H4CBD , a new molecule, many questions

With H4CBD, the range of CBD products is expanding once again with a new recruit. Although this mysterious substance has already won over many fans, it remains relatively unknown. Derived directly from CBD, naturally present in hemp, it offers an alternative, with interesting properties.

First of all, what is H4CBD?

H4CBD is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. It is therefore a semi-artificial product, created in the lab from CBD (cannabidiol), which is itself a substance naturally present in cannabis.

More precisely, H4CBD is obtained by hydrogenation of CBD, which is why it is also called "hydrogenated CBD". In other words, H4CBD is obtained by adding 4 hydrogen atoms to a CBD molecule, which explains the name: H4-CBD.

This product was first conceived in the middle of the last century. Long forgotten, H4CBD is experiencing a revival. The legalization of CBD and the search for new derivative products have brought it back into the spotlight. While it is enjoying significant success in North America, its arrival is more recent in Europe, where it is seen as a promising alternative to CBD.

Just like CBD, one of the advantages of H4CBD is that it can be consumed in several forms: flowers (obtained by coating CBD flowers with H4CBD), resins (hash), oils, and e-liquids for vaping. Consumers are then looking for effects identical to those of CBD, but stronger.

The regulation around H4CBD, legal or prohibited?

H4CBD is a product that has appeared very recently on the French/European market. For this reason, the legislative framework surrounding it is not yet clearly defined, but as a reminder, H4CBD comes from a completely legal molecule, which is CBD (unlike HHC which came from THC, a molecule illegal in France).
This legal ambiguity means that it is not subject to any prohibition. For this reason, H4CBD is legal in France as of 2023.

As a reminder, all products sold by Marie Jeanne CBD are legal and subject to the legislation in force on CBD. The THC content is therefore always less than 0.02%. Also, our products are made in France to meet the highest quality standards.

H4CBD vs HHC, what are the differences?

If H4CBD has recently gained in popularity, it is also because another cannabinoid, HHC, has recently been banned in France. Since June 13, 2023, it is therefore no longer possible to find HHC and its derivatives, HHCO and HHCP. The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines indeed decided to list the molecule among narcotic products, because of the risk of abuse and addiction. This constitutes a first difference between HHC and H4CBD: while the former is banned, the latter is completely authorized in France!

But the two molecules are fundamentally different: while H4CBD is obtained by hydrogenation of CBD, HHC, on the other hand, is the result of the same process, but on THC, which is itself banned. Finally, consumers attribute more euphoric, stimulating, and creative benefits to HHC.

What are the reported effects of H4CBD and does it pose any dangers?

No European/French medical study is known and recognized on the H4CBD molecule to date. It is only possible to rely on customer experiences and a few American studies.
American consumers and American consumer studies report similar effects to CBD: relaxation experience, stress reduction, sleep improvement, anxiety reduction, regulation of circadian rhythm. Except that according to them, the effects of H4CBD are stronger than those of CBD although this claim is based on no scientific assertion.

Some English-speaking sources also attribute anti-inflammatory and analgesic virtues to H4CBD. This new member of the cannabinoid family could therefore prove useful in treating chronic pain and inflammation, and some studies are underway to investigate this.

Finally, it is important to note potential side effects reported by H4CBD consumers, which include slight nausea, minor dizziness, and drowsiness.

As a reminder, and also to note, even though it is a substance synthesized for the first time a long time ago, it has long been forgotten, so much so that the studies concerning it are few.

While no danger has been reported, caution is advised when using any cannabinoids. In any case, it is important to consult a health professional before starting consumption.