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8-OH-HHC: What it is, production, effects and products

The bulb and inside the cannabis leaf, text above the bulb: What is 8-OH-HHC
The bulb and inside the cannabis leaf, text above the bulb: What is 8-OH-HHC

 

 

 

    

 

What is 8-OH-HHC

8-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol is an abbreviation for 8-OH-HHC, which is used to refer to chemical compounds that include 8-OH-9α-HHC and 8-OH-9β-HHC.

Compound 8-OH-HHC is reportedly a trace phytocannabinoid and is one of the so-called primary metabolites of the cannabinoid HHC (hexahydrocannabinol).

8-OH-HHC is the active form of HHC, which is produced during its conversion in the body in both humans and animals. When HHC is consumed, new substances (metabolites) such as 8-OH-HHC are formed in the body.

Hexahydrocannabinol is metabolised in the body by specific enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 family, namely CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. This is similar to the cannabinoids delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC. The enzymes add oxygen to the HHC to form new compounds called oxygen derivatives. Other oxygen derivatives include, for example, 10-OH-HHC.

8-OH-HHC production

8-OH-HHC is produced by synthesis from HHC. This process usually involves hydroxylation - scientists add a hydroxyl group (OH) to the HHC molecule, specifically at the 8th position of the hexahydrocannabinol nucleus, which is called hydroxylation at the 8th carbon (C8).

In order to produce 8-OH-HHC and add a hydroxyl group, scientists must modify HHC using enzymes or chemical catalysts.

The hydroxyl group can be attached to any position of the molecule and thus different stereoisomers can be formed.

In the case of 8-OH-HHC, these are for example 8-OH-9α-HHC and 8-OH-9β-HHC. Researchers may use different synthesis methods depending on what stereoisomer of the product they require.

 

Laboratory equipment such as flasks and beakers, text: HHC, 8-OH-HHC, as they are produced in the laboratory

Stereoisomers of 8-OH-HHC

There are 4 main forms of 8-OH-HHC, which are derived from HHC and differ by a minor change in their structure, and this small modification can significantly alter the effects.

These forms (stereoisomers) are designated cis- and trans-8-OH-9α-HHC and cis- and trans-8-OH-9β-HHC, and are produced synthetically. In a 1980 study, researchers looked at how these forms affect the biological activity of cannabinoids.

In 1991, chemist and professor Raphael Mechoulam and his team performed in vivo tests on rhesus macaques, which showed that the stereoisomer cis-8-OH-9β-HHC showed the highest activity. It is believed that all 4 forms are biologically active.

Earlier research has suggested that 8-OH-HHC may take different forms in different species. For example, mice form a particular variant of 8-OH-HHC more than hamsters, suggesting that different species respond differently to cannabinoids.

Effects of 8-OH-HHC

Like other cannabinoids, 8-OH-HHC will most likely bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. However, there are currently no studies that have uncovered how 8-OH-HHC works.

We know that 8-OH-HHC is psychoactive. It can affect perception, induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation or increase appetite. The effects are likely to be less intense than those of THC and HHC.

 

A simple illustration, with a cannabis leaf in the centre and a vaporisation pen on top, with the text: 8-OH-HHC, a spiral and other patterns in a circle, suggesting that 8-OH-HHC has psychoactive effects

Side effects

Nothing has changed in the side effects either, there is still no research. For the time being, based on the findings with other psychoactive cannabinoids, there may be side effects such as:

  • Reddened eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry eyes
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Increased heart rate

Not only the dose and method of consumption will influence the intensity of these reactions, but also the body proportions, age, health, metabolism and sensitivity of the user.

Conclusion: available 8-OH-HHC products and their safety

8-OH-HHC products such as vape pens and cartridges, liquids, flowers, pre-rolls, hash and gummies are commonly available on the market.

 

Canntropy 8-OH-HHC Vape Pen Churroz, 8-OH-HHC 90% quality, 1ml

Since there are no studies yet, it is not possible to confidently call out to the world that the use of 8-OH-HHC is without risks. And it is also true that with every substance there is a natural risk of side effects.

New cannabinoids are not even regulated now and are often in a "grey area" of the law, so it is possible that products may appear on the market that may contain, for example, heavy metals or other undesirable and potentially dangerous substances.

Do you want to buy a hemp product? Choose from reliable and verified sellers who have their products tested by independent laboratories. Some vendors post a "Certificate of Analysis" (COA) with their products. If you can't find one, don't hesitate to ask for one.

 

Author: HotHouse Cucumber

 

   

Photo: ChatGPT

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