{"id":29424,"date":"2026-07-13T09:03:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T08:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/synthetic-cannabinoids\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T06:32:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T05:32:11","slug":"synthetic-cannabinoids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/blog\/synthetic-cannabinoids\/","title":{"rendered":"Synthetic Cannabinoids: Risks, HHC, and New Substances Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Synthetic cannabinoids have been a source of concern for years. Many people are familiar with natural cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, or CBG, which come from the hemp plant. Others have heard of the body\u2019s own endocannabinoid system, which is involved in various processes within the body. However, there is another group: artificially produced or chemically modified cannabinoids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is exactly where things get complicated. Some of these substances were originally developed for research or medical purposes. Others later appeared as so-called \u201clegal highs,\u201d herbal blends, vapes, edibles, or supposedly legal alternatives to THC. In recent years in particular, semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC, HHC-O, and THCP have also come into focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article explains what synthetic cannabinoids are, how they differ from natural and semisynthetic substances, and why they are increasingly viewed with skepticism in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and throughout Europe. The aim here is not to cause panic, but to provide honest information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a Nutshell: What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic cannabinoids are artificially produced substances that can interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. Many of these substances bind to the CB1 receptor<\/a>, which also plays an important role in the effects of THC. However, the effects can be significantly stronger, more unpredictable, and riskier than those of natural cannabis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well-known names include Spice, K2, and Legal High. These are often herbal blends that have been sprayed with synthetic active ingredients. It is nearly impossible for users to tell what substance is contained in the product, how strong the dose is, or whether there are any other contaminants present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is what makes synthetic cannabinoids particularly dangerous. While traditional cannabis products contain a natural mixture of plant compounds, synthetic products may contain individual, highly potent substances in unclear dosages. This significantly increases the risk of severe side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic: What’s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cannabis<\/figure>
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Natural cannabinoids are produced in the hemp plant. These include CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, and CBN. Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-AG, are produced by the human body itself. You can find out more in our article on the endocannabinoid system<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic cannabinoids are produced entirely artificially. They do not necessarily have to be chemically similar to THC, but they can still have a strong effect on cannabinoid receptors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids fall somewhere in between. They are usually derived from a natural source material that is chemically modified. Depending on how they are classified, these include substances such as HHC, HHC-O, HHC-P, THCP, delta-8-THC, or similar derivatives. Such products are often made from CBD or other hemp components and then chemically modified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that a natural origin does not automatically make a product natural, safe, or legal. Semisynthetic substances, in particular, can pose new risks because manufacturing residues, byproducts, and long-term effects are often not sufficiently studied. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why are synthetic cannabinoids so dangerous?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The biggest problem is unpredictability. Many synthetic cannabinoids can be significantly more potent than THC. At the same time, it\u2019s often unclear how much of the active ingredient is actually present. Especially in the case of sprayed herbal blends or tampered-with flowers, the substance isn\u2019t distributed evenly. Some areas may contain much higher concentrations than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Possible acute effects include severe anxiety, panic, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, or psychosis-like states. In severe cases, life-threatening outcomes have also been reported. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, many people aren\u2019t even aware that they\u2019re consuming a synthetic cannabinoid. Especially on the black market, CBD flowers, cannabis flowers, or hashish can be sprayed with synthetic substances after the fact. From the outside, the product often looks harmless, even though it may contain a highly potent active ingredient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, expert agencies generally advise caution when it comes to unknown cannabis products, vapes of unclear origin, “legal high” products, or edibles from dubious sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HHC and Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids: The New Gray Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At one point, HHC was sold in Europe as a legal alternative to THC. Products were available as vapes, flowers, resins, oils, gummy bears, or other edibles. Many advertising slogans sounded harmless: \u201clegal,\u201d \u201cnaturally derived,\u201d or \u201cCBD-based.\u201d However, it is precisely these terms that can be misleading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although HHC occurs naturally in cannabis in very small traces, commercially available quantities are generally produced through chemical conversion. As a result, HHC belongs to the group of semi-synthetic cannabinoids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risks have not been fully clarified. With such products, it is not just the main active ingredient that matters, but also purity, byproducts, solvent residues, dosage, and manufacturing quality. Hanf Magazin therefore takes a critical view of similar gray-market products such as \u201cCBX hemp resin\u201d and points out that unclear descriptions of active ingredients, a lack of laboratory analyses, and blanket promises of legality are red flags. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction is also closely monitoring semi-synthetic cannabinoids. European reports mention HHC and related substances in connection with acute poisonings, new product forms, and rapid market changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Czech Republic shows how quickly HHC can become a problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A particularly clear example is the Czech Republic. There, HHC, HHC-O, and THCP were reclassified in 2024 following cases of poisoning. Edible products such as gummy bears, chocolate, cookies, and beverages were particularly problematic. To children and adolescents, such products sometimes appeared to be just like regular candy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a TRIS notification, the European Commission reported that more than 170 cases of poisoning related to HHC, HHC-O, or THCP were recorded in the Czech Republic between June 2022 and early February 2024. Children and adolescents were particularly affected. In January 2024, several HHC overdoses among minors were reported in the Karlovy Vary region alone, including at least one case requiring treatment in the intensive care unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, HHC, HHC-O, and THCP were temporarily classified as addictive substances in the Czech Republic. This example illustrates very clearly that semi-synthetic cannabinoids can emerge as supposedly legal novelty products but can quickly be subject to regulatory controls if they pose health risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For consumers, this means that terms such as \u201clegal,\u201d \u201cnew,\u201d or \u201cCBD-based\u201d are no guarantee of safety. What matters most are the specific substance, the dosage, the product form, the origin, and the current legal situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland: Legal Classification of HHC and Synthetic Cannabinoids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Switzerland, too, HHC was viewed critically from the outset. IG Hanf Schweiz reported that, as of March 31, 2023, HHC was added to the list under the Narcotics Control Ordinance by the Federal Department of Home Affairs. As a result, HHC became subject to the control measures under narcotics law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IG Hanf also welcomed planned bans on synthetic cannabinoids and cannabinoid mimetics as a measure against abuse and the illegal trade in contaminated designer drugs. At the same time, it is important to note that a synthetically produced substance is not automatically bad in every context. In medicine, there are approved synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids. The main problems stem from unregulated recreational products, unclear compositions, and a lack of quality control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Switzerland, the following also applies: Low-THC CBD products containing less than 1 percent THC are not subject to the Narcotics Act. However, synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids cannot simply be equated with legal CBD hemp. They may be regulated separately and treated very differently under the law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contaminated Cannabis Products: Why It’s Often Hard to Tell<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A particularly high risk arises when cannabis flowers or hashish are treated with synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Saferparty Z\u00fcrich points out that such substances can be sprayed onto legally produced CBD cannabis in order to sell it profitably as THC-containing cannabis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem: It\u2019s almost impossible to detect this with certainty by sight, smell, or taste. A bud can look normal and still be treated with a highly potent active ingredient. This makes this form of contamination more dangerous than many traditional cutting agents, which sometimes leave visible traces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caution is also advised when it comes to vapes, edibles, or resin products from unknown sources. The less clear the origin, lab results, and supply chain are, the greater the risk of unexpected additives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer legal, tested products, Herba di Berna offers a transparent selection in the categories of CBD flowers<\/a>, CBD hash<\/a>, and CBD vapes<\/a>. Our focus remains clear: tested quality, traceable origin, and fast shipping throughout Switzerland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drug Testing in Switzerland: Useful When Suspicion Arises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If you\u2019re unsure, using our Canna Check Box<\/a> is one option\u2014but it\u2019s also an important part of harm reduction in general. Saferparty Z\u00fcrich offers cannabis drug testing and provides specific information about synthetic cannabinoids and adulterants in cannabis products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drug checking can help identify unexpected adulterants, dangerous active ingredients, or particularly high concentrations. It does not automatically make drug use safe, but it significantly improves the information available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who has a product from an unknown source should be cautious if they experience any unusual effects. Unusually strong effects, panic, confusion, circulatory problems, seizures, or a loss of touch with reality are warning signs. In Switzerland, the emergency number 144 should be called in acute emergencies. <\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Canna<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How can you better protect yourself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The safest way to deal with synthetic cannabinoids is to consistently avoid such products. This applies especially to Spice, K2, legal highs, vapes of unknown origin, gummy bears containing psychoactive substances, unknown resins, or cannabis products from dubious sources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few guidelines can help you make sense of it all: Don\u2019t trust advertising claims like \u201clegal high\u201d or \u201c100 percent legal.\u201d Look for transparent sourcing, lab analyses, and clear labeling. Avoid products with vague, made-up names like CBX if it\u2019s not clearly explained what substances they contain. Use drug checking if a product seems suspicious or triggers unexpected effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to legal CBD products, quality starts with a traceable supply chain. At Herba di Berna, we focus on certified products, clear labeling, and honest classification\u2014not on gray-market promises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion: Education offers better protection than a false sense of security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic cannabinoids are not a harmless alternative to cannabis. Many of these substances have strong, unpredictable effects and have been studied far less extensively than natural cannabinoids. Semisynthetic cannabinoids such as HHC also demonstrate how quickly new markets can emerge before the risks and legal situation have been fully clarified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The example of the Czech Republic makes it clear that edibles containing HHC, HHC-O, or THCP, in particular, can pose a serious risk, especially if children and adolescents have access to them. Developments in Switzerland also show that HHC and related substances are not simply treated as ordinary CBD products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a Bern-based company with customers throughout Switzerland, Herba di Berna stands for transparent information, certified quality, and responsible hemp cultivation. Natural CBD products with