H4CBD: How to expand the offer and delight customers?
What is H4CBD?
H4CBD is a cannabinoid that has appeared on the market relatively recently. It is produced in the laboratory through a hydrogenation process and is often referred to as an "enhanced version" of CBD. The conversion of CBD to H4CBD involves adding 4 hydrogen atoms to the CBD molecule. This transformation changes not only the structure of the molecule but also its effects on the human body.
Hydrogenated cannabinoids tend to be more stable and resistant to light, heat and oxygen, and therefore have a longer shelf life. Nevertheless, it is recommended to store the products in a dry and dark place.
H4CBD vs. CBD
So how do the two cannabinoids mentioned above differ from each other? CBD occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, H4CBD is a (semi-)synthetic compound.
Like CBD, H4CBD appears to interact with our endocannabinoid system via receptors, although apparently in a different way. While CBD modulates CB1 and CB2 receptor activity, hydrogenated forms of cannabinoids, such as H4CBD, are likely to have a higher affinity for the CB1 receptor.
This also accounts for the potency, which is reported to be several times higher with H4CBD than with CBD, as well as the faster onset of effects, which is confirmed by the experience of some users. H4CBD can induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria and help to relieve stress, but unlike CBD, it has been reported to be mildly psychoactive. The long-term side effects of H4CBD have not yet been sufficiently investigated.
H4CBD products
And in what form can you already offer H4CBD to customers? As already mentioned, the range of products is not yet as wide as for CBD, but there are already many to choose from. There are high quality products on the market, the quality and purity of which is proven by laboratory analyses carried out by an independent laboratory. It is to be expected that as demand grows, the range of H4CBD will continue to expand.
And what are you already delighting consumers with? Reputable manufacturers and retailers offer H4CBD vapes and cartridges, flowers, H4CBD hash, gummies and distillate.
H4CBD cartridges and vape pens
Fans of vaporization will be pleased with the compact and discreet vape foams (vaporization pens). The offer is dominated by vape foams with 95% H4CBD content with various flavours in 1 ml volume. The vape foams are of course accompanied by spare cartridges.
Cartridges contain H4CBD distillate and terpenes from different varieties. Customers will be surprised by the earthy taste of Gorilla Glue with a hint of pine, the thick Sour Diesel or even the tangy citrus Super Lemon Haz with a sweet finish.
H4CBD flowers
The flowers come from legal industrial hemp registered in the Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species, valid for all EU Member States.
H4CBD flowers normally contain less than 0,2 % THC and 30-60 % H4CBD distillate. The flowers vary in appearance, taste and aroma. Popular H4CBD varieties include White Widow with a floral aroma, Blueberry with a berry aroma, Alien OG with citrus and pine and the spicy Durban Poison.
New are flowers that combine H4CBD with CBN (cannabinol). CBN is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. CBN in combination with other cannabinoids and terpenes can be relaxing and sedating. These combination flowers contain a great ratio of 30-60% H4CBD distillate and 10% CBN.
H4CBD hash and distillate
H4CBD hash is made from the pollen of industrial hemp and 30-60% H4CBD distillate, contains a maximum of 0.1% THC, has strong effects and an earthy strong aromatic resin taste.
H4CBD distillate is a mixture of H4CBD and 'denatured' cannabis distillate from which other cannabinoids have been removed. There are distillates on the market with concentrations of up to 99 % and various flavours with THC contents of less than 0,003 %. The distillates can be used in vape foams, edibles or topicals.
Summary
Although the market is still dominated by conventional CBD products, the potential of H4CBD is considerable and the supply is constantly expanding. Consumers are interested in the alleged higher and faster efficacy for pain, stress and sleep problems.
If you want to stay one step ahead of the competition, H4CBD products should not be missing from your product range.
As for the legality of H4CBD in the UK, H4CBD is not listed as an addictive substance. However, it is important to keep up to date with current laws and regulations, as the legal status of both synthetic and natural cannabinoids may be subject to change.
When buying, it is important to rely on the proven track record and quality of the products. Choose suppliers who have their products tested by a third party and can provide you with lab test results.
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