CBD include HHC.

Chemistry, nature, or something in between?

Hexahydrocannabidiol is a synthetic cannabinoid. Hydrogenation is a relatively simple process, but it changes the chemical structure of the compounds, so we can no longer speak of natural cannabinoids.

Until recently, H4CBD has been the focus of attention only for scientists, but recently several products containing H4CBD have appeared on the internet as consumers have shown interest in the potential benefits this cannabinoid can offer them.

How does H4CBD work?

The information that is known so far about the effects of H4CBD comes from a single study from 2006 entitled: New cannabidiol derivatives: synthesis, binding to the cannabinoid receptor and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity. The research team led by Shimon Ben-Shabat pointed out that, like most cannabinoids, H4CBD has some anti-inflammatory potential. More importantly, however, this hydrogenated version of CBD interacts strongly with CB1 receptors. 

In 2017, a Research Review was published which, while confirming Ben-Shabat's study, did not conduct any new studies on the bioactive properties of H4CBD.

Anecdotal evidence is emerging that generally supports the effects of H4CBD suggested by the research. However, further research is needed to gain certainty about the possible effects of H4CBD. 

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short, plays an important role. The ECS is a neurochemical network in the body that is responsible for various processes such as:

  • sleep
  • mood
  • emotions
  • stress
  • metabolism
  • motor and muscular coordination
  • heart health
  • learning and memory
  • bone growth and remodelling
  • taste
  • liver function
  • reproduction
  • skin and connective tissue health

The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids, enzymes and cannabinoid receptors (the best known are the CB1 and CB2 receptors). CB1 receptors predominate in the brain, i.e. the central nervous system, but are also found in various cells throughout the body. The immune system and peripheral tissues are mainly dominated by CB2 receptors.

The effects depend on where the receptor is found and which endocannabinoid it binds to. Cannabinoids such as CBD, H4CBD, CBG and CBN also affect the body through the ECS.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is popular for its potential therapeutic and health benefits. Below you will find an overview of how CBD can be helpful:

  • Contributes to the relief of pain and inflammation.
  • Beneficial in combating stress, anxiety and depression.
  • Helps promote healthy skin.
  • Can help improve sleep quality and help with insomnia.
  • Has a neuroprotective effect.
  • May provide support for kidney disease.
  • May help slow the progression of heart disease.

H4CBD has been shown to have a similar effect on users as CBD, but with a significantly higher level of potency.

H4CBD users describe their experiences with enthusiasm. Some also report mild psychoactive effects, but this information is based on limited research and anecdotal reports.

Gossip or fact: Is H4CBD really 100 times more potent than CBD?

There is a "rumour" on the internet that H4CBD is 100 times stronger than CBD. What do you think, is it true? Well, any claims that H4CBD is guaranteed to be 100 times stronger than CBD are overly simplistic.

The idea that the hydrogenated version of CBD stimulates CB1 receptors is based on the results of just one study, and that was over 10 years ago. Moreover, this study has not yet been followed up. 

On this basis, it is reasonable to reserve a healthy degree of scepticism when it comes to the claim that H4CBD is 100 times more potent than CBD.

Safety of H4CBD products

For the time being, it can be said that CBD is considered to be a generally well tolerated substance with a good safety profile and that H4CBD and CBD are not very different from a chemical point of view. 

Since H4CBD is new among cannabinoids, it is important that you choose carefully where you shop for H4CBD products. The right manufacturer/retailer has an excellent reputation in the cannabis market when it comes to reliability and product purity. It's a good idea to bet on a verified manufacturer/vendor that lists lab analysis, ingredients and expiration dates on their products to ensure product safety.

What are the types of H4CBD products and where can I find them?

Between the two cannabinoids, CBD is currently the most readily available. However, the demand for H4CBD is growing rapidly and this will naturally lead to the development of other products.

Rare cannabinoids such as H4CBD are often offered in distillate form, as it is easy to combine the distillate base with almost any isolated cannabinoid.

However, there are now several H4CBD products to choose from, namely:

  • flowers
  • vaporizer pens (vape foams) with cartridges containing a cartridge made up of H4CBD distillate
  • hash
  • gummies
  • distillates

You can buy all these products for example on Canatury's e-shop. 

A few sentences in conclusion

Based on the first available information, H4CBD seems to have roughly similar effects to CBD. There are indications that this synthetic CBD derivative binds more strongly to CB1 neuroreceptors. However, due to the persistent lack of research, it is currently not possible to say anything definitive about the effects of H4CBD on the human body.

When choosing H4CBD products, rely on verified vendors/manufacturers and choose products that contain simple ingredients whose quantity and purity have been confirmed by laboratory analysis. 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová, translation by AI

Foto: Shutterstock

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