Month: September 2022

With some sources boasting that it is 100 times more effective than CBD, it’s no wonder that the hydrogenated cannabinoid, H4CBD, has been getting a lot of attention recently.(1) In this guide, we’ll examine H4CBD from every possible angle and explain how to find the best H4CBD products available on the market. Dive into our in-depth guide to H4CBD: what It is, what it does, and how it compares to CBD.

What is H4CBD?

Hexahydrocannabidiol (H4CBD) is a synthesized cannabinoid, created by converting the two carbon-carbon double bonds in the limonene part of CBD to single bonds via the addition of four hydrogen atoms. This process, known as hydrogenation, is very similar to that used to make margarine from vegetable oil.

What does H4CBD do?

The exact properties of H4CBD remain largely unknown, The limited information available on this cannabinoid indicates that it has a considerably higher affinity for your brain’s CB1 neuroreceptors than conventional CBD. Since CBD normally does not have any direct affinity for CB1 receptors, it is unclear what to make of this data. Nonetheless, people who use H4CBD generally report that it feels like CBD, but with considerably higher psychoactivity.

Is H4CBD the same thing as CBD?

No. H4CBD and conventional CBD share many similarities, but they are not exactly the same molecule. These two cannabinoids offer completely different experienced effects. Also, from its chemical structure down to its method of procurement, CBD is fundamentally different from H4CBD.

H4CBD vs. CBD

How exactly do CBD and H4CBD compare when examined side-by-side? Discover the differences and similarities between these cannabinoids across the seven categories below:

Source

Both CBD and H4CBD come from hemp. While CBD is a direct hemp derivative, H4CBD is artificially modified, via hydrogenation, to reach its final form.

As a result, H4CBD must technically be considered a synthetic cannabinoid, even if it is only as synthetic as margarine. It’s technically possible to synthesize CBD as well. However, this cannabinoid is so abundant in hemp that there is no incentive to produce it synthetically.

Structure

H4CBD has been structurally altered to be slightly different from CBD. To transform CBD to H4CBD, four additional hydrogen atoms have been added to the limonene head of the molecule, replacing two carbon-carbon double bonds with single bonds, and, thereby, changing its shape and inherent properties.

Effects

Due to the results of a single study from 2006, there’s widespread speculation that H4CBD may be as much as 100 times more potent than CBD — at least in certain ways. The study in question found that hydrogenated forms of CBD showed surprisingly high affinity for the brain’s CB1 neuroreceptors.¹

The level of affinity was nowhere near as high as is observed in the case of THC, but it was, nonetheless, notable. While a 2017 research review echoed this opinion, no new studies into the bioactive or psychoactive properties of H4CBD have been conducted recently.²

Anecdotally, H4CBD users have noted that using this cannabinoid feels something like taking a 2:1 CBD:THC product. The familiar, non-intoxicating effects of CBD are still dominant. There’s also a slight sense of intoxication that might help take the edge off or make the effects of CBD more enjoyable.

Potency

Overall, it would be safe to say that H4CBD might offer something in the range of three times the potency of CBD. It’s been claimed that H4CBD offers 100 times the potency of normal CBD. Even if that’s the case, CBD’s potency at your CB1 receptors is negligible, at best.

In mathematical terms, if you take a tiny number and multiply it by a hundred, you’re still left with a tiny sum. The potentially increased activity of H4CBD at your CB1 receptors certainly appears to be worth further investigation. At present, it is unknown whether  H4CBD is “100 times more effective” than CBD in every area that CBD affects.

Legality

The legality of cannabinoids — both synthesized and natural — is currently a matter of considerable dispute. Overall, cannabinoids that are not delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol are considered industrial hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. Beyond this, the FDA has yet to produce meaningful regulations to help guide the rapidly growing online cannabinoid industry. Continue checking this space for updates as they emerge.

Availability

Between the two, CBD is currently by far the more widely available cannabinoid. Demand for H4CBD is rapidly growing and will naturally lead to the development of a wider array of products. Already, high-quality H4CBD distillates, isolates, and finished products are starting to appear online, heralding the beginning of a brand-new hemp renaissance.

How to choose the best H4CBD source

With H4CBD being such a new cannabinoid, it’s essential that you choose a source of H4CBD products that has an established reputation for excellence. The right H4CBD manufacturer will be well-established and have an excellent reputation for reliability, purity, and customer service.

