What is HHCPO, how is it formed and what are its effects?
- What is HHCPO and how is it formed?
- Chemical structure
- Effects of HHCPO
- Side effects and other pitfalls
- HHCPO products
- Conclusion
What is HHCPO and how is it formed?
HHCPO (HHCP-O) is an abbreviation for hexahydrocannabiphorol (hexahydrocannabiphorol) acetate, with the "o" at the end denoting the acetate group. It is a compound that undergoes a chemical reaction called hydrogenation and a process called acylation, making it different from other cannabinoids you may have come across so far.
Despite the fact that some cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, CBG, THC, THCH and THCB occur naturally in the cannabis plant, HHCPO is not present in even trace amounts in cannabis and therefore does not come from direct extraction. HHCPO is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid derivative that is produced exclusively in a laboratory environment.
It is reported that HHCPO is derived from hexahydrocannabiphrol or HHCP, which is a derivative of HHC.
Some vendors claim that the original precursor is a semi-synthetic derivative of THCP. The conversion of THCP to HHCPO is a complex process involving several stages. First, THCP is converted to HHC through hydrogenation, which leads to a change in the chemical structure - removing double bonds and increasing the saturation of the compound. The HHC is then converted to HHCP, and during a process called acetylation, an OH group is added to produce the cannabinoid HHCPO.
By modifying the chemical structure, it is not only possible to enhance the potency of the cannabinoid, but also to increase its resistance and durability.
Modification of the chemical structure is done in various ways, for example by hydrogenation, acylation, isomerisation or "terpenylation". For example, both HHC and H4CBD are hydrogenated versions of cannabidiol (CBD) and the cannabinoid THCPO is formed by acetylation of the cannabinoid THCP. THCP and THCB are produced from CBD by a chemical reaction called terpenylation. The isomerisation process produces, for example, the cannabinoids THCJD and CBDP.
As with other cannabis products, the creation of products containing HHCPO begins with the production of distillate. The distillate is then added to other products such as liquids for vaporisation, resin or used to infuse the flowers of industrial hemp.
Chemical structure
The molecular formula of HHCPO is C25H38O3. We already know that it is a hydrogenated compound, thus like H4CBD, HHC and HHCH, it consists of 2 different stereoisomers:
- 9(S) HHCP acetate
- 9(R) HHCP acetate
The 9(R) molecule has a high affinity for CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and is therefore psychoactive, while the 9(S) isomer is considered to be inactive, as evidenced by a 2023 study investigating the cannabinoid HHC.
The ratio of these isomers affects the potency and strength of the product. If 9(R) dominates, the product will be more potent. In practice, a 1:1 ratio is also usually used.
Effects of HHCPO
The ECS is a complex system of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulates various functions in the human body, from sleep, memory, appetite and movement coordination to mood and pain perception. Cannabinoids, both endogenous, which the body naturally produces, and exogenous, such as those found in cannabis and its derivatives, work with this system.
Although research is still ongoing, it is thought that HHCPO could bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, similar to other cannabinoids. As it is a hydrogenated compound, the 9(R) isomer would be expected to show more efficient binding to CB1 receptors in the ECS.
Anecdotal reports suggest that HHCPO is stronger than HHCP and the effects last longer.
Like other psychoactive cannabinoids, such as THCB, THCP and THCJD, it can affect perception, inducing feelings of euphoria or relaxation.
As we have already mentioned, the effects will also depend on the composition of the product, or rather on the ratio of the 9(R) and 9(S) isomers in the product.
Scientists are still investigating the exact interactions with ECS as well as the short- and long-term effects of HHCPO. Currently, there is a lack of research on how HHCPO works, whether it has possible therapeutic potential, and what the safety of this compound is. For the time being, only the opinions and feedback of users provide an idea of the effects.
Side effects and other pitfalls
In general, (semi)synthetic compounds can be more potent than natural cannabinoids, multiplying the potential risk of intoxication and overdose, which can lead to a 'bad trip'. Some individuals may experience unpleasant psychological effects, especially anxiety, panic, paranoia and hallucinations.
Other possible side effects:
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Redness of the eyes
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea (vomiting)
- Headache
Because of the psychotropic nature of HHCPO, side effects can be unpredictable. At the present time, we cannot even say with certainty that other as yet undetected side effects will not occur.
Another pitfall of (semi)synthetic cannabinoids is that they are far more potent than natural ones, but also that the purity and safety of the products often cannot be proven. This is also closely linked to the complexity of cannabinoid legislation, as currently the vast majority of countries, including the Czech Republic, do not have the necessary regulations to regulate them.
If you decide to buy any cannabis product, always ask for an independent laboratory analysis to check the product's composition and whether it contains unsuitable additives, fillers and toxins, and rely on trusted and proven companies.
The third-party lab report will tell you the ingredients, the purity of the product and that the THC limit is not exceeded. In the Czech Republic the maximum THC limit is 1%, in Europe it is 0.3% THC on a dry basis.
HHCPO products
Although HHCPO is sold freely, remember that there is no reputable data on how it works in the body, so it is important to approach it with caution.
HHCPO products are not suitable for beginners in the cannabis world, they are recommended exclusively for experienced users as it is a semi-synthetic compound that can be much more intense than natural cannabinoids. In any case, it is not recommended to drive or operate any machinery after use.
In particular, the following products appear on the market:
- HHCPO vapes and replacement cartridges (pre-filled cartridges, the filling (distillate) combines HHCPO and CBD in different concentrations and flavours, also contains natural terpenes)
- Liquids
- HHCPO oils
- HHCPO flowers - Technical cannabis flowers infused with HHCPO distillate also contain CBD and can also be infused in a mixture with other cannabinoids, e.g. H4CBD
- Hash and resin - a cannabis concentrate made from the pollen of industrial hemp and HHCPO distillate
- Edibles
- Gummies
HHCPO is currently defined as legal under the Farm Bill. In some states it may find itself in a legal grey area or face restrictions or bans. The substance is already banned in Austria, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania, for example.
Conclusion
Hexahydrocannabinol acetate is a semi-synthetic derivative of the cannabinoid and is only produced in the laboratory using chemical processes called hydrogenation and acetylation. As it is a hydrogenated compound, it consists of 2 stereoisomers, namely 9(R) HHCP acetate and 9(S) HHCP acetate, the ratio of these molecules affects how effective the product will be.
HHCPO is a cannabinoid with psychoactive properties, it can affect perception, induce feelings of euphoria or relaxation.
Remember that compounds of this type can be significantly more potent than natural cannabinoids, increasing the potential risk of intoxication and overdose. There are currently no studies available to evaluate the effects and safety of HHCPO.
The golden rule in conclusion: always choose trusted and proven companies that have their products tested in an independent laboratory and approach the use of similar substances with caution and moderation.
Author: HotHouse Cucumber
Photo: Shutterstock
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