What is H4CBD and how does this substance compare to CBD?
What is the cannabinoid H4CBD (THD)?
H4CBD, or THD, is a cannabinoid that was created by synthetically modifying the CBD molecule. This cannabinoid is a hexahydroderivative of CBD, meaning that four hydrogen atoms have been added to the CBD molecule. So how is H4CBD produced? In simple terms, the production process can be likened to making margarine from vegetable oil.
H4CBD is a CBD derivative that is produced in the laboratory or semi-synthetically. Also known as hydrogenated CBD, this cannabinoid was developed as an alternative form of conventional CBD. Scientists have been researching and developing semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids since the mid-20th century.
How does H4CBD work?
H4CBD is still in the early stages of research and remains a relatively unexplored cannabinoid. However, several pieces of information suggest that H4CBD has a higher affinity for CB1 neuroreceptors and may affect the mind. H4CBD is actually a modified version of CBD that resembles the effects of HHC, but without the double bond. H4CBD consists of two diastereomers, R and S, each of which has different effects. The R diastereomer shows significantly stronger effects than the S diastereomer.
Users who have tried H4CBD have described its effects as similar to CBD but with psychoactive potency.
Is H4CBD the same as CBD?
H4CBD is not the same as CBD, they are different molecules that have different effects. These cannabinoids differ not only in their chemical structure but also in the way they are produced. Although they share some common properties, they are two different cannabinoids.
H4CBD vs. HHC
Although H4CBD and HHC have similar origins, they are different substances that come from different molecules. While HHC is the hydrogenated version of THC, H4CBD is the hydrogenated version of CBD. These differences lead to different effects on the body and different chemical structures.
What is the comparison of H4CBD vs. CBD?
CBD and H4CBD are cannabinoids that have several similarities but also differ in some aspects. Below is a comparison of these substances.
Method of production
CBD and H4CBD are two cannabinoids that share a common origin - cannabis. However, the way in which they are brought to their final form differs considerably. While CBD is a direct derivative of cannabis and can be found in nature, H4CBD undergoes a transformation, including hydrogenation, to acquire its final form.
This production process does not quite make H4CBD a synthetic cannabinoid, although it is considered to be one. Rather, it is a modification of the molecule that can be likened to the production of margarine from vegetable oil. It is also theoretically possible to synthesise CBD, but due to its abundant presence in cannabis there is no practical reason to produce it from artificial sources.
Modifying the structure of H4CBD
H4CBD undergoes structural modification to give it a different form from CBD. This process is called hydrogenation and involves the addition of hydrogen atoms to the chosen molecule. The addition of four additional hydrogen atoms to H4CBD alters its natural properties and produces different effects than CBD.
Effects of H4CBD: What have studies found?
One study from the year 2006 shows that hydrogenated forms of CBD have an extremely strong affinity for the brain's CB1 neuroreceptors. This finding has led to speculation that H4CBD may have effects up to 100 times greater than CBD, especially in certain areas.
Research from the year 2017 provided an overview of this issue and suggested that this hypothesis is true, but no new studies have been conducted on the bioactive properties of H4CBD.
Potential
While H4CBD is often described as "hundreds of times more potent" than CBD, we need to be aware that this claim only applies to potency at specific neuroreceptors.
The finding that H4CBD has a high affinity for the brain's CB1 neuroreceptors is very interesting. Yet research into these effects of H4CBD on CB1 receptors is still ongoing and it is unclear what other effects this synthetic cannabinoid might have. Further research is still needed to clarify the overall effectiveness of H4CBD compared to CBD.
Is H4CBD legal?
The current legal framework around cannabinoids raises many debates and questions about their legality. Government Regulation No 463/2013 specifies a list of substances that are considered "narcotic substances", which include cannabis extract, tincture, cannabis resin and various stereoisomers of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Currently, H4CBD is not on the list of addictive substances.
Availability
Currently, CBD is one of the most readily available cannabinoids on the market. However, with the growing demand for H4CBD, the development of new products is expected to become even more widespread. Distillates, isolates and finished H4CBD products are already appearing on the internet, indicating that the cannabis industry has a bright future ahead of it full of innovation and new possibilities.
How to choose products
When choosing an H4CBD supplier, beware of new and unknown manufacturers that are emerging on the market. Focus on established and proven manufacturers with certificates and good references. This will ensure not only quality products, but also safety and a satisfied purchase.
Because H4CBD is a relatively new cannabinoid, you need to be careful when choosing products and only choose trusted suppliers.
Could H4CBD push CBD out of the market?
H4CBD has been known to scientists since the 1940s, but it is only recently that this hydrogenated form of CBD has become of interest to the public. With the rapidly growing popularity of H4CBD, there is likely to be an increased demand for alternatives that can offer even better benefits.
Will H4CBD compete with CBD on the market? Is it possible that it will displace it? These are questions of considerable interest. CBD is likely to remain one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market, whereas H4CBD may offer specific benefits for certain customers. Thus, customers looking for these properties are likely to gravitate towards this substance.
Ultimately, it is the consumers' decision which cannabinoid they prefer and what level of potency they require. Some may prefer the naturalness and mildness of CBD, while others may prefer the greater potency of H4CBD.
Manufacturers will need to strike a balance and offer both types of products to meet the demand of different customers. Regardless of which cannabinoid dominates the market, research into these substances remains an important aspect of modern medicine and pharmacology.
What are the most common questions about H4CBD?
Want to know more? Take a look at the most frequently asked questions about H4CBD..
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 essentially 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 100 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, CBD's affinity for CB1 is clearly 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 different, but in the context of their origins it is natural that the two cannabinoids may be confused. Just as H4CBD is a hydrogenated form of CBD, HHC is a 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 effective 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?
H4CBD distillate consists of H4CBD grouped with 'denatured' cannabis distillate from which the other cannabinoids have been removed. Rare cannabinoids such as H4CBD are predominantly 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 cannabis, and this makes the 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 be better tasting or 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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