Introduction
The moleculer world of CBD (cannabidiol) continues to evolve, and new cannabinoids are gaining attention for their potential benefits. One such cannabinoid that’s been making waves of late in the UK is H4CBD which is short for Hexahydrocannabinol.
If you’ve been hearing about H4CBD around the UK over these past couple of months and wondered what it is, this one’s for you. We’ll explore what H4CBD is, its unique properties, potential health benefits, legal status, and how it compares to CBD and THC. Whether you’re a seasoned CBD enthusiast or just getting started, this article will provide valuable insights into H4CBD helping you determine if it’s right for you.
What is H4CBD?
H4CBD (Hexahydrocannabinol) is a new form of CBD that is growing in popularity for its high level of potency. In fact some sources claim it can be up to 100x more effective than traditonal CBD. It’s no wonder it’s gaining attention around the UK.
This hydrogenised version of CBD is created by combining hemp-derived CBD molecules with hydrogen atoms. This forms H4CBD and delivers many of the same benefits and effects of regular CBD. Thanks to its hyper potency however, a much smaller dose is required to get there.
H4CBD differs from CBD and THC in its chemical makeup. While CBD is non-psychotropic and THC is known for its psychotropic effects, H4CBD falls somewhere in between. It exhibits mild relaxing properties which makes H4CBD an intriguing option for those seeking some of the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids without the intense high associated with THC.
Is H4CBD the same as CBD?
While CBD and H4CBD share many similarities they are not an identical molecule. Three are subtle differences between them in particular in their structure, how they’re extracted, their effects, benefits and potency. Let’s take a closer look at those..
How they’re extracted
Both H4CBD and CBD come from hemp. CBD, or more specifically CBDa, occurs naturally in the plant while H4CBD is hydrogenated to reach its final form. It is synthesised by adding hydrogen atoms to the terpene limonene to convert its double bonds to single bonds.
This process is known as hydrogenation and is a similar process that the food industry uses to create margerine from vegetable oil.
Potency
Some brands claim H4CBD is up to 100 times more potent than traditional CBD. This stems from researchers discovering hydrogenated CBD showed a surprisingly high affinity for the brain’s CB1 receptors. For context, this is the receptors in your central nervous system that THC binds to causing the high. Moreover CBD typically doesn’t have a binding affinity for our CB1s, but it does affect it in other ways. We wrote about this in more detail in our blog CBD and the endocannabinoid system.
It’s important to note that the 100x potency figure comes from H4CBD binding 100x greater than CBD. This however doesn’t necessarily mean effects will be 100x greater than CBD as CBD binding affinity is low to begin with. In reality the net effect is perhaps around 3x greater than traditional CBD.
Effects
The level of affinity was nowhere near the level you get with THC but nevertheless it was notable. Users typically report the familiar, non-impairing effects of CBD still dominate however there is a slight additional relaxation that may increase the user’s enjoyment.
Benefits
Similar to CBD research suggests that H4CBD may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anxiolytic properties. However, it’s essential to emphasize that more scientific investigations are required to confirm these potential benefits.
Is H4CBD Legal?
The simple answer to is H4CBD Legal in the UK is yes! H4CBD is simply hydrogenised CBD and doesn’t provide any kind of impairment. As it’s a non-psychotropic cannabinoid it falls outside the psychoactive substances act. Additionally it is not afoul of the Misuse of Drugs Act that illegalises THC and CBN.
In other words H4CBD is absolutely legal to use and purchase in the UK. With that said it’s always important to purchase from a reputable source that follows the necessary regulations.
H4CBD vs. CBD vs. THC
Let’s take a look at H4CBD compared to the two best known cannabinoids, to CBD and THC. This will help further cement the subtle differences between these three cannabinoids.
- CBD: CBD is non-psychotropic and has gained popularity for its potential health benefits without causing a high.
- THC: THC is of course known for its psychotropic effects, which result in the typical “high” associated with cannabis. It also has potential therapeutic benefits but may not be suitable for everyone due to its intoxicating effects.
- H4CBD: H4CBD offers a middle ground, with milder psychoactive effects than THC more akin to CBD. This makes it an intriguing option for those seeking a balance between the potential benefits of cannabinoids and minimal intoxication.
How to Use H4CBD
Due to it’s higher potency than traditional CBD, it’s always advisable to use it carefully, especially if you are a beginner. Here’s some tips to help you leverage the benefits of H4CBD safely.
- Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a low dose and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effects. This approach helps you gauge your tolerance and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Remember if you are taking prescription medication and want to add H4CBD to your wellness routine, you should speak with a physician first. This will minimise the chances of any drug interactions.
- Choose Reputable Products: Select H4CBD products from reputable sources that provide lab-tested, high-quality options. Look for products with clear dosage information and ingredient lists. In other words get your products from a trusted source like Hemptations CBD Shop.
- Consider Different Forms: H4CBD is available in various forms, including disposable vapes and e-liquid. Choose the format that best suits your preferences and needs.
Where to Find H4CBD Products
You don’t have to look very far to find a range of H4CBD Products in the UK. Right here at the UK’s trusted one-stop-CBD-Shop we have a range of H4CBD Disposables and H4CBD E-Liquid. This is thanks to Professor Herb who is currently the only reputable brand producing these products in the UK.
Risks and Controversies
As with any emerging cannabinoid, H4CBD is yet to be studied in the same sort of detail as the more well known cannabinoids. Before using it’s important to consider the following points:
- Lack of Research: The limited scientific research on H4CBD means that its safety and efficacy are not as well-established as those of CBD and THC.
- Lack of Widespread Use: Despite it existing for the crux of 80 years, H4CBD has never really enjoyed widespread use. We would always err on the side of caution, so our motto applies here more than usual, start low and go slow!
Conclusion
H4CBD, or Hexahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that’s gaining attention for its unique properties and benefits. It offers an intriguing avenue for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids without the intense high. However, it’s essential to approach H4CBD with caution, especially considering its lack of widespread use and limited research.
As the world of cannabinoids continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest developments, legal regulations, and scientific findings is crucial for anyone interested in exploring the potential benefits of H4CBD. Remember that individual responses to cannabinoids can vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional is always advisable before incorporating H4CBD into your wellness routine.
Want to know more about CBD?
If you’ve enjoyed this post you may like to read more about the science of CBD. Here are some of our most popular posts on Learning CBD specifically around cannabinoids.
- How to support your endocannabinoid system
- CBDa vs CBD What’s the Difference?
- Is CBD really non-psychoactive? The definitive truth
Alternatively check out our other blog categories to learn all about – Using CBD | Buying CBD
Any questions?
We would love to help if you have any questions around this topic. Let us know by dropping us an email or comment on one of our social channels. We will endeavour to get back to you asap but while you wait the answer to your query may lie in our CBD FAQs.
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