10-OH-HHC: The cannabinoid that rose from stardust
- 10-OH-HHC: How was a new star born?
- How does 10-OH-HHC work?
- 10-OH-HHC vs. HHC
- 10-OH-HHC products now on planet Earth!
- Conclusion: caution comes first
10-OH-HHC: How was a new star born?
We will start our mission today by explaining what 10-OH-HHC is and where it came from. The full name of this cannabinoid is 10-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabinol and it is an oxygenated derivative of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). It is formed by a chemical reaction in which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is added to the tenth carbon of the hexahydrocannabinol nucleus in the presence of the liver enzyme cytochrome P450.
In the archives of the International Space Laboratory, you'll find that this star was first spotted by scientists in 1980. At the time, the research was led by Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli chemist often dubbed the "father of cannabinoid research" who became famous for his groundbreaking scientific work on cannabinoids, particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
However, it took another group of scientists another 35 years to obtain a pure 10-OH-HHC compound.
How does 10-OH-HHC work?
Just like flying through an unknown galaxy, encountering new cannabinoids can surprise you, but not always in a pleasant way. What do we actually know about the effects of 10-OH-HHC? Very little, and that's because scientific studies are still lacking. We are waiting for the Space Lab to investigate and evaluate how this compound works in the body and what its benefits and risks are.
Until then, we can only go by what is generally known about cannabinoids and cannabinoid derivatives with psychoactive effects. Cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of cell signalling and has a function similar to the gravitational force that keeps the universe in balance.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found in the central nervous system, brain, immune system and peripheral tissues. The interaction of cannabinoids with the ECS affects a number of functions in the body, for example, it can help with insomnia, stress or alter pain perception. Also behind the changes in perception caused by psychoactive cannabinoids such as THC is the binding of these cannabinoids to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
It is clear that the 10-OH-HHC will also interact with the ECS in some way. However, the possible therapeutic potential of 10-OH-HHC, if any, is as yet only dark matter in the universe.
Unpredictable effects of 10-OH-HHC
That being said, we don't know much about the effects of 10-OH-HHC, It's possible that this cannabinoid will give you a wave of euphoria as powerful as a supernova explosion, or make you feel like you're floating in a nebula far away from earthly concerns.
But it's just as possible that instead of blissful feelings you'll be surprised by a fall into a black hole in the form of side effects such as:
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Reddened eyes
- Dry mouth
- Cognitive impairment
- Paranoia
We know that 10-OH-HHC has a short half-life in the body, which means that due to metabolism and excretion, its concentration in the blood decreases relatively quickly. From this point of view, 10-OH-HHC is like a fragile chondritic meteorite that quickly evaporates as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere.
However, this does not change the fact that such substances must be treated with caution and definitely do not belong in the hands of a crew flying their first mission.
10-OH-HHC vs. HHC
We have already seen that 10-OH-HHC is one of the derivatives of HHC. It differs in chemical structure, 10-OH-HHC has a hydroxyl group attached to the tenth carbon of the hexahydrocannabinol nucleus.
Just as when a new star appears in the sky and forms another constellation, the addition of a hydroxyl group can change the properties and the way 10-OH-HHC behaves in an organism.
We have too little information yet to compare 10-OH-HHC with HHC in detail, but let's at least look at the basic comparison table produced by the International Space Research Station.
|
HHC |
10-OH-HHC |
|
|
Chemical structure |
A semi-synthetic cannabinoid; originally a derivative of THC, currently produced synthetically, for example by hydrogenation of CBD. |
A derivative of HHC with an added hydroxyl group (-OH) on the tenth carbon. |
|
Effects |
euphoria, promoting relaxation, improving sleep |
euphoria, relaxation support, increased appetite |
|
Side effects of HHC |
|
likely to be the same or similar to HHC and other psychoactive cannabinoids; there are no studies yet that have mapped the side effects of 10-OH-HHC |
|
Legal status |
A substance already banned in most European countries |
Unclear, in most countries in a legal grey area |
10-OH-HHC products now on planet Earth!
Not all new cosmic discoveries will meet with understanding on Earth. In recent months we have seen the banning of some new psychoactive cannabinoids such as HHC, HHC-O and THCP.
However, many astronauts are still looking to expand their horizons and manufacturers want to accommodate them. That's why 10-OH-HHC vapes, gummies, hash, pre-rolls and flowers infused with 10-OH-HHC distillate are already available today. Although they meet the maximum permitted THC limit, the situation regarding legality is not yet very clear. In most countries these products are in a legal grey area and their future fate, or legal status if you prefer, is still in the stars.
You should definitely not use 10-OH-HHC or other similar compounds if you are going to drive a rocket, spacecraft or any other means of transportation.
Conclusion: caution comes first
Cannabinoid 10-OH-HHC is like intergalactic space, it has something mysterious that attracts explorers. But before you decide to enter a new dimension of cannabinoids, and especially those with psychoactive effects, you should remember that space exploration is at an early stage, and therefore we do not know how safe this substance is.
Watch your dosage so your shuttle doesn't head into a black hole instead of flying to the stars!
If you're going on your first mission, prefer the more familiar cannabinoids with a longer history, such as CBD, CBN or THCV. Always choose products from reliable vendors with whom you have a good experience. Discussion forums and reviews from more experienced explorers will also give you a clue.
Author: Cannastra 🚀
Photo: Shutterstock
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