Since the last year we are seeing more admissions to hospitals in Canary Islands, UK and also US as a result of synthetic cannabinoids in products. The main problem are the components, claimed as natural (HHC f.e.) or products with mislabeling, which can cause side effects that bad, that children and even adults has to be hospitalized. Get an overview about the actual synthetic Cannabinoids on the market.
Introduction
Synthetic cannabinoids are cannabinoids synthesized in the laboratory. They are made by combining a naturally occurring plant-based cannabinoid (Phytocannabinoid) with some chemicals in the laboratory.
In most cases, synthetic cannabinoids are not detected in conventional screening tests since they possess Phytocannabinoids coated with synthetic chemicals, which may produce toxic by-products when metabolized in the body. While synthetic cannabinoids are formulated to mimic the activity of Phyto- (plant) and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids synthesized by the body) at the receptors, they were
observed to have harmful effects, especially in children and young adults. The uncontrolled use of synthetic cannabinoids has led to several health challenges, some of which are listed below;
Vomiting
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Rapid heart rate
Violent behavior
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Confusion
Sedation
Death
Effects and risks of selected synthetic cannabinoids
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a famous cannabinoid with similar features to delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. Although delta-8 occurs naturally in minute quantities in cannabis buds, it is mostly synthesized from the laboratory conversion of hemp-derived CBD.
Delta-8 THC is half as potent as delta-9 THC. Measuring this effect milligram for milligram, 2 grams of delta-8 THC is likely to produce the same effect as 1 gram of delta-9 THC. Synthetic Delta 8 THC is one of the most common synthetic cannabinoid residues in edibles and is often marketed as diet weed. While hemp-derived delta-8 THC products may be legal, synthetic and often marketed delta-8 products come from harmful chemicals that may lead to toxic by-products, thus predisposing users to health challenges. These challenges may include; Short-term memory, red eyes, paranoia, anxiety, loss of consciousness, and death.
On the picture to the left, a Cannabis Edible purchased in a local Cannabis Social Club in Spain and also UK. The COA shows a high quantity of Delta8-THC. Consumers believed in Delta 9 THC.
HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is often described as a natural cannabinoid but in real it is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. It is formed from the hydrogenation of delta-9 THC. While HHC is naturally found in minute quantities in the cannabis plant, most HHC products are synthesized from the laboratory hydrogenation of delta-9 THC. Small concentrations of HHC, delta-10 THC, and delta-8 THC are formed when THC is naturally oxidized to CBN over a long time.
HHC is less potent than delta-8 THC and may be useful for people who want to experience the psychotropic effect of THC without failing drug tests. HHC may not be detected in drug screening, and hemp-derived products are legal. Mild-to- moderate doses of HHC can elicit a euphoric high like that of THC but with a more soothing quality like delta-8 THC. The challenge with HHC arises from the laboratory synthesis of the compound. This may employ toxic chemicals that can predispose the body to health hazards.
New on the market HHC Vapes and HHC CBD Flowers.
HHC-O
Hexahydrocannabinol-O-acetate (HHC-O), the acetate version of HHC, is a more potent version of HHC. HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC, which explains why it possesses similar effects to delta-9 and delta-8 THC. However, the real effect of HHC is still under research.
The “-O” attached to the HHC shows that the chemical has been mixed with acetic anhydride to boost its efficiency. By going through this process, it becomes almost twice as potent as before. Hence, you can call HHC-O a super HHC.
The process of creating HHC-O is similar to that of THC-O. The key difference is that you can use HHC rather than THC. The alterations this process makes are optimal for boosting either chemical’s effects. HHC-O is up to 3 times the potency of the HHC. However, HHC is halfway between delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Vaping HHC-O and other acetate forms of cannabinoids can lead to ketene formation. Ketene is a poisonous gas that can damage the lungs when inhaled for too long. The longer the exposure to ketene from cannabinoid acetates, the more likely the chances of developing lung complications.
THC-O
THC-O (THC-O-acetate) is a synthetic cannabinoid three times stronger than delta-9 THC. It is synthesized by combining delta-9 THC with acetic anhydride (a high-inflammable and colorless liquid used to manufacture plastics, explosives, fibers, dyes, and pharmaceuticals). The production of THC-O is highly dangerous as it utilizes volatile and flammable chemicals. It is often described as a psychedelic cannabinoid due to its strong intoxicating nature. High-dose consumption may lead to seizures, sedation, headache, and hallucinations. Vaping THC-O may lead to ketene formation, which is harmful to users.
Delta-10
Delta-10 THC exhibits a similar to delta-9 THC but in a less potent manner. It is formed when delta-9 THC is exposed to air or stored for a long time. It exists in small concentrations in the cannabis plant.
In the laboratory, Delta 10 THC is also formed similarly to delta-9 THC. It involves the conversion of hemp-derived CBD via the addition of some chemicals. Note that delta-10 products are mostly found in combination with delta-8 THC since it is hard to produce. It is almost impossible to have a product with 90% delta-10 THC. Delta-10 THC is milder than delta-9 THC and may produce similar effects but at higher doses. Information on the safety of delta-10 is still a grey area, as more research needs to be carried out. For now, it may predispose users to health challenges, especially when the conversion from CBD to delta-10 is carried out with toxic chemicals.
Delta-11
Delta-11 THC is a rare, naturally occurring form of THC. Delta-11, like delta-8, is present in minute amounts in the cannabis plants. It is rare because its extraction is expensive and requires lots of cannabis plants to achieve a reasonable concentration.
In cannabis products, delta-11 is synthesized via cannabinoid conversion, like THC-delta-8. It involves a basic laboratory process where another cannabinoid, like CBD, is turned into delta-11. The process may utilize harmful chemicals that make the products unfit for public use.
HHCP
HHCP, a short-term for Hexahydrocannabiphorol, is a hydrogenated form of HHC. It is a viscous oil in its pure form. HHCP does not exist in nature and, therefore, must be synthesized in the laboratory. It is created by taking HHC and enhancing the structure of its carbon side chain, thereby changing the way it interacts with cannabis receptors in the brain. HHCP is about 33x stronger than the regular THC and may be too intoxicating for public consumption.
As a synthetic cannabinoid, its synthesis may utilize several toxic chemicals, predisposing users to health hazards.
Are synthetic cannabinoids safe or legal?
The safety and legal status of synthetic cannabinoids may differ based on the extraction method and its effect on users. The legal status and possible safety of these cannabinoids are discussed below;
Delta-8
Only hemp-derived delta-8 THC is legal in the US. While the FDA is yet to ascertain the safety of delta-8 products, most scientists have reported its possible beneficial roles in modulating cognitive responses like pain relief and appetite.
Although delta-8 THC is sold as diet weed, the synthetic preparation of such products has been linked to several health hazards, including death. However, it is pertinent to note that these deaths came from the toxic chemicals used in synthesizing the cannabinoid and not the cannabinoid itself.
HHC
Hemp-derived HHC is legal and may offer several benefits to users. The mild psychotropic nature of HHC is great for people who may be subject to frequent drug tests. For now, there is limited scientific research on the safety of HHC.
The EMCDDA held in October 2022 a technical meeting about HHC and semi-synthetical Cannabinoids. Here you can read the summary. EMCDDA
THC-O
Vaping THC-O and every other cannabinoid acetate may lead to ketene formation. This is not good for people who are battling lung diseases.
In addition, the legal status of THC-O is a grey area since it is not classified as a controlled substance. However, it could be regarded as a synthetic analog of THC under the Federal Analog Act, 21 USC § 813. It implies that the use, possession, distribution, production, and
sale of THC-O are potentially not legal for the US market.
UK regulation states that any hemp or hemp derived products must contain less than 0.3% THC when in it’s dried state form to remain legal for sale and distribution. THC products are legal and available via private clinics and prescriptions at considerable cost making ONLY CBD products widely available. None of the above products are considered legal or better for you according to the UK professionals. The ‘community’ and grass root practitioners have varying ideas, understanding and acceptance of these products, these are similar to the rest of the world with many dividing over synthetic products their safety and use in recreational and medicinal uses.
EU regulation also states that products must contain less then 0,3% THC. Some Member states got different regulations, so the best would be to always check with your local authorities to know whether it is legal or not.
Conclusion
As the demand for more cannabinoids continues to increase, there is a need to pay special attention to product labeling and safety. Mislabeled products constitute a nuisance in the cannabis industry and also the grey area of Cannabis Social Clubs in Spain. It has led to several complications, including deaths. To minimize this, users must have basic information about cannabis products before paying for them. Basic information like cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and safety level of heavy metals and pesticides can be accessed by studying the certificate of analysis. Finally, cannabis dosage should be properly adhered to. Remember to start small and go slow. This can assist in limiting the side effects of cannabinoids.
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