Cannabidiol (CBD) has become an incredibly popular supplement due to its many reported health and wellness benefits. But a new cannabinoid derivative called H4CBD is generating buzz as potentially being even more potent. So what exactly is H4CBD, and how do H4CBD effects compare to traditional CBD?
Contents
What is H4CBD?
H4CBD stands for hexahydrocannabidiol. It’s a semi-synthetic version of CBD that is created in a lab through a process called hydrogenation. This involves adding four hydrogen atoms to the CBD molecule, altering its shape and properties.
While CBD occurs naturally in cannabis plants, H4CBD does not. But it is made from extracting and modifying natural hemp-derived CBD. So H4CBD sits in a gray area between being fully synthetic, like Spice or K2, and completely natural.
How H4CBD Effects Compare to CBD
H4CBD and CBD share similarities but also have some key differences when it comes to effects:
Psychoactivity
The biggest difference between the two cannabinoids is that H4CBD produces mildly psychoactive effects while CBD does not.
Users often describe H4CBD as feeling comparable to a 2:1 ratio CBD to THC product – mostly therapeutic effects with a slight euphoric high.
This mild “stoned” feeling likely comes from H4CBD’s increased binding affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain. CBD does not directly interact with these receptors at all.
Potency
There are claims that H4CBD could be up to 100x more potent than CBD, but there is limited evidence to support this so far.
One small 2006 study did find hydrogenated CBD variants had stronger binding affinity at CB1 receptors. And a 2017 review echoed this. But no new studies have replicated or expanded on these results.
Anecdotally, users do report stronger effects from H4CBD over regular CBD when taking similar doses. But it’s unclear if potency increases apply to all mechanisms of action or just activity at CB1 receptors.
Therapeutic Benefits
When it comes to desired health benefits, H4CBD is expected to offer many similarities to CBD based on preliminary evidence:
- Pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Decreased anxiety
- Neuroprotective properties
However, without more research it’s unclear if H4CBD provides enhanced therapeutic effects compared to CBD or not.
H4CBD vs CBD Comparison Table
| CBD | H4CBD | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Naturally occurring in cannabis | Semi-synthetic, made from modifying hemp CBD |
| Psychoactivity | None | Mild, comparable to ~2:1 CBD:THC mixture |
| Potency | Standard | Claimed to be up to 100x stronger but insufficient evidence |
| Legality | Federally legal under 2018 Farm Bill | Same protections as CBD currently |
| Availability | Widely available | Emerging, but limited supply still |
Is H4CBD Safe?
The safety profile of H4CBD is still unknown given the limited research on the compound so far. Preliminary evidence does suggest it is well-tolerated, with no serious side effects reported.
However, the brain’s CB1 receptors modulate some important functions like mood, cognition, motor control, and vital signs. So directly activating these receptors with psychoactive compounds does carry risks in theory.
It will take more studies to determine the long-term safety of hydrogenated cannabinoids like H4CBD. In the meantime, users should exercise reasonable caution with these novel psychoactive substances.
Trying H4CBD – What to Look For
If you decide to give H4CBD a try, make sure to purchase from a reputable source. Look for:
- Established companies with lots of positive reviews
- Certificates of analysis showing third-party lab test results
- Full ingredient transparency and simple formulas
- Reasonable dosing recommendations
And when first using H4CBD, it’s smart to start low (5-10mg) and slowly increase your dosage while monitoring effects and tolerance.
The Takeaway
While H4CBD shows interesting potential, CBD still reigns supreme right now when it comes to availability, safety data, and evidence for benefits. However, semi-synthetic cannabinoids like H4CBD do seem poised to carve out niche roles going forward.
H4CBD could attract users wanting amplified benefits over CBD without significant intoxication. But more research is still needed on optimal dosing, mechanisms of action, and potential long-term side effects.
In the future, we may see CBD used as more of a lower-potency natural option, while hydrogenated versions like H4CBD become extra-strength alternatives for those wanting to go a step above CBD. But for now, CBD remains the gold standard cannabinoid for supplementation.
I hope this overview has helped explain this emerging cannabinoid derivative and how it stacks up against CBD. Let me know if you have any other questions!
FAQS
Does H4CBD make you sleepy?
While there is limited research on H4CBD so far, its relaxing and calming properties suggest it may help promote sleep in some people. Anecdotally, users report that H4CBD can provide relief from insomnia and other sleep issues. So while it doesn’t necessarily directly induce sleepiness, H4CBD can alleviate anxiety, stress, and restlessness that often interfere with getting proper rest. More studies are still needed, but initial evidence indicates H4CBD holds promise as a natural sleep aid.
Is H4CBD stronger than HHC?
No, H4CBD is generally not considered stronger than HHC when it comes to intoxicating psychoactive effects. HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC, so it produces a noticeable euphoric high like THC. In contrast, H4CBD is a derivative of CBD, so its psychoactive effects are much milder. However, H4CBD may offer stronger therapeutic benefits than HHC when it comes to treating things like pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc. The “strength” depends on the desired effects – H4CBD for additional medical benefits and HHC more for recreational use.
How strong is H4CBD?
There is limited data on the exact strength and potency of H4CBD effects compared to CBD. Some initial studies suggest it binds more strongly to CB1 receptors, but the magnitude of difference is still unclear. Anecdotally, users report effects of H4CBD as being moderately stronger than taking a similar dose of CBD. They describe it as producing a mild high on top of the usual medical benefits. But without controlled clinical studies, the exact strength increase remains unknown. As more research emerges, we will get a clearer picture of H4CBD dosing and potency.
How does CBD affect you?
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce a variety of potentially beneficial effects. Most people report CBD helps alleviate inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, nausea, and more. It may also help with sleep, skin health, digestive issues, and neurological disorders. However, CBD affects everyone differently depending on factors like dosage, delivery method, genetics, and health status. Many experience relaxation without impairment or euphoria. But some feel no effects from CBD as well. Start low with dosing and adjust based on your individual needs and tolerance.
