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8-OH-HHC: The dating of HHC derivatives continues! Do you know how it is produced and what its effects are?

What is 8-OH-HHC or 8-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol?

8-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol is the full name for 8-OH-HHC. There are a few more chemical compounds under this designation, such as 8-OH-9α-HHC and 8-OH-9β-HHC.

It is said to be a trace phytocannabinoid, so it is only found in minute amounts in the cannabis plant, and is one of the so-called primary metabolites of hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC.

When the body processes HHC, new substances called metabolites are formed. And one of them is 8-OH-HHC.

It may sound complicated, but basically the idea is that when HHC enters the body, it is metabolized and cytochromes P450, a specific group of enzymes that includes CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, come into play. For example, the cannabinoid 10-OH-HHC is also considered an oxygenated derivative.

 

Bulb connected to a purple hemp leaf, text: What is 8-OH-HHC?

How is 8-OH-HHC produced?

Commercially available 8-OH-HHC is produced in the laboratory. How is the production done?

Scientists take the HHC molecule and add a hydroxyl group (OH) at the eight position in its nucleus. This process is called hydroxylation, specifically at the eighth carbon (C8).

In order to do this and produce 8-OH-HHC, scientists need either special enzymes or chemical catalysts to add the-OH group.

Incidentally, the hydroxyl group can be attached to different positions of the molecule and therefore different stereoisomers can be formed. In the case of 8-OH-HHC, for example, this is 8-OH-9α-HHC or 8-OH-9β-HHC.

It just depends on what stereoisomers scientists want to produce and how they modify the synthetic process. Each method can lead to a different result, a wonderful example of how a small adjustment can make a big difference.

Stereoisomers

8-OH-HHC has four main forms, which are called cis- and trans-8-OH-9α-HHC and cis- and trans-8-OH-9β-HHC. These forms differ from each other only by minor changes in their structure, but even these small differences can shuffle the cards a lot in terms of their effects.

These stereoisomers do not occur in nature but are the result of synthesis. In the 1980s, scientists delved into the study of these forms to discover exactly how they affect the biological activity of cannabinoids.

A few years later, in 1991, the famous chemist and professor Raphael Mechoulam and his team conducted in vivo tests on rhesus macaques, which showed that of these four forms, cis-8-OH-9β-HHC has the highest biological activity.

Older research has also found that, for example, mice can form one form of 8-OH-HHC more than hamsters, suggesting that different species may respond differently to cannabinoids.

 

Illustrated laboratory where 8-OH-HHC is formed, illustration of molecules, vessels and beakers, text: 8-OH-HHC

Does 8-OH-HHC have psychoactive effects?

8-OH-HHC is psychoactive and resembles a lighter variant of THC or HHC in its effects. It can subtly dilate perception, induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation and whet the appetite.

 

Text: 8-OH-HHC is psychoactive, cannabis leaf and vaporizer

Like other cannabinoids, it will interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and is likely to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors.

It should be added that there are currently no studies evaluating the effects of 8-OH-HHC and its interaction with ECS.

What are the possible side effects of 8-OH-HHC?

There are also currently no studies looking at side effects. However, we do not have to be completely in the dark and can rely on what we already know from experience with other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties such as HHC, HHCP, THCB, THCJD and THC.

Commonly recognised side effects of psychoactive cannabinoids include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Red and dry eyes
  • Increased heart rate
  • Drowsiness or insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety and paranoia

The intensity of these effects will vary depending on the health status, metabolism and sensitivity of the individual, dose and method of consumption.

Conclusion: what 8-OH-HHC products can be purchased and what is their safety?

If you want to try 8-OH-HHC products, you have an interesting range to choose from, they are the most common on the market:

Canntropy 8-OH-HHC Fruit Gummies Mix, 10 pcs x 10 mg, 100 mg 8-OH-HHC, 25 g

And what about product safety? Still, we don't have any studies on 8-OH-HHCs yet, so we can't say that they are completely risk-free. Of course, with any such substance we put into the body, we always run the risk of some side effects.

Add to this the fact that new cannabinoids are unregulated and often fall into a legal grey area, and products may be sold on the market that could contain heavy metals, pesticides or other potentially harmful substances.

So if you want to buy a cannabis product, choose from sellers who already have a good reputation on the market and have their products tested in independent laboratories. Some e-shops publish a "COA" (Certificate of Analysis) on their website. If it is missing from a product, ask for it.

Finally, let us remind ourselves of an important rule: never get behind the wheel or operate any machinery after using substances with psychoactive properties.

 

Author: Buds for Buddies

 

   

Photo: ChatGPT

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