Their facilities will be professionally certified and fully compliant with the lastest regulations. You should be offered a choice between pre-formulated and custom-formulated products. The best H4CBD company for your needs will assign a customer support specialist to guide you through the entire process to ensure your complete satisfaction, from start to finish.v

The bottom line: Is H4CBD better than CBD?

Scientists have known about H4CBD since the 1940s, but it’s only recently that this hydrogenated form of CBD entered the spotlight.³ As CBD has reached heights of popularity no one previously thought possible, demand for alternatives that might offer even-better benefits has arisen along with it.³

Is H4CBD truly the dark horse that will supplant CBD as the dominant option on the market? Since CBD is so beloved and abundant, it’s unlikely. If it’s true that H4CBD is more potent than conventional CBD in certain ways, it will certainly carve out a niche that requires new products.

H4CBD and CBD may have distinct differences, but consider their collective benefits: CBD could be the traditional, lower-strength, all-natural option while H4CBD would serve as the slightly-tweaked, higher-potency alternative. As the modern cannabinoid pharmacopeia continues to evolve, both CBD and H4CBD will certainly play pivotal roles.

H4CBD FAQs

1. What are hydrogenated cannabinoids?

A hydrogenated cannabinoid is a cannabinoid that has been subjected to hydrogenation, a process that adds hydrogen atoms to molecules. Many cannabinoids can be hydrogenated, and in most cases, it’s possible to hydrogenate each cannabinoid with different quantities of hydrogen atoms at different molecular locations. Every hydrogenated cannabinoid has unique properties. But in most cases, the chemical hydrogenation of a cannabinoid typically increases its potency.

2. Is H4CBD synthetic?

Yes, H4CBD is technically synthetic. Keep in mind that this hydrogenated cannabinoid has not been artificially constructed from scratch or combined with any complicated substances. Nonetheless, any alteration in a natural compound is considered a synthetic form of the original. Also, synthesized versions of substances almost always have new and unique properties.

3. Is H4CBD 100 times stronger than CBD?

The claim that H4CBD is 100 times stronger than conventional CBD is more hype than it is fact. Based on a single, unreplicated study from more than 15 years ago, scientists now speculate that H4CBD may demonstrate remarkably increased activity compared to CBD — but at the nervous system’s CB1 receptors, not the main targets of conventional CBD.

Normally, CBD has very little affinity for CB1 and may even reduce its activity. While CBD acts to potentiate the effects of endogenous cannabinoids, it acts to oppose THC’s interaction with CB1. It is a modulator of THC’s psychoactive effects. As a result of hydrogenation, H4CBD acquires a measurable affinity for CB1, making the synthetic cannabinoid more psychoactive.

4. Does H4CBD get you high?

It wouldn’t be quite accurate to say that H4CBD gets you high. Still, this cannabinoid certainly doesn’t provide the effects you usually associate with CBD, either. Based on limited preliminary research and anecdotal testimony, it appears that taking H4CBD feels like taking a big dose of CBD alongside a small dose of THC. As anyone who has ever combined the two cannabinoids knows, CBD has a tendency to drown out THC without completely eliminating its effects.

5. Is H4CBD the same thing as HHC?

No, H4CBD and HHC are different. Based on their origins, it’s natural to get the two cannabinoids confused. Just as H4CBD is a hydrogenated form of CBD, HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC. While H4CBD is believed to show greater activity at the CB1 receptors than CBD, HHC is generally believed to actually be somewhat weaker than conventional THC. Both examples show how hydrogenation can make modulate the potency of a substance.

6. Are there strains with H4CBD?

No, there are no strains of cannabis or hemp containing H4CBD because this cannabinoid is not naturally occurring. Since it is not possible to extract natural H4CBD, this cannabinoid can only be made artificially.

7. What is the best type of H4CBD product?

So far, users generally seem to prefer H4CBD vapes and gummies. Over time, we expect H4CBD capsules, tablets, and, even, topicals to also come into high demand. Whichever type of product you choose, H4CBD products should contain simple ingredients and be accompanied by thorough lab reports.

8. What are some common H4CBD effects?

Based on what little we know so far, it appears that H4CBD has roughly the same effects as CBD. Some evidence suggests that this synthetic derivative of CBD may be more effective at certain neuroreceptors. These neuroreceptors are not, however, commonly associated with the effects of CBD. Due to a continuing lack of research, not enough is known about H4CBD to say anything definitive regarding its effects.

