A new cannabinoid on the market: What is H4CBD?
What is hydrogenated cannabinoid H4CBD?
H4CBD is a new cannabinoid that was created by synthetically modifying the CBD molecule.
Four hydrogen atoms have been added to the CBD molecule, which is why it is also called CBD hexahydroderivative.
It is a derivative of CBD that is produced in the laboratory or semi-synthetically. This cannabinoid also known as THD (tetrahydrocannabidiol) was developed as an alternative to conventional CBD. Semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids have been studied by scientists since the mid-20th century.
The production of H4CBD is a process that can be compared to the production of margarine from vegetable oil. Scientists have sought to improve the properties of CBD by chemically modifying it, resulting in a new molecule - H4CBD.
How does H4CBD work?
This substance is still a new player in the cannabinoid field, but it is already causing quite a stir. It is a modified version of CBD, which affects the mind in the same way as HHC, but unlike HHC it does not contain a double bond. H4CBD consists of two diastereomers, R and S, with the R diastereomer showing strikingly stronger effects than the S diastereomer.
User experiences with H4CBD describe effects similar to CBD, but also mention psychoactive effects. Although this compound is still relatively unexplored, further research and testing of this promising substance can be expected.
The few pieces of information available suggest that H4CBD has the ability to bind to CB1 neuroreceptors.
Is H4CBD the same as CBD?
Although H4CBD and CBD share some similar properties, they are not the same. The two cannabinoids are different molecules with different effects and fundamental differences in their chemical structures and production methods.
HHC vs. H4CBD
Although H4CBD and HHC are chemically related, they are two completely different substances. HHC is the hydrogenated version of THC, but H4CBD is the hydrogenated version of CBD. The two cannabinoids are made up of different molecules with different effects. They also differ greatly in their chemical structures and production process. This difference in the structure of the molecules is also reflected in their effects on the body.
7 categories of H4CBD and CBD comparison
Below you will find 7 categories that compare H4CBD and CBD. These substances have many properties in common, but there are also significant differences between them.
1. Production process
The production process of CBD and H4CBD is very different. While CBD can be extracted directly from hemp, H4CBD goes through a complex transformation process, including hydrogenation, to obtain its final form. Because of this, H4CBD is considered a synthetic cannabinoid, even though it is only synthetic to a certain extent.
Theoretically, it is possible to synthesise CBD, but this is not necessary as this cannabinoid occurs naturally in large quantities in cannabis.
2. Structural modification
The structure of these substances is a key factor that distinguishes H4CBD from CBD. H4CBD is a hydrogenated version of CBD, meaning that additional hydrogen atoms have been inserted into the CBD molecule. This process converts CBD into H4CBD and affects its chemical and physiological properties. As a result, H4CBD has effects that differ in many ways from those of CBD.
3. Effects of H4CBD: What do the studies say?
According to the only study available, from 2006, hydrogenated forms of CBD have been shown to have an increased affinity for CB1 neuroreceptors in the brain. This finding has led to hypotheses of much stronger effects of H4CBD than CBD, up to 100 times stronger in certain directions.
Research conducted in 2017 supported this hypothesis, but no new studies on the bioactive properties of H4CBD have been published to date.
4. What is the potential of this substance?
H4CBD has some potential - it is approximately three times more potent than CBD. However, this potential must be taken with a grain of salt. As we have already mentioned, H4CBD has a high affinity for the brain's CB1 neuroreceptors, but efficacy at these receptors was initially low for CBD. Because H4CBD at CB1 receptors needs further investigation, it is thus difficult to get a complete picture of the overall potential at this time.
So we should definitely slow down on the claim that H4CBD is in every way a hundred times more potent than CBD.
5. Legality
The legal status of synthetic and natural cannabinoids is currently the subject of much debate and conflict. At the moment, H4CBD is not included in the list of addictive substances according to Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll.
6. What is the market availability of H4CBD?
If you're looking for a new cannabinoid, H4CBD may be the perfect choice to attract new customers. CBD is already widely available, definitely one of the most affordable cannabinoids. However, the demand for H4CBD is growing rapidly and with it, the first supply is emerging, which will naturally lead to the development of a range of products. H4CBD distillates, isolates and finished products are starting to become available on e-shops. These products indicate that we are about to witness a new era in cannabis and its use in various sectors.
How to find a supplier on H4CBD
In order for users to enjoy the full benefits of H4CBD, it is important to find a reliable product supplier. It is recommended to choose a reputable H4CBD vendor to ensure quality and safety.
The ideal manufacturer is able to provide independent laboratory tests to confirm the purity and quality of products containing H4CBD. When selecting a source of H4CBD, it is important to conduct market research and choose an established reliable and quality supplier that has been in the market for some time and has the required experience.
7. Could it be that H4CBD will replace CBD on the market?
H4CBD began to be investigated as early as the 1940s and has recently experienced a great increase in interest. It is likely that with this increase there will be competition between H4CBD and CBD in the market. However, it will depend on the benefits that each cannabinoid offers and what consumers want.
If H4CBD provides specific benefits that CBD does not, it will find its place in the market and attract the attention of certain customers. Each user has their own preferences and so it will be up to each individual to make their own choice. Manufacturers will have an important role to play in what products they offer and how they communicate the specific characteristics of their products.
H4CBD may be a better solution for those looking for higher potency than regular CBD. CBD is very popular and will remain very popular and used, thanks to its natural form and the wide range of products on the market.
In any case, both cannabinoids are remarkable substances for medical and recreational use and it will be interesting to see how their use evolves and what impact they will have on health and society as a whole.
You might also be interested in the 11 most common questions about H4CBD
Interested in more? Read the H4CBD FAQ.
1. What are hydrogenated cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids can undergo the process of hydrogenation, which involves adding hydrogen atoms to the molecules. A hydrogenated cannabinoid is therefore 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 basically 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 hundreds of 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, the affinity of CBD for CB1 is obviously 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 distinct, but in the context of their origins it is natural that the two cannabinoids may be confused. Just as H4CBD is the hydrogenated form of CBD, HHC is the hydrogenated form of THC.
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 potent on certain neuroreceptors. In the context of a persistent lack of research, not enough is known about H4CBD to say anything definitive about its effects.
9. What is H4CBD distillate?
The H4CBD distillate consists of H4CBD grouped with a 'denatured' cannabis distillate from which the other cannabinoids have been removed. Rare cannabinoids such as H4CBD are mainly 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 hemp, and this makes 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 taste better or be easier to use. Given that new cannabinoids are still relatively new discoveries, the availability of quality products is limited at the moment.
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