How much do the cannabinoids HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P have in common?
Who discovered HHC and where did HHC-O and HHC-P come from?
To trace the origins of the cannabinoid HHC and its derivatives, we need to go back a few decades. Every adventurer has heard of the cannabis plant, and it's no secret that this powerful flower contains dozens of different compounds that interact with our endocannabinoid system and can affect the body and mind.
In 1944, American chemist Roger Adams made a groundbreaking discovery. While experimenting with the cannabis plant, or the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, he discovered HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). In doing so, he used the process of hydrogenation - breaking the double bond in the molecular structure and replacing it with hydrogen molecules.
Today we know that HHC occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, but at the time the jungle had not yet given up this secret. Either way, HHC is now produced by hydrogenation of non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD or terpenes such as citronellal, olivetol or L-carvone, because extraction directly from the plant is expensive.
It looked like that was the end of the HHC cannabinoid expedition, but recently it turned out that the opposite is true. Scientists have decided to modify the molecular structure to increase the potency of HHC cannabinoid. This resulted in two more derivatives, HHC-O with an added acetate group and HHC-P, hexahydrocannabiphorol, which has a two-carbon longer alkyl chain. So far, HHC seemed to be the king of the jungle, and now we have two even more powerful and potent cannabinoids.
HHC, HHC-P, HHC-O: How do they differ and what do they have in common?
|
Properties |
HHC |
HHC-O |
HHC-P |
|
Name |
Hexahydrocannabinol |
Hexahydrocannabinol acetate |
Hexahydrocannabiphorol |
|
Origin |
It occurs naturally in cannabis, but only in small amounts |
Lab-created, not found in the cannabis plant |
Lab-created, not found in the cannabis plant |
|
Editing the structure |
- |
Addition of an acetyl group |
Lengthening the alkyl chain by two carbon molecules |
|
Binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors |
High affinity to CB1 (psychoactive effects) |
Probably high affinity for CB1 (stronger psychoactive effects than HHC) |
Probably very high affinity for CB1 (stronger psychoactive effects than both HHC and HHC-O) |
|
Effects |
|
Reportedly 1.5-2× stronger than HHC
|
Strongly psychoactive, works for several hours
|
|
Possible side effects |
|
|
|
What can cannabinoids HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P do?
Scientists know very little about the effects of the HHC cannabinoids. The available information therefore comes mainly from the accounts of cannabis enthusiasts and adventurers. Some have reported that after encountering HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P they have jumped excitedly on lianas, understood the speech of elephants and seen a crocodile fly, but others have experienced unpleasant states in which the ground shook, their eyes turned red and their heart pounded as if they were fleeing from a pack of wild dogs. Take these testimonies with a grain of salt and bear in mind that these are new psychoactive cannabinoids, which means that their use may be risky.
The effects of HHC usually occur within a few minutes, but in the case of the semi-synthetic derivatives HHC-O and HHC-P, the onset may be later, perhaps half or three quarters of an hour, but the longer the cannabinoids are present, the longer they will last. However, it always depends on the individual's disposition, the dose, and the specific product. Certainly don't expect to be able to drive an ATV in the jungle or canoe down a wild river in 2 or 3 hours; you'll be glad to ride an elephant after 10 hours without falling off.
Side effects of HHC, HHC-P and HHC-O
Some possible side effects can be found in the summary above. It should be added that even true connoisseurs of cannabis compounds have no idea yet how adventurous or dangerous an HHC expedition can be.
The risk assessment is mainly based on comparison with other analogue cannabinoids that bind strongly to the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system and exert psychoactive effects, such as THC or THCP.
Although the unpleasant side effects should resolve themselves within a few hours, it is not advisable to play with the dose. Here again, 'less is more', at least if you don't want to end up in the clutches of a wild beast.
Intense but little explored
Thought nothing could surprise you in the jungle anymore? The cannabinoids HHC-O and HHC-P are proof that the world of cannabis is complex, diverse and there's always something new to discover.
HHC derivatives are produced in the laboratory, you won't find them directly in the plant. They interact with the mammalian endocannabinoid system, particularly with CB1 receptors in the brain, and probably at a higher intensity than HHC. They have significant psychoactive effects. Moreover, it appears that these effects can last for more than ten hours.
If you poke your head out of the bushes, you'll notice that the market has already registered these rare cannabis discoveries, and in addition to HHC products, you can now also find HHC-O and HHC-P prerolls, cartridges, oils and drops, and flowers with HHC-O and HHC-P distillate. It is said that HHC-O is 1.5-2 times stronger than HHC, and in the case of HHC-P these estimates are even bolder. When manufacturers combine cannabinoids from the HHC series, they usually choose HHC or HHC-O as the base, and then "spice" the products with a little HHC-P.
Unfortunately, even experts do not yet have enough information on exactly how HHC-O and HHC-P affect the body and mind, and therefore it is not possible to evaluate and weigh up all the benefits and risks. You may think you have the strength of a tiger and the smarts of a monkey, but beware of HHC-O and HHC-P cannabinoids - keep your dose low and your wits about you!
Author Michaela Mádlová, translated by: AI
Photo: Shutterstock
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