Where did the cannabinoids HHC-O and HHC-P come from and what might surprise us?
The discovery of HHC
The discovery of HHC by the American chemist Roger Adams opened the way to new dimensions. At the beginning was the well-known tetrahydrocannabinol, specifically 9-THC, which Adams converted into HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). And how did he do it? By hydrogenating THC, a process in which he used a catalyst, high pressure and heat to break the double bond in the cyclohexyl ring and replace it with hydrogen molecules.
This was a breakthrough in the discovery of the HHC universe, which space laboratories could subsequently build on. Today, however, for obvious reasons, they no longer use THC as a feedstock, but other cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) or terpenes such as citronellal, olivetol and L-carvone.
Effects of HHC
The International Space Station has not yet provided us with enough information on how HHC affects the body. Based on statements by some astronauts, it appears that HHC may have the following effects:
- weightlessness
- stimulation, euphoria
- pain relief
- inducing relaxation, better sleep
- relief from stress and anxiety
Research on HHC is not yet sufficient, and as HHC also has psychoactive effects, we urge all researchers to exercise extreme caution when using this substance.
Side effects of HHC
As for possible side effects, even these are not yet sufficiently mapped, but according to the available information, the following difficulties may occur when exploring HHC galaxies:
- dry mouth
- rapid heartbeat
- red eyes
- dizziness
- anxiety
- insomnia
- paranoia
These effects are usually short-lived and should subside within a few hours, but should not be underestimated.
New HHC generation : HHC-O and HHC-P
The Universe is constantly expanding, so it is not surprising that in addition to HHCs, astronauts have recently discovered other equally interesting bodies, HHC-O and HHC-P.
HHC-O differs from HHC-P by the addition of an acyl group. HHC-O is not found in the cannabis plant and is produced in the laboratory by a chemical reaction called acylation. HHC-P hexahydrocannabiphorol is another newly discovered cannabinoid that comes from the lab. It is similar in structure to HHC but has a longer side chain with added carbon molecules.
In terms of the effects of HHC-O and HHC-P on the body and mind, we can expect, for example, euphoria, energy and relaxation effects, but the effects are much more intense. With exaggeration, the power of HHC-P can be compared to a supernova explosion. HHC-O and HHC-P can be effective for several hours.
HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P and the endocannabinoid system
We know that the basic equipment of all astronauts is the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). And just as gravity keeps planets in orbit around stars, the endocannabinoid system keeps the body in balance and is involved in regulating some important physiological processes.
The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids, enzymes and the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors interact with endocannabinoid compounds produced by the body (e.g. anandamide) but also with exogenous cannabinoids such as HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P.
And it is the binding of HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P to CB1 receptors, which are located in the central nervous system, that is associated with psychoactive effects such as stimulation, euphoria, altered perception or tension relief. Interaction or modulation of CB1 receptors may affect mood, memory or pain perception.
CB2 receptors are found predominantly in peripheral tissues and in cells of the immune system. CB2 receptors are more closely associated with immunity and inflammatory processes in the body. The interaction of HHC with CB2 receptors may influence immune response and inflammatory conditions.
Stereoisomers of HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P
To make things simple, as we mentioned in our previous article, HHC exists in different geometric variants, the so-called stereoisomers. When made synthetically, it is composed of an active stereoisomer (9R)-HHC and a less active (9S)-HHC. The (9R)-HHC stereoisomer binds to endocannabinoid receptors and may be psychoactive, the (9S)-HHC stereoisomer appears to be much less psychoactive.
Conclusion
The HHC universe is vast and not yet fully explored. In addition to hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), whose existence has already been trumpeted on planet Earth, new derived compounds, such as HHC-O and HHC-P, are being created in the laboratory. They have an altered chemical structure and, as a result, more intense and longer-lasting effects.
The universe of HHC, HHC-O and HHC-P is currently dominated by vape pens, cartridges and flowers. Vapes and cartridges are available in a variety of flavors, some containing natural terpenes from popular cannabis strains. All of the HHC galaxies discovered so far interact with our endocannabinoid system and have psychoactive effects, so they should be approached with caution and research should begin on products with lower concentrations in small doses.
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