CBD has long been considered a highly multitasking cannabinoid, associated with a wide range of reported benefits without the psychoactivity of THC. Non-intoxicating, safe, and widely available, CBD has been linked to everything from relieving pain to reducing stress, taming seizures, and even contributing to clearer skin. But there may be another type of CBD you haven’t yet heard of: H4CBD.
A new and exciting cannabinoid, H4CBD can be thought of as the more potent form of CBD. What makes it so special? Follow us as we share all there is to know about this unique CBD variant and find out what exactly H4CBD is, its potential effects, how it compares to CBD, and more.
Is H4CBD the New CBD?
CBD has exploded in popularity in the last decade, fueled in large part by greater awareness and acceptance of the medical potential of hemp and cannabis compounds. Today, it’s not uncommon to see CBD offered in coffees, cocktails, pet supplements—even granola!
So, what about H4CBD? Like the cannabinoid HHC, which is synthesized from THC via a process known as hydrogenation, H4CBD is created by modifying CBD, also through the process of hydrogenation. As a result, it binds more readily with the cannabinoid receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vital regulatory network.
CBD itself isn’t considered intoxicating; at most, some people report experiencing a mild buzz after ingesting it. However, by contrast, some report that taking H4CBD imparts a mild psychoactivity, sometimes likened to ingesting a 2:1 CBD:THC product. To better understand H4CBD vs CBD, let’s go back to the source and look deeper into CBD itself.
A Refresher on CBD
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits and non-intoxicating properties. It’s one of the many cannabinoids present in cannabis, but unlike THC—or tetrahydrocannabinol—it does not produce a psychoactive effect or make users feel that classic cannabis high.
Like THC and the plant’s other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating processes such as mood, sleep, pain sensation, and immune response. By influencing the endocannabinoid receptors, it may positively impact these functions, leading to potential therapeutic effects.
Potential CBD Effects
One of the most widely recognized uses of CBD is for pain relief. Animal studies suggest that it may help alleviate chronic pain by reducing inflammation and pain. This has led to many using it to treat conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. It has also shown promise in regulating mood in human studies by helping to regulate the brain’s response to stress via serotonin receptors. Additionally, CBD’s calming properties may help people achieve better sleep.
If you’re considering using CBD, we advise you to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance on proper dosage and ensure there are no potential interactions with existing medications. Otherwise, like all forms of cannabis and cannabis products, we suggest starting low and going slow, meaning you can start with a low or micro-dose, see how you feel, and then take more in about 60 - 90 minutes until you find the perfect dose for your body and mind.
What Is H4CBD?
We generally think of more unique cannabinoids like THCV, HHCP, or H4CBD as being relatively new compounds, but that isn’t quite true—the general public is only now hearing about many of them, but most of them have been in the scientific sphere for quite some time, and they’ve always existed in cannabis and hemp plants, though many only in trace amounts.
As far back as the 1940s, chemists were experimenting with compounds such as THC and CBD to create new versions with different attributes. That’s how we got HHC—a subtly modified variant of THC—and it’s how we got H4CBD, first created by hydrogenating CBD back in 1940.
Why hydrogenate an already useful compound like CBD? There are a number of reasons. For one, the process—which, chemically speaking, is not particularly complex—results in a greater shelf life. Especially for THC, which is more vulnerable to UV radiation and other forms of degradation, hydrogenation can be highly useful. In the case of H4CBD, hydrogenation also increases its bioavailability compared with CBD.
According to one study, H4CBD has ten times greater affinity for our cannabinoid receptors than CBD. This suggests that H4CBD could be a true game-changer in terms of delivering even more of the medical benefits attributed to its big sister, CBD.
Potential H4CBD Effects
One thing’s clear regarding H4CBD: though it’s not quite the same compound, it may impart many of the benefits of CBD in a more potent form. One study suggests that H4CBD is at least mildly psychoactive, with greater affinity to the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors. Whether that means H4CBD is genuinely intoxicating, however, will depend on more clinical and anecdotal evidence.
At the moment, research on H4CBD lags far behind that on CBD. However, one recent study suggests that H4CBD may help those with blood-sugar challenges better metabolize glucose.
H4CBD vs CBD: How Do They Compare?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis and hemp that holds promise for various health applications—including its potential to relieve physical discomfort, aid with relaxation, and help support better sleep, among others. Since H4CBD is a hydrogenated version of CBD, it will likely impart similar effects, with the potential to deliver some mild psychoactivity to some consumers. As more research is done and it gains more popularity among consumers, we’ll learn a lot more about all of H4CBD’s potential.
Want to compare CBD and H4CBD yourself? You’re in the right place! At Urb, we take unique cannabinoids seriously, which is why we provide third-party lab testing on all of our products to verify their purity and potency. Check out these products to get started on your CBD and H4CBD journey.
CBD from Urb: Boarding Skybites Gummies
If you’re looking for a potent yet gentle CBD experience, check out our Boarding Skybites. Formulated to maximize the entourage effect, these low-strength gummies fuse hemp-derived CBD, CBG, CBC, and Delta 9 with our one-of-a-kind True-Infused Terpene blend. And when you’re ready for your final descent, reach for our Landing Skybites. With a trifecta of soothing actives including CBD, CBN and melatonin you’ll enjoy a gentle landing right into bed.
H4CBD from Urb: Clarity Vapes
Ready to try H4CBD? Our Flight Fuel Clarity carts and Aerovape 710 Clarity disposables are your first-class ticket. Powered by THCV, THCB, Delta 8, Delta 10, and H4CBD, they run at medium strength while your spirits will soar sky-high.
Enjoy a First-Class Experience With Urb
You can think of H4CBD as a turbocharged version of CBD, and whether you’re looking for sleek and discreet vapes, tart gummies, or other premium H4CBD and CBD products, our high-flying fleet is already here and ready to help you get exactly where you want to be.
From premium products like our Aerovape 710 Clarity, fueled by the all-natural power of H4CBD, THCV, and flash-frozen live resin, to our Flight Fuel Clarity cartridges and Restful Gummies, you can get ready for clear skies and a smooth ride when you choose Urb.
Want to travel even further? Head to our cannabis blog where you’ll find in-depth posts on all things cannabis and hemp, including our guide to cannabinoids and even an explainer on HHC and Delta 8 THC. Deepen your knowledge and find your perfect hemp-derived products with Urb. Order no, and we’ll deliver your selections right to your door!
