What is 10-OH-HHCP, how is it formed and what are its effects?
- What is 10-OH-HHCP and how is it formed?
- What are the effects of 10-OH-HHCP?
- Side effects of 10-OH-HHCP and other possible risks
- Comparison table: 10-OH-HHCP vs. 10-OH-HHC
- Conclusion: what is the product offering of 10-OH-HHCP?
What is 10-OH-HHCP and how is it formed?
Compound 10-OH-HHCP or 10-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabiphorol is a hydroxylated derivative of the cannabinoid HHCP. Hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHCP) is a synthetic cannabinoid derived from hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which, although found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, is more commonly produced (semi)synthetically by hydrogenation of CBD, terpenes or artificial gastric juices.
HHCP is similar in chemical structure to HHC, except that it has a 2-carbon longer alkyl chain. HHCP has a 7-carbon tail, similar to the cannabinoid THCP. And how is 10-OH-HHCP formed?
10-OH-HHCP is formed by the oxidation of HHCP by an enzyme found primarily in the liver - cytochrome P450. During this biochemical process, one hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached at the 10th position. This process increases solubility and can potentially alter the interaction with receptors in the body, thereby changing the effects.
What are the effects of 10-OH-HHCP?
Research on 10-OH-HHCP is only at the beginning, and so far there is very little information, some of it based only on conjecture or experience with analogous derivatives.
It looks like 10-OH-HHCP could mimic the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids, which is technically called cannabimimetic activity. It is debated that it is a compound that has a strong affinity for CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and therefore has psychoactive effects. It can induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, altered perception or increased appetite.
Not much is yet known about how exactly 10-OH-HHCP works with receptors in the ECS and how it acts in the body. Like other cannabinoid hydroxyderivatives, 10-OH-HHCP could be metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450, which could lead to the formation of various metabolites.
The effects of this compound also depend on the route of administration; for example, more 10-OH-HHCP may be converted to inactive metabolites when taken orally than when vaped or sublingually.
In terms of bioavailability and the so-called half-life (the time it takes for half of the original amount of a substance in the body to break down or be transformed), hydroxyderivatives can be expected to have low bioavailability and rapid metabolic breakdown in the body. They are rapidly processed and eliminated by the body, which will affect the efficacy and duration of effects.
Because studies on 10-OH-HHCP are currently lacking, the exact metabolic process cannot be determined, nor can the metabolites that are produced. There is a study from May 2024 that examined the metabolism of HHC in the human body using hepatocytes. The aim was to find out what metabolites are formed during the process of metabolising this cannabinoid and how the body processes it and how quickly it is eliminated.
The results of the study suggested that HHC is converted in hepatocytes through various metabolic pathways that include oxidation and conjugation (a biochemical process in which small molecules such as glucuronide, sulfate, glycine or glutathione attach to substances they metabolize in the body - making the substances more water soluble, which facilitates their elimination from the body).
Further research is needed to fully understand how 10-OH-HHCP works in the body and its safety.
Side effects of 10-OH-HHCP and other possible risks
The side effects of 10-OH-HHCP can be based on other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties. Some individuals may experience side effects such as:
- dry mouth
- red eyes
- increased heart rate
- Sleepiness
- headache
- unpleasant psychological effects (anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations)
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
At this point in time, it cannot be excluded that other as yet undetected side-effects will appear in this list. The intensity of these effects will depend on the health status, metabolism and sensitivity of the user, dose and method of consumption.
Don't forget that (semi)synthetic compounds are generally more potent than natural cannabinoids, which increases the risk of intoxication and overdose, which can end in a situation called "bad trip".
Another risk is that experts see that (semi-)synthetically produced products often cannot be proven to be pure and safe. This is of course also linked to the complexity of legislation on cannabinoids across the world, or the lack of regulations to ensure the quality, safety and legality of the products.
If you are planning to purchase any cannabis products, always choose trusted and reputable companies that have their products tested by an independent laboratory. Some sellers post a "Certificate of Analysis" (COA) directly on their online store for each product, or you can request one from them.
Comparison table: 10-OH-HHCP vs. 10-OH-HHC
In 2015, scientists were able to isolate the compound 10-OH-HHC from the cannabis sativa L. plant, which is a derivative of HHC that is produced similarly to 10-OH-HHCP. How do 10-OH-HHCP and 10-OH-HHC compare? Explore in the table.
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10-OH-HHCP |
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Specifications |
A derivative of HHCP with an added hydroxyl group (-OH) on the tenth carbon. |
A derivative of HHC with an added hydroxyl group (-OH) on the tenth carbon. |
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Effects |
Euphoria, relaxation support, increased appetite |
Euphoria, relaxation support, increased appetite |
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Side effects |
So far, there is no research to investigate the side effects, based on other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties:
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So far, there is no research to investigate the side effects, based on other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties:
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Legal status |
Not specified, in most countries in the grey legal zone |
Not specified, in most countries in the grey legal zone |
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Available products |
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Conclusion: what is the product offering of 10-OH-HHCP?
There are a number of 10-OH-HHCP products available on the market, although there is a lack of research looking at the effects or how this substance works in the body. Until 10-OH-HHCP and other cannabis derivatives are regulated, it remains up to users to weigh the potential risks and benefits of these compounds for themselves.
The most common ones on the market are:
- 10-OH-HHCP vapes: allow inhalation of this substance in vapour form. Vapes can be purchased as "disposables" (usually lasting about 200-800 coats depending on the type of device, or vapes refillable with liquid or with replaceable cartridges)
- 10-OH-HHCP flowers: cannabis flowers infused with 10-OH-HHCP distillate
- 10-OH-HHCP pre-rolls: pre-packaged joints filled with flowers
- hash
- gummies
Finally, we would like to reiterate that compounds of this type can be much more potent than natural cannabinoids, increasing the potential risk of overdose and intoxication. It is not recommended to drive or operate any machinery after use.
Author: Canatura
Photo: Shutterstock
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