10-OH-HHCP: On the origins, effects and risks of a new cannabinoid on the market
- What is 10-OH-HHCP and what is its origin?
- What are the effects of 10-OH-HHCP?
- Side effects of 10-OH-HHCP
- Possible risks
- Comparison: 10-OH-HHCP vs. 10-OH-HHC vs. 8-OH-HHC
- Legality and product offering 10-OH-HHCP
- Conclusion
What is 10-OH-HHCP and what is its origin?
10-OH-HHCP or 10-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabichol is a modified version of hexahydrocannabichol (HHCP), it is a hydroxy derivative of HHCP. The HHCP compound is a synthetic cannabinoid and is a derivative of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). It differs from HHC in the length of the side chain, specifically having a 7-carbon alkyl tail, which is 2 carbons more than HHC. The cannabinoid THCP also has a similar chain length.
10-OH-HHCP is produced exclusively in the laboratory. It results from the oxidation of HHCP by the action of the enzyme cytochrome P450, which is mainly found in the liver. In this chemical process, a hydroxyl group (-OH) is added to the 10th position of the HHCP molecule. The hydroxyl group consists of 1 oxygen atom covalently bonded to 1 hydrogen atom.
This reaction not only improves the solubility of the substance, but also affects how it will eventually interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
What are the effects of 10-OH-HHCP?
10-OH-HHCP is likely to produce similar effects to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids such as HHC or HHCP. It appears to bind efficiently to CB1 receptors in the ECS and therefore exert psychoactive effects.
However, we currently lack details on exactly how 10-OH-HHCP interacts with receptors in the ECS and what effects it has.
10-OH-HHCP, like other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties such as THCH, THCB, HHCP and HHC, can affect perception, induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation or increase appetite.
10-OH-HHCP could be metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, leading to the formation of various metabolites, including inactive ones. When 10-OH-HHCP is administered orally, more inactive metabolites may be formed compared to methods such as vaporisation or sublingual administration. Therefore, the method of consumption will have an effect on the effects.
As research on 10-OH-HHCP is still not available, it is not clear what metabolic processes this compound undergoes and what metabolites are formed. We have a study from May 2024, which looked at the metabolism of the cannabinoid HHC in the human body by hepatocytes, i.e. liver cells. The aim of this study was to identify the specific metabolites that are formed during metabolisation and to see how quickly HHC is eliminated from the body.
The study concludes that HHC is processed in hepatocytes through various metabolic pathways, including oxidation and conjugation - a biochemical process in which small molecules (glucuronide, sulfate, glycine or glutathione) attach to metabolized substances to increase water solubility, thereby facilitating the elimination of substances from the body.
It is likely that 10-OH-HHCP has a low bioavailability and breaks down rapidly in the body, having a so-called short half-life in the body, which is the time during which the concentration of cannabinoids in the blood is halved due to metabolism and excretion.
Side effects of 10-OH-HHCP
Currently, there are no studies investigating the side effects of 10-OH-HHCP, nor are there any studies investigating the side effects of other psychoactive cannabinoids that may cause side effects in some people, including:
- red eyes
- dry eyes
- dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Sleepiness
- increased heart rate
- headache
- Dizziness
- negative psychological effects (anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations)
At the moment, we cannot rule out the possibility that this list will be extended to include other as yet undetected side effects. Their intensity will depend on the dose and method of consumption, as well as the health, metabolism and sensitivity of the user.
Possible risks
Semi-synthetic compounds can be more potent than natural cannabinoids and therefore have a higher risk of intoxication and overdose, which can cause some individuals to have the unpleasant experience of "bad trip".
Another problem is that it is often not possible to verify the purity and safety of (semi-)synthetically produced products. This is partly due to the complex legislation on cannabinoids and the lack of uniform regulatory standards.
Due to the lack of clinical studies, it cannot be said with certainty that the use of 10-OH-HHCP is risk-free. The truth is that until cannabinoid derivatives are properly regulated, it remains up to consumers to weigh up the potential risks and benefits of these compounds for themselves.
Comparison: 10-OH-HHCP vs. 10-OH-HHC vs. 8-OH-HHC
In 2015, scientists were able to isolate oxygenated cannabinoids from the cannabis sativa L. plant, including 10-OH-HHC, a derivative of HHC that is produced in a similar way to 10-OH-HHCP. The compound 8-OH-HHC is produced in various animals, including humans, by metabolising HHC, a process involving enzymes such as cytochrome P450.
The following table compares 10-OH-HHCP vs. 10-OH-HHC vs. 08-OH-HHC.
|
10-OH-HHCP |
10-OH-HHC |
8-OH-HHC |
|
|
Specifications |
A derivative of HHCP with an added hydroxyl group (-OH) at the 10th carbon. |
A derivative of HHC with an added hydroxyl group (-OH) at the 10th carbon. |
The active primary metabolite of HHC formed during HHC metabolism in animals. Hydroxyl group at the 8th carbon |
|
Effects |
Euphoria, relaxation support, increased appetite |
Euphoria, relaxation support, increased appetite |
The effects are expected to be similar to other HHC derivatives |
|
Available products |
|
|
Limited supply at the moment:
|
|
Legal status |
Not determined, in most countries it is likely to be in a grey legal zone |
Not determined, in most countries it is likely to be in a grey legal zone |
Not determined, in most countries it is likely to be in a grey legal zone |
Legality and product offering 10-OH-HHCP
The 10-OH-HHCP products sold on the market generally contain less than 0,2 % THC, which is in line with legal standards, and are therefore referred to as legal. The Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018 in the United States, allowed the cultivation of cannabis with up to 0.3% THC.
As for the legal status of 10-OH-HHCP, it remains ambiguous for the time being and in many countries this cannabinoid may be in a legal grey area.
The current range of 10-OH-HHCP products includes vapes, cartridges, flowers, pre-rolls, hash browns and gummies.
When buying cannabis products, prefer trusted and reputable companies that have their products tested by independent laboratories. For some sellers, you will find a "Certificate of Analysis" (COA) posted directly next to the products, or you can request one.
Conclusion
10-OH-HHCP is a hydroxy derivative of HHCP that is formed by oxidation of HHCP with the help of the liver enzyme cytochrome P450. During this biochemical reaction, a hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the 10th carbon of the hexahydrocannabiphorol nucleus.
Currently, there are no studies evaluating the effects of 10-OH-HHCP and its safety.
Hydroxyderivatives can be assumed to have low bioavailability and rapid metabolic breakdown in the body. They are rapidly processed and excreted by the body, which affects not only the potency but also the duration of effects.
10-OH-HHCP has psychoactive effects and may affect perception, induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation or increase appetite.
Approach similar substances with caution and never get behind the wheel or operate any machinery after taking them.
Author: HotHouse Cucumber
Photo: Shutterstock
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