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Synthetic and semi-synthetic: what you need to know about the new cannabinoids

synthetic CBD

CBN, H4CBD, H3CBN, THCP, HHCPO... new synthetic and semi-synthetic CBD derivatives are appearing at breakneck speed, so it's not always easy to know what you're dealing with.

Need a refresher on all these products? Interested in how they're made and what they do? This is the place!

Synthetic or semi-synthetic, what's the difference?

As you probably know, a synthetic molecule is a molecule composed from scratch (or almost) in the laboratory. This is the case, for example, with HHCPO. This molecule does not exist in its natural state, but is the result of the transformation of HHC, itself derived from CBD.

A semi-synthetic molecule is also synthesized in the laboratory, but not from scratch. Instead, a molecule is synthesized from existing biological material, hence the term semi-synthetic.

There are two types of semi-synthetic molecules: CBN and THCP belong to the first. These are molecules that already exist in nature, but their synthesis is necessary to artificially increase the level contained in a flower. CBD is thus modified to obtain more CBN or THCP.
The second type is produced by transforming an existing molecule. This is the case with H4CBD, which is the result of a CBD molecule to which 4 hydrogen atoms have been added.

Why modify cannabinoids? What are the effects?

Modification allows cannabinoids to interact in a different, often stronger, way with our endocannabinoid system. As you know, all mammals have a network of endocannabinoid receptors scattered throughout the body. These receptors react chemically to regulate certain biological responses in our bodies. They are involved in the regulation of stress, sleep, pain, inflammation and much more.

There are two types of receptors stimulated by hemp consumption. It's a little more complicated, but roughly speaking, the action of hemp can be summarized as follows: CB1 receptors more stimulated by THC and CB2 receptors by CBD. Basically, stimulation of the former produces a sensation of euphoria and sensory modification, known as the high. Stimulation of the second produces deep relaxation and soothing.

 

Muscimole  


Muscimole is an alkaloid secreted by mushrooms of the Amanite family. This molecule has been known since the dawn of mankind for its phsycoactive and psychedelic effects.

Muscimol flowers and resins are brand new on the market. Ingested as an infusion, in the form of space cookies or consumed as a spray, they promise powerful relaxation of a whole new kind.

THM  

THM is a product unlike any other. "THM" stands for "The Hot Mix". It's our little CBDOO signature cocktail of natural cannabinoids, featuring 15% CBD, 15% CBDP, 5% CBG, 5% CBN, 5% CBC. These natural molecules interact with each other to create a powerful entourage effect. Some claim similar effects to HHC.

This type of product is flourishing in online CBD stores. You'll find it under various acronyms, such as HDH for "High Density Herb", RAF for "Rapid Absorption Formula", MCPN for "Maximum Cannabinoid Power Natural" or HSD for "High-Stimulant Delight". These products offer different cocktails of cannabinoids, so be sure to read the product descriptions and compositions carefully to avoid any nasty surprises.

 

CBDP

CBDP is a minor cannabinoid naturally present at very low levels in hemp and cannabis plants. It was discovered at the same time as its THC version, THCP.

Like CBD, it has very strong similarities with its cousin CBD. But its longer side chain makes it far more effective.

 

10 OH HHC

10 OH HHC is a new kind of molecule. Not a cannabinoid, it's a metabolite of HHC, a by-product created by the oxidation of HHC by liver enzymes.
In other words, it's one of the molecules created by the liver's digestion of HHC. Because this molecule is naturally obtained by the body, some claim it has a greater safety profile than HHC.
What is certain is that, like HHC, it is capable of producing a psychoactive effect, giving a rapid, short-lived high.

 

H4CBD

H4CBD is obtained by adding 4 hydrogen molecules to one CBD molecule. This modification gives it greater stimulating power on CB2 receptors. The result is the same kind of relaxation as CBD, but with a tenfold increase in strength.

H3CBN

H3CBN is obtained by adding 3 hydrogen molecules to the CBN molecule. In doing so, its action changes completely. Whereas CBN is known for its relaxing properties, H3CBN has an exciting, energizing effect , giving you a feeling of euphoria without making you lose your lucidity.

 

THCP

THCP is the only one on this list to occur naturally in plants. But its concentration rarely exceeds 0.20%. It is therefore synthesized to increase its concentration in flowers and resins. Like THC, it stimulates CB1 receptors, and their effects on the body can be quite similar. The only notable difference seems to lie in the potency of the effects. According to some preliminary studies, THCP is 33 times more stimulating than THC! But don't confuse stimulation with the effects you feel, which don't always rhyme with each other. 

HHCPO

HHCPO is a derivative obtained by the hydrogenation and acetylation of HHC, itself obtained from CBD. HHCPO is recognized for its psychoactive effects, which are similar to those of HHC , but even more potent. Like HHC, HHCPO stimulates CB1 receptors, providing a euphoric sensation and a perceptual high.

THCV

THC-V or tetrahydrocannabivarin is a relatively well-known minor cannabinoid, having been discovered in the 1960s. Naturally present in hemp, it has long been used by customs to identify the origin of plants seized at borders.

According to studies, THCV has an anti-stress effect similar to that of CBD. It also offers a mild psychotropic effect that does not last over time.

THCJD

Tetrahydrocannabioctyl, THCJD, is a cannabinoid naturally present in hemp plants. But it represents only a tiny fraction of the total.
At the molecular level, it is distinguished from other cannabinoids in the THC family by its longer side chain. This gives it a stronger interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors, resulting in more pronounced and longer-lasting effects.

THCPO

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol acetate-O, THCPO, is a synthetic cannabinoid obtained from the acetylation of THC-P.
This chemical process gives this synthetic cannabinoid greater potency and a new kind of psychoactive effect, while remaining powerful and long-lasting.

CBN-O

Like THCPO, cannabinol acetate-O is an acetylated version of an existing cannabinoid: CBN. Which itself is derived from the oxidation of THC.

CBN-O, like most acetates, is unknown in its natural state and is therefore synthetic. In terms of its effects, this acetylation seems to give it greater relaxing power than its natural version. It is also said to help induce sleep.

THCB

Tetrahydrocannabinol belongs to the same family as THC-H, P and JD, but unlike the latter, it has a shorter carbon chain than THC.

According to the results of studies on this carbon chain, this molecule is capable of weaker binding with CB1 and CB2 receptors, producing faster, milder and milder effects than other cannabinoids in its class.

THCH

Tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid that has been recognized very stealthily in hemp plants. As far as we know, it has only been observed twice in its natural state, once in smoke, and only on one variety of hemp.

In terms of potency and effect, its molecular structure would place it third after THC-JD and THC-P. However, as this cannabinoid is very rare, we know very little about it.

Why consume CBD derivatives

CBD derivatives have been developed to make the effects of their consumption stronger. Everyone has their own reasons for consuming CBD, CBD derivatives could :

  • Help you relax and regulate stress more effectively than CBD
  • As a palliative for those wishing to stop using cannabis
  • Helping you reduce your consumption
  • Give you a moment of recreational escape

Are synthetic and semi-synthetic products legal?

 

In France, legislation is primarily concerned with THC concentration. No product may contain more than 0.3% THC. Apart from that, every product must be rigorously tested, and will be banned or accepted depending on its addictive effect.

This is exactly what happened with HHC. As a new molecule, it could not be banned outright. So it remained available until analyses demonstrated its addictive effect. All the molecules discussed in this article, apart from H3CBN and THCV, are now totally banned. THC-B, THCP, THCJD and HHCPO have been made illegal by their inclusion on the list of narcotic substances as of June 3, 2024

cbd summary

Are derivatives dangerous?

This question is often asked, but it's not easy to answer. In itself, the transformation these molecules undergo is not dangerous. It is commonly used in the design of many food products. Nevertheless, the lack of research into natural cannabinoids already leaves a great deal of uncertainty as to their long- and medium-term effects. So, when it comes to modified cannabinoids, the mass of information is even smaller. So, as things stand, it's difficult to conclude whether these molecules are beneficial or dangerous.

Nonetheless, the Frenchdrug agency has placed these molecules on the list of narcotics, in order to rule out any health risks associated with synthetic or semi-synthetic molecules.  

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