9. What is H4CBD distillate?

H4CBD distillate consists of H4CBD combined with a “denatured” hemp distillate, from which other cannabinoids have been removed. Rare cannabinoids like H4CBD are often offered in distillate form since it is easy to combine a distillate base with practically any isolated cannabinoid.

H4CBD must be produced as a derivative of a natural hemp cannabinoid, making H4CBD distillate an inherently synthetic product. Even though its dominant cannabinoid is synthetic, H4CBD distillate still looks like you’d expect a distillate to look — honey-colored, viscous, and translucent.

10. What is the difference between CBD and H4CBD?

The primary difference between CBD and H4CBD is that CBD is natural while H4CBD is not. The dissimilarities don’t end there. It’s also an indisputable fact that we know far less about H4CBD than we do about conventional CBD — though there’s still plenty left to learn about both cannabinoids.

11. H4CBD gummies vs. H4CBD tinctures

Out of the two products, H4CBD tinctures are more likely to be simple and natural while H4CBD gummies might taste better or be easier to use. All new cannabinoids go through a transitional, scale-up period before many high-quality product sources become readily available.

As a result, it’s prudent to do plenty of research into how H4CBD gummies or tinctures are made before making any type of commitment. The H4CBD market is just beginning to emerge. It may take some time until competition and production systems drive product quality up to standard acceptable levels.

References

1. 1. Ben-Shabat, S., Hanuš, L. O., Katzavian, G., & Gallily, R. (2006, January 6). New Cannabidiol Derivatives: Synthesis, Binding to Cannabinoid Receptor, and Evaluation of Their Antiinflammatory Activity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 49(3), 1113–1117. Retrieved from https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jm050709m
2. 2. Morales, P., Reggio, P. H., & Jagerovic, N. (2017, June 28). An Overview on Medicinal Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Derivatives of Cannabidiol. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00422/full
3. 3. Jacob, A., & Todd, A. R. (1940). 119. Cannabis indica. Part II. Isolation of cannabidiol from Egyptian hashish. Observations on the structure of cannabinol. Journal of the Chemical Society (Resumed), 649. Retrieved from https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/1940/JR/jr9400000649
4. 4. Laprairie, R. B., Bagher, A. M., Kelly, M. E. M., & Denovan-Wright, E. M. (2015, October). Cannabidiol is a negative allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. British Journal of Pharmacology, 172(20), 4790–4805. Retrieved from https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.13250

Cannabis has been cultivated and revered for thousands of years. Nonetheless, it is only during the last century that science has begun to unveil its true complexity. As recently as the mid-20th century, our misconceptions, regarding the chemical structure of cannabis components, remained considerable. In fact, it’s only in the last few decades that the taxonomy of the hemp plant and its derivatives has become truly comprehensive.

For instance, scientists only recently started looking closely at rare, minor cannabinoids, like cannabimovone (CBM). Only present in rare varieties of hemp and in very small quantities, CBM has been incredibly hard to obtain. This is frustrating because CBM may offer exciting benefits for certain medical conditions.

Now, for the first time ever, CBM products are finally appearing on the market. What does CBM do and why should you use it? Find the answers in this thorough introduction to cannabimovone.

When was CBM discovered?

Cananbimovone was discovered by accident in 2010¹ in a regional Italian hemp variant, called Carmagnola. Later, another Italian research team discovered the “super-cannabinoids” THCP and CBDP² in Carmagnola, fueling further interest in this peculiar hemp strain.

In 2020, a team led by Fabio Arturo Iannotti submitted a study to Molecules³ that would gain international attention for CBM. In this publication, the research team found evidence that CBM may act as a PPARγ(Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma or PPARG) agonist – a type of therapeutic compound that stimulates PPARγ and is currently used to treat metabolic syndrome. If further research supports this evidence, CBM could prove useful in metabolic regulation and have a massive impact on the worldwide cannabinoid economy.

Is CBM a natural cannabinoid?

Yes, CBM is a natural cannabinoid, found in certain strains of Cannabis sativa. In nature, however, cannabimovone is available in quantities too small to be economically extracted. As a result, this cannabinoid is usually synthetically derived from CBD rather than extracted from hemp.

Where does CBM come from?

CBM occurs in some varieties of hemp, aside from Carmagnola. Most CBM is synthesized from CBD, making it similar to many other cannabinoids, like CBN and CBG. Because it has been synthesized, CBM is usually offered in its isolated form. However, it can be added to broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extracts as well.

What does CBM do?

CBM is a very new cannabinoid, so it’s hard to speculate on all its potential effects. Based on initial evidence, it appears CBM should be investigated in more detail for its possible benefits against diabetes, metabolic disorders, and other conditions caused by faulty metabolic signaling.⁴

Scientists have been investigating the potential benefits of cannabinoids for conditions ameliorated by increased PPAR signaling since at least 2007⁴. Research into this subject has accumulated over the years and will likely accelerate in the wake of recent discoveries, regarding CBM.

How does CBM work?

The regulation of energy metabolism in the human body is heavily influenced by two receptors, located in the nucleus of all our cells: PPARα (PPAR-alpha) and PPARγ (PPAR-gamma). PPARα stimulates genes that increase fat metabolism, modulate insulin secretion, and decrease vascular inflammation. In essence, it helps to prevent diabetes and the development of “fatty liver disease.” PPARγ complements PPARα by regulating the formation and metabolism of fat cells, increasing sensitivity to insulin, and enhancing glucose metabolism.  Together, these molecules help to regulate the body’s energy budget.

Poor insulin regulation leads to metabolic disorders, like diabetes and liver steatosis. By activating PPARγ receptors, cannabinoids like⁵ CBM might both promote proper cell growth and hormonal regulation, helping people with diabetes and similar conditions. However, research on the potential benefits of CBM is still ongoing.

What are the benefits of CBM?

As a PPARγ agonist, CBM is ideal since it can be made abundantly and inexpensively from CBD. Its benign pharmacological activity may provide an improved side effect profile compared to other potent PPARγ agonists.

Scientists have known about and targeted the body’s PPAR receptors in attempts to pharmacologically treat diabetes and other metabolic disorders over the years. There are even a few FDA-approved PPARγ agonist drugs on the market. However, consumers have shied away from this drug class due to certain unpleasant side effects (e.g., weight gain and fluid retention).

Cannabinoids are generally known as safe, making CBM a worthy target of research. If proven to be a safer source of PPARγ agonist activity than conventional pharmaceuticals, CBM could become a hotly desired commodity within the nutraceutical sector.

Is CBM legal?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabinoids other than delta 9 THC are generally considered “industrial hemp.” We are not aware of any efforts on the state or federal level to regulate CBM specifically. So, in the absence of specific legal prohibitions, it is reasonable to assume that CBM has roughly the same legal status as similar hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Can you buy CBM online?

Yes, it is now becoming possible to buy CBM online for the first time. Producers have recently learned how to produce this ultra-rare cannabinoid in scalable, commercial quantities. They are ready to put CBM products on the shelves, just as consumers are discovering the potential benefits of this cannabinoid.

At present, CBM is usually only available online in bulk quantities. A variety of different hemp extract types, containing CBM, may be available. Isolated CBM may also be combined and sold with broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extracts, containing other cannabinoids.

Summary: Should you try CBM?

More and more, cannabis is amazing researchers with its vast list of potential cannabinoid-derived benefits. Each cannabinoid contributes its own unique health-promoting effects that can work together with others to alleviate certain ailments.

Consumers are starting to view CBM as yet another strand in that web of cannabinoid wellness. While CBM is still too new for us to make any firm statements about it, it’s also true that what we know about cannabis already tells us that any future discoveries, regarding CBM, are unlikely to be disappointing.

Already, cannabinoids have revolutionized fields of medicine in ways nobody ever expected. CBM could well be the next chapter in this saga of natural hemp wellness. It’s now time to explore everything this new and promising cannabinoid can do.

CBM FAQs

Learn more about CBM, its benefits, and what it can do in the FAQ section below:

1. Is CBM the same as CBN?

No, despite being known by acronyms with final letters that are right next to each other in the alphabet, CBM and CBN are, in fact, quite different. Cannabinol (CBN) is a natural metabolite of THC, but it isn’t a primary product of the cannabis flower.

CBM, however, is its very own, naturally-produced cannabinoid — it isn’t a metabolite of anything. CBN and CBM also appear to have very different effects, though there’s still a lot we need to learn about both cannabinoids.

2. Is cannabimovone related to cannabicitran (CBT)?

No, cannabimovone and cannabicitran aren’t directly related. However, both substances are considered to be rare, minor cannabinoids. Discovered in the 1970s, CBT has been on the radar of international researchers for much longer than CBM. Even so, we still know just about as little about CBT as we do about CBM, CBE, or any of the other minor cannabinoids that are now becoming available online.

3. Is cannabimovone an HHC metabolite?

No, cannabimovone is not related to HHC or any other cannabinoids in the THC family. Instead, cannabimovone is structurally similar to CBD, although these two cannabinoids are not identical. Like CBD, CBM appears to serve a unique purpose that separates it from other hemp compounds.

4. Does CBM affect your cannabinoid receptors?

No, initial research into CBM does not indicate that this cannabinoid has any significant impact on your conventional CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Instead, this cannabinoid appears to primarily target your PPARγ receptors, which are critically important for combating insulin resistance.

5. What kinds of CBM products are there?

Right now, cannabimovone products are usually only available online in bulk quantities. From select producers, you can buy CBM either in bulk ingredient form or preformulated into finished products, like tinctures, capsules, and gummies. The sky’s the limit when it comes to this relatively untapped component of the online hemp market.

6. Can you use CBM with other cannabinoids?

Yes, there appears to be no reason to avoid using CBM in conjunction with other cannabinoids. Generally, cannabinoids are observed to synergize with each other, so using CBM with other cannabinoids may be beneficial. Nonetheless, keep in mind that we still know very little about the overall safety of CBM.

7. Is CBM the same as HHC?

No, cannabimovone is a different cannabinoid entirely from hexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC. The differences between these two compounds are many:

– HHC is easy to create and already abundant

– CBM is practically unheard of and almost nonexistent

– HHC has potent intoxicating properties

– CBM does not appear to be intoxicating at all

So many cannabinoids have recently become popular that it can be a challenge to tell them apart. Learning the differences between the new cannabinoids that have flooded the market is key to choosing the right ones for your needs.

8. Is cannabimovone synthetic?

No, cannabimovone is not inherently synthetic — it naturally occurs in certain strains of  Cannabis sativa—so it’s a natural compound. Since CBM is only available in very small quantities in nature,  all of the CBM currently available online has been synthesized from another cannabinoid. Chemically modifying one cannabinoid to produce another isn’t usually dangerous, but it does make the resulting substance, technically, synthetic.

9. Where can I buy CBM?

At present, CBM is only available for research purposes from large pharmaceutical manufacturers. The type of CBM sold by these manufacturers is chemically isolated and not suitable for consumption. Expect the world’s first CBM products to enter the market around the same time that shoppers start becoming aware of the benefits of this obscure cannabinoid.

10. Is CBM safe?

There is no evidence, indicating that CBM poses any particular dangers to the average user. Most cannabinoids, aside from THC, have been determined to have very little if any significant side effects. It’s very unlikely that CBM will break this trend. Be sure to only use CBM products that are designed for human consumption to avoid ingesting laboratory contaminants.

Sources

1. 1. Taglialatela-Scafati, O., Pagani, A., Scala, F., de Petrocellis, L., di Marzo, V., Grassi, G., & Appendino, G. (2010). Cannabimovone, a cannabinoid with a rearranged terpenoid skeleton from hemp. European Journal of Organic Chemistry, (11), 2067–2072. Retrieved from https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejoc.200901464
2. 2. Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F., Luongo, L., Iannotta, M., Maione, S., Laganà, A., Capriotti, A. L., Forni, F., Vandelli, M. A., Gigli, G., & Cannazza, G. (2019). A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific Reports, 9(1). Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-56785-1
3. 3. Iannotti, F. A., de Maio, F., Panza, E., Appendino, G., Taglialatela-Scafati, O., de Petrocellis, L., Amodeo, P., & Vitale, R. M. (2020). Identification and characterization of Cannabimovone, a cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa, as a novel PPARγ agonist via a combined computational and functional study. Molecules, 25(5), 1119. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/5/1119
4. 4. Sun, Y., & Bennett, A. (2007). Cannabinoids: A new group of agonists of PPARs. PPAR Research. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2007/023513/
5. 5. O’Sullivan, S. E. (2016). An update on PPAR activation by cannabinoids. British journal of pharmacology, 173(12), 1899-1910. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882496/

Cannabinoids are complex substances that come in many different forms. For research purposes, it’s important to label and categorize each and every unique substance found in Cannabis sativa. For average consumers, though, the arcane mysteries like the differences between CBE and CBD aren’t as relevant — even if they are fascinating.

CBE is a cannabinoid that’s just now appearing on the market in consumer-grade products. What does CBE do, and what role might it play in the future of the hemp industry? Find out in this guide.

When was CBE discovered?

Cannabielsoin (CBE) was discovered in 1973¹ as part of ongoing efforts to firmly establish the endlessly complex pharmacology of cannabis.1 It was originally stumbled upon as part of an experiment that involved heating cannabis extracts in oxygen-free environments, and it took until 1991² for cannabielsoin to be recognized as a metabolite of cannabidiol (CBD).

Chemical compounds rarely stay in the same form after they enter your body. Instead, they usually transform into substances called metabolites after encountering native tissues. CBE is simply a natural step along the way as the CBD you ingest in hemp products is processed by your body. 

Is CBE a natural cannabinoid?

Yes, CBE is considered to be a natural cannabinoid since it is not produced using synthetic means. However, CBE only naturally occurs when CBD is exposed to enzymes in your body, so technically, CBE is not naturally occurring in cannabis.

This seemingly unimportant fact has one significant impact: CBE can only be made outside the human body by exposing CBD to synthetic approximations of digestive enzymes. As a result, any CBE you find for sale online is certain to be synthetic at least to this degree.

Where does CBE come from?

CBE comes into existence when digestive enzymes transform CBD inside the human body. You cannot derive CBE directly from cannabis and hemp, and to be sold for research or consumption purposes, it must be enzymatically converted. In some cases, synthetic forms of human liver enzymes are used, but it has also been demonstrated that CBE can be converted from CBD using cannabis suspension cultures³.

What does CBE do?

CBE is generally believed to offer effects that are very similar to the effects of CBD. A paucity of scientific evidence exists regarding the effects of CBE, however, and since products containing consumer-grade CBE are very new to the market, there isn’t much anecdotal evidence either.

Based on the simple fact that CBE is not considerably structurally different from CBD, though, we can expect the two cannabinoids to behave similarly in the human body. If — as has been the case with CBDa and other alternative forms of CBD — CBE is discovered to offer unique benefits, this CBD derivative may become desirable for specific therapeutic applications.

How does CBE work?

Given the fact that we still know very little about what CBE even is, it’s hard to speculate regarding the potential mechanisms of action this CBD derivative might use in the human body. Based on the assumption that CBE behaves similarly to CBD, though, it’s reasonable to expect that this cannabinoid might interact with your 5-HT⁴ and TRP⁵ neuroreceptors, which are the primary neurological targets of CBD.

What are the benefits of CBE?

Even though we still know so little about CBE, it’s still possible to speculate on the potential therapeutic benefits of this compound. CBE also has certain undeniable practical benefits.

First, CBE’s chemical closeness to CBD gives us a significant leg up when researching this cannabinoid. So much has already been learned about CBD that studying CBE doesn’t need to involve reinventing the wheel.

CBE is also believed to be non-intoxicating, and there’s no reason to believe it is unsafe. 

Like CBD, CBE may end up being researched for its usefulness against anxiety, depression, pain, epilepsy, and other conditions. For that to happen, though, CBE must first be demonstrated to have some amount of practical utility.

Is CBE legal?

There are no laws or regulations specifically targeting CBE, so this cannabinoid is generally considered to be a hemp substance under the 2018 Farm Bill. The DEA has clarified⁶, however, that it views modified cannabinoids like CBE differently than unmodified, natural cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. Theoretically, therefore, CBE might be regulated differently from CBD.

Can you buy CBE online?

Yes, the world’s first consumer-grade CBE products are beginning to appear online. That’s right: CBE will soon be available in the same types of tinctures, gummies, and capsules that we’re all accustomed to containing CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids that are abundant in cannabis.

Since CBE was still only available from bulk chemical suppliers not so long ago, it pays to be cautious with CBE products you find on the internet. Prefer labs with abundant certifications that perform thorough in-house contaminant testing.

The bottom line: Is CBE worth trying?

At this point, the question isn’t whether CBE is worth trying but rather if it’s even possible to try CBE in the first place. With the only types of CBE products available online consisting of overpriced isolate extracts mostly used in university research labs, you’ll be hard pressed to find opportunities to try CBE even if you’d like to.

Think about it this way, though: You already use CBE every time you use CBD. Never forget that CBE is, first and foremost, a metabolite that CBD turns into as it is processed by your body. At a certain point, every CBD molecule you ingest becomes CBE, and then it continues on throughout your body in its new form.

That’s part of the reason CBE hasn’t become more popular. There usually isn’t much of a market for metabolites that transform right after ingestion unless an unexpected application can be found. CBE could well be the next wonder cure for something, but for exactly what, we don’t yet know.  

CBE FAQs

Learn more about CBE from the answers to these frequently asked questions:

1. How many different cannabinoids are there?

Estimates indicate that well over 100 different cannabinoids have been discovered. Some of these cannabinoids (like CBD) naturally occur in cannabis and hemp, but others only appear after they interact with the human body.

Most cannabinoids, in fact, are simply iterations of a core group of around 10 substances. For example, CBD has two alternate forms: CBDa, a precursor substance, and CBDV, an entirely separate but very similar cannabinoid.

Then, CBDV also has its own precursor, CBDVa. You can see how things get complicated quickly. It might be quite some time until we establish exactly how many cannabinoids there are.

2. Is cannabielsoin the same thing as cannabifuran?

No, even though their acronyms are deceptively similar, cannabielsoin (CBE) and cannabifuran (CBF)⁷ aren’t at all related. CBF is believed to be a derivative of THC and have intoxicating properties, but we know even less about CBF at this point than we do about CBE. For instance, it’s not even clear whether CBF naturally occurs in cannabis or if it can only be synthesized.

3. Does CBE come from CBD?

Yes, CBE is a derivative of CBD. This cannabinoid is derived from CBD when it is exposed to liver enzymes after ingestion. Based on the limited research that has been conducted into CBE so far, this cannabinoid appears to essentially behave as a “watered-down” form of CBD that has already been partially processed by your body.

4. Is there CBE in CBD products?

No, CBD products do not contain CBE since this cannabinoid does not naturally occur in cannabis or hemp. Instead, CBE naturally occurs in the human body when CBD is exposed to digestive enzymes. As a result, you could say that CBD products are filled to the brim with “potential” CBE molecules, but they don’t contain any CBE at all until after you ingest them.

5. Is there a CBM cannabinoid?

Yes, there is a cannabinoid known as CBM or cannabimovone. Only just discovered in 2010, CBM is one of the newest and most mysterious cannabinoids, but initial research⁸ has been conducted to determine the usefulness of CBM for conditions as varied as eating disorders and diabetes.

6. What is the difference between CBD and CBE?

The primary differences between CBD and CBE are their rarity and the amount of research that has been conducted on each cannabinoid, which ultimately are related variables. The reason CBE has received hardly any research attention is that it is very rare.

CBD, on the other hand, has been researched intently for multiple decades due to its abundance, and it now composes a major portion of the global hemp and cannabis industry. In terms of effects, it’s hard to know exactly how CBD and CBE compare since so little is known about CBE in general.

7. Where can I buy bulk CBE distillate?

At this point, we aren’t aware of any safe or reputable sources of CBE distillate. This cannabinoid is too new and little-known to be produced in great quantities, and the producers who make it do so only for research purposes. 

The type of CBE you can buy online comes in isolate, not distillate form, and it is not suited for human consumption. It will likely be a few years before reputable sources of CBE appear on the market.

8. Is cannabielsoin psychoactive?

There is no reason to believe CBE is intoxicating, and its chemical structure resembles that of a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Every cannabinoid so-far discovered, however, is psychoactive to some degree.

Even CBD is psychoactive — it just doesn’t cause the type of intoxicating psychoactivity associated with THC. Hopefully CBE is determined to be psychoactive in some ways just as long as it stays the case that this cannabinoid is judged non-intoxicating.

9. What are the effects of cannabielsoin?

We don’t know enough about CBE to say much about its effects. All we know for certain is that anecdotal reports indicate that this cannabinoid feels a lot like CBD.

Sources

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