H4CBD: definition, effects, legal status and differences from CBD

What is H4CBD?

Contrary to what you might think, H4CBD is not a newly discovered molecule. Let's go back in time to 1940, in the middle of the World War, in Professor A.R Todd's laboratory. It was here that H4CBD was first synthesised using a hydrogenation process. Basically, it's like adding a little spice to a recipe. Here, it involved injecting hydrogen atoms into the cannabidiol (CBD) molecule.

This genesis earned the "new" molecule several rather barbaric names such as HHCBD, CyclohexylCBD, or even "hydrogenated CBD" plain and simple. A jargonous nomenclature that will gradually fade away in favour of H4CBD.

The story of H4CBD doesn't end there. In 2006, a team of researchers led by Shimon Ben-Shabat discovered that H4CBD had a particular affinity with the "CB 1" receptor in our endocannabinoid system, particularly in the brain. A further investigation made public in 2017 confirmed this affinity. One figure was in fact put forward: H4CBD is said to be up to 100 times more "potent" (in terms of affinity with the "CB 1" receptor) than CBD.

How is H4CBD, a synthetic cannabinoid, produced?

So where does this mysterious H4CBD come from? How do we go from the CBD we all know to this "mutant" molecule? Here's a look at the steps involved in this transformation:

• Obtaining CBD: it all starts with CBD, which can be extracted from the cannabis plant or created in the laboratory from another cannabinoid or phytocannabinoid. Sophisticated extraction methods such as solvent, alcohol or supercritical CO₂ extraction will be mobilised to obtain this molecule;
• Hydrogenation reactions: next, CBD undergoes a series of chemical reactions to add extra hydrogen atoms. It's a bit like adding pearls to a necklace. These reactions are carried out using specific catalysts and under precise conditions of temperature, pressure and pH (acidic environment);
• Purification: after hydrogenation, it's time to clean everything up. Just as you would wash an apple before eating it, the H4CBD needs to be purified to remove impurities and reaction residues. Separation and purification techniques, including chromatography and distillation, will be used here.

The synthesis of artificial cannabinoids such as H4CBD is a job for skilled chemists, as it must be carried out in controlled and regulated environments.

H4CBD vs. CBD: how are they different?

CBD and H4CBD share several points in common: they both have the hemp plant as their starting point, in particular Cannabis L. Sativa or Cannabis Indica varieties. They both interact with the endocannabinoid system in humans and mammals, mainly the CB 1 and CB 2 receptors. Their similar chemical structure gives them the same properties, but to different degrees. These include pain relief, anti-inflammatory, soothing and antioxidant properties. But they differ on the essentials: H4CBD is psychotropic, CBD is not. Summary of the differences:

• Molecular structure: H4CBD has 4 more hydrogen atoms than the CBD molecule;
• Origin: CBD is extracted naturally from cannabis. H4CBD, on the other hand, is created in a laboratory. This is the difference between a natural substance and a synthetic molecule, produced in the laboratory, but from a natural molecule;
• Interaction with the endocannabinoid system: CBD is a little shy when it comes to interacting with "CB 1" receptors, whereas H4CBD seems to have a very high affinity with these receptors.

Is H4CBD legal?

That's the million-euro question. As you probably already know, CBD is legal everywhere in Europe and other countries, and CBD products are on sale over the counter as long as they have a near-zero THC concentration (less than 0.3% in France). At the time of writing, H4CBD is also legal in France, but the ANSM has launched a series of trials, the conclusions of which are expected by the end of 2023. At Famous CBD, we predict an imminent ban.

In short, as H4CBD is not classified as a "narcotic", it is not banned, which makes it "legal". In the absence of specific regulations, it is at least tolerated, if not authorised. We are talking here about legislation in France, as the legal status of the molecule can change depending on the country.

H4CBD: an interest in science, not over-the-counter sales

To summarise, and before going into detail, know this: H4CBD has a greater affinity with "CB 1" receptors than CBD, which gives it psychotropic effects and addictive potential. However, it remains much less "dangerous" than HHC and its derivatives, which have in fact been formally banned by the Ministry of Health following the opinion published by the ANSM in June 2023.

At Famous CBD, we believe that H4CBD is a molecule of interest to the medical community and science, like all cannabinoids. Its psychotropic effects and addictive potential, however, rule out any commercial opportunity on the over-the-counter retail side.

Here's what you need to know about the potential therapeutic benefit of H4CBD:

1. Affinity for endocannabinoid receptors: H4CBD shows particular affinity for the "CB 1" receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which are mainly present in the brains and appear to have a role in modulating pain and inflammation. This high affinity promises future applications in the treatment or, at the very least, management of the symptoms of certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's;
2. Neuroprotective properties: some research suggests that H4CBD could exert neuroprotective effects, making the molecule interesting in the context of pathologies such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease;
3. Modulation of anxiety and depression: H4CBD's ability to interact with serotonin receptors could offer new perspectives in the management of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Once this has been said, it is necessary to emphasise the limitations and concerns that should raise alarms about the current legal status of H4CBD and the fact that the molecule is currently offered over the counter in France:

1. Psychotropic effect: H4CBD has a marked psychotropic effect, which raises ethical and regulatory questions about its availability over the counter. This effect can influence perception, mood and consciousness, and therefore requires rigorous monitoring;
2. Lack of clinical research: although the therapeutic potential of H4CBD is promising, clinical studies are still ongoing. The lack of solid clinical data makes the regulation and marketing of the molecule tricky;
3. Interactions and side effects: H4CBD's potential interactions with other drugs and its possible side effects are not yet fully understood. Careful evaluation before any consideration for over-the-counter sale is therefore necessary;
4. Addictive potential: like all psychotropic substances that interact strongly with "CB 1" receptors (such as THC, THCP, THCV and HHC), H4CBD presents a risk of addiction.

Note: excessive consumption of H4CBD can lead to a cascade of adverse effects such as dehydration, profound torpor, headaches, nausea, dizziness, some euphoria and episodes of paranoia. You are strongly advised not to drive within hours of taking the drug, as your reflexes will be greatly impaired at the wheel, not to mention other side effects.

Why doesn't Famous CBD offer H4CBD?

This is a legitimate question that we receive from time to time on Live Chat, by email, on social networks or in customer support. After all, the molecule is indeed legal, and we present ourselves as a reference supplier of hemp products in France.

At Famous CBD, we keep an eye on the entire spectrum of cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and the decision whether or not to market a molecule is taken according to standards that go far beyond legal obligations. We embrace our precautionary principle and err on the side of caution, because there is no room for compromise with the health and well-being of our customers. For all the reasons given in this article, we have chosen not to offer H4CBD-based products in our online shop. Our vocation is to offer natural molecules with multiple virtues, not to offer powerful molecules that instead belong in the research laboratories of the pharmaceutical industry.

We are not tempted by the lure of quick profits from little-studied or controversial molecules. We prefer to wait for science to light our way and/or for the law to decide. Our commitment is clear and unequivocal: to offer you safe cannabinoid products that make a real contribution to your quality of life and do not put you or those around you at risk.

We encourage our customers to let us know if they have any questions or concerns about this or other cannabinoid products. Our team of experts remains at your disposal to provide clear, well-founded, sourced and reasoned answers. In conclusion, we would like to remind you that Famous CBD's mission is not limited to selling legal hemp products. It also encompasses education, transparency and support for producers who go to great lengths to produce good legal hemp.