Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of 80-100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant with a range of benefits, from pain relief to lowering blood pressure and helping alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Unlike THC, the most well-known cannabinoid and the one that gets you “high,” CBD has no psychoactive effects, one of the reasons it has grown in popularity over the past decade. The CBD industry alone could peak at more than 2.5 billion dollars in 2024. 

Hexahydrocannabidiol, or H4CBD, is a compound of CBD created through the process of hydrogenation. Some reports suggest it could be much more potent than CBD. Read on to find out how they differ and more about H4CBD’s properties, benefits, and potential to help people suffering from a variety of ailments. 

What is H4CBD?

H4CBD is created by adding hydrogen to CBD through a process known as hydrogenation. The result is an analog of CBD that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system differently. While CBD occurs naturally in cannabis plants in large enough quantities, H4CBD is a synthetic cannabinoid because it is a result of chemical modification. Unlike CBD, it may also have a mild psychoactive effect on the body. 

H4CBD was first synthesized by Alexander R. Todd in 1940 but didn’t gain popularity until after CBD started hitting the headlines in the early 2000s and lesser-known cannabinoids began to gain interest in the cannabis industry for their potential benefits. 

Chemical Structure and Properties

H4CBD is formed when four hydrogen atoms are added to CBD, and two carbon-carbon double bonds are replaced with single bonds. This relatively simple synthesization completely alters the effects of the CBD compound. Scientific research on H4CBD is much more limited than CBD at this stage. 

Still, early studies have shown that it reacts with the body’s CB1 receptor, part of the body’s endocannabinoid system that controls anxiety levels, among other things, a receptor that CBD does not interact with. The CB1 receptor is part of the endocannabinoid system that can produce a psychoactive effect, which is why users have reported feeling a slight high from H4CBD. 

How H4CBD is Made

CBD can be extracted straight from the cannabis plant, whereas H4CBD requires scientific intervention. H4CBD is made using a method similar to that used by food processing facilities to turn vegetable oil into margarine, known as hydrogenation. This process requires high temperatures and pressures, chemical reactions, and more and should only be attempted in safe conditions in a laboratory environment. 

Potential Benefits and Uses

Despite CBD and H4CBD having significant differences, anecdotal evidence and research suggest that many of the benefits may be the same, including anti-inflammatory properties and anxiolytic effects to alleviate anxiety and depression. 

The main difference is that H4CBD can give users a euphoric or relaxing feeling, unlike CBD, which is much less intense than THC. People who have tried H4CBD have compared this feeling to a 2:1 CBD: THC product. 

Side Effects of H4CBD

Both CBD and H4CBD side effects could include dry mouth, fatigue, indigestion, and low blood pressure. The psychoactive properties of H4CBD could also mean a lowering of motor functions.

In an early study, H4CBD reacted up to 100 times more with the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system than CBD. While this may sound like a lot, it’s important to remember that CBD does not act through this receptor, and THC still interacts with CB1 much more than H4CBD.

In a more recent H4CBD study, rats were tested with H4CBD. The results suggested that glucose levels decreased, meaning that H4CBD may help combat advanced metabolic dysfunction.

Legality and Regulation

Cannabinoids that are under 0.3% Delta-9 THC, like H4CBD, are currently considered legal under The 2018 Farm Bill. While it is a legal gray area, H4CBD products remain readily available in stores and online. It’s essential to keep updated on any changes to these laws as the cannabinoid industry continues to expand. 

Consumer Considerations

Like with all synthesized cannabinoid products, only purchase from reputable brands. Synthesization of H4CBD requires controlled conditions to remain safe to use. Before you take H4CBD, consider the range of side effects that could include dry mouth, fatigue, indigestion, and low blood pressure. 

The psychoactive properties of H4CBD may also mean motor functions become lowered. CBD may alter the effects of other common drugs like warfarin, amiodarone, levothyroxine, clobazam, lamotrigine, and valproate. As it comes from CBD, H4CBD could have a similar reaction. 

Future of H4CBD

H4CBD is already an emerging cannabinoid with a growing market. Combining the positive therapeutic benefits of CBD with a minor psychoactive effect, H4CBD is the best of both worlds for those who want to feel euphoric while relieving the symptoms of chronic ailments.

With consumer demand on the rise and cannabis scientists doubling down on research of this CBD-like compound, H4CBD could have a bright future in the cannabis industry. 

Conclusion

H4CBD is a compound of CBD created through the process of hydrogenation. Unlike its source cannabinoid, mounting evidence suggests this compound may interact with the CB1 receptor to give users a euphoric feeling after consumption. 

There are 80-100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and many more can be synthesized from them, which means we are still very early in the journey toward understanding them. 

Before you take any cannabinoids, be sure to do your research and understand their different effects so you know what you’re getting into. It’s also important to check with your healthcare provider before trying cannabinoids, especially if you take other medications.