8-OH-HHC: Effects, available products and comparison with 10-OH-HHC and 10-OH-HHCP

• What is 8-OH-HHC and what is behind its formation?
• What are metabolites?
• How is 8-OH-HHC produced?
• What is the structure and stereoisomers of 8-OH-HHC?
• What are the effects of 8-OH-HHC?
• What are the possible side effects?
• Table: 8-OH-HHC vs. 10-OH-HHC vs. 10-OH-HHCP
• Which 8-OH-HHC products to include in the offer?
• Conclusion: what is the safety of 8-OH-HHC products?

What is 8-OH-HHC and what is behind its formation?

8-OH-HHC stands for the chemical compounds known as 8-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (8-OH-9α-HHC and 8-OH-9β-HHC). This compound is reported to be a trace phytocannabinoid and the so-called primary metabolites of the cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).  After taking HHC, new substances called metabolites are formed in the body, which include 8-OH-HHC.

HHC is metabolized in the body by specific enzymes - cytochromes P450, namely CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, similar to delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC. These enzymes add oxygen to the HHC to form new compounds - oxygen derivatives.

The metabolite 8-OH-HHC is therefore the active form of HHC that is formed during its transformation in the body of both humans and animals.

What are metabolites?

When the body processes an ingested substance, it often converts it into other substances or metabolites. Some metabolites may be less effective than the original substance, while others may be more active (for example, have stronger effects) or even toxic.

When the body metabolizes HHC, it is not just about breaking down the substance, but also about creating new compounds that may have different effects than the original substance. The two main metabolites that the body produces in this process are 11-OH-HHC and various variants of 8-OH-HHC.

In 2024, a study came out that found that HHC is metabolized in liver cells through various metabolic pathways, including oxidation and conjugation, a process in which small molecules - glucuronide, sulfate, glycine or glutathione - are added to the compounds being metabolized. These molecules increase the solubility of compounds in water and improve their excretion from the body.

Research suggests that 8-OH-HHC may take different forms in different animals. For example, mice form a particular form of 8-OH-HHC more than hamsters.

According to earlier research from 1991, mouse liver cells preferentially produce 8α-OH-HHC, whereas hamster hematocytes show the opposite selectivity and produce more 8β-OH-HHC. This suggests that different species respond differently to cannabinoids.

How is 8-OH-HHC produced?

8-OH-HHC products are produced by chemical synthesis from HHC, a process that usually involves hydroxylation. During this process, researchers add a hydroxyl (OH) group to the HHC molecule, in this case at the 8th position of the hexahydrocannabinol nucleus.

This reaction, in which a hydroxyl group (OH) attaches to the 8th carbon of the HHC molecule, is called hydroxylation at the 8th position (C8).

 

The hydroxyl group can be attached to any position in the molecule, leading to the formation of various stereoisomers. In the case of 8-OH-HHC, this is for example 8-OH-9α-HHC and 8-OH-9β-HHC. Scientists can choose different synthesis methods depending on which stereoisomer they want to obtain.

An important step in the production of 8-OH-HHC is the modification of HHC using enzymes or chemical catalysts that allow the addition of a hydroxyl group.

What is the structure and stereoisomers of 8-OH-HHC?

The molecular formula of 8-OH-HHC is C21H32O3. There are four main forms of 8-OH-HHC, which are formed from HHC and differ by a slight change in their structure. Even this slight modification can significantly affect the effects.

These forms (stereoisomers) are referred to as cis- and trans-8-OH-9α-HHC & cis- and trans-8-OH-9β-HHC, and are synthetically produced, with a 1980 study to investigate their effect on the biological activity of cannabinoids.

In earlier research from 1991, in in vivo tests carried out on rhesus macaques, chemist and professor Raphael Mechoulam and his team found that the stereoisomer cis-8-OH-9β-HHC showed the highest activity. The experts assume that all four forms are active.

What are the effects of 8-OH-HHC?

At the moment, there is a lack of research to evaluate how 8-OH-HHC works in the body. Like other cannabinoids, 8-OH-HHC likely binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

8-OH-HHC has psychoactive effects, although probably less intense than HHC or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).  It may affect perception, induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation or increase appetite.

 

What are the possible side effects?

As regards side effects, experience with other psychoactive cannabinoids is relevant. Some individuals may experience side effects in the form of:

• Reddened dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Dizzy
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Insomnia

The intensity of these effects may vary depending on the health status, metabolism and sensitivity of the individual, dose and route of administration.

It is also important to warn customers that (semi)synthetic compounds are often more potent than natural ones, so they must be approached with caution to avoid intoxication or overdose.

Table: 8-OH-HHC vs. 10-OH-HHC vs. 10-OH-HHCP

	8-OH-HHC	10-OH-HHC	10-OH-HHCP
Specification of the compound	The active primary metabolite of HHC formed during HHC metabolism in animals. Hydroxyl group at the 8th carbon	A derivative of HHC with an added hydroxyl group on the 10th carbon.	A derivative of HHCP with an added hydroxyl group on the 10th carbon.
Molecular formula	C21H32O3	C21H32O3	C21H32O3
Psychoactive properties	Yes	Yes	Yes
Possible effects	Effects are expected to be comparable to other HHC derivatives   Euphoria promoting relaxation increased appetite	Euphoria promoting relaxation increased appetite	Euphoria promoting relaxation increased appetite
Available products	08-OH-HHC distillate Vapes and cartridges Liquids Flowers Pre-rolls Hash Gummies	10-OH-HHCP vapes a cartridge Hash Flowers infused with 10-OH-HHC distillate Pre-rolls Gummies	10-OH-HHCP vapes a cartridge Hash Flowers infused with 10-OH-HHC distillate Pre-rolls Gummies
Legal status	Unclear, likely to be in a legal grey area in most countries	Unclear, likely to be in a legal grey area in most countries	Unclear, likely to be in a legal grey area in most countries

Which 8-OH-HHC products to include in the offer?

After the temporary ban of cannabinoids such as HHC, THCB, THCJD and HHCP in the Czech Republic, cannabis e-shops are filling up with alternatives and one of them is 8-OH-HHC. In our e-shop you will find an interesting range of 8-OH-HHC products in premium quality from popular brands - Cannastra and Canntropy.

Choose from our offer and order now:

• 8-OH-HHC vape pens
• Cartridge
• Liquids
• Flowers
• Pre-rolls
• Hash
• Gummies

Conclusion: what is the safety of 8-OH-HHC products?

Due to the lack of research, it cannot yet be confirmed with certainty that the use of 8-OH-HHC is completely risk-free. And because new cannabinoids are currently unregulated and often operate in a "legal grey area", there is some risk that products contaminated with heavy metals or other unwanted and potentially dangerous substances will enter the market.

Are you planning to enrich your e-shop with new compounds? Only buy from trusted sellers and always check the quality of the products you offer. Some manufacturers automatically provide a "COA" (Certificate of Analysis), or you can have the products tested in a lab yourself.

We offer 8-OH-HHC in premium quality. You can expand your offer with this novelty in the form of vaping pens, cartridges, liqiuds, hashes, gummies, pre-rolls or flowers.

Given the unclear legal status of the new cannabinoids, it is also worth keeping an eye on legislative developments and always respecting the current regulations of the country in question.

In connection with the new cannabinoids, we attach other articles that may be of interest to you:

• 10-OH-HHCP: Do you already have a summer novelty in your range?
• 10-OH-HHC: An interesting alternative for your customers
• The cannabinoid CBG9 is conquering the market! How is it different from HHC and what CBG9 products to include in the range?
• What is CBDP and what products can you offer to customers?
• Why does THCV attract customers?

 

Author:  Patricie Mikolášová 

 

   

Photo: ChatGPT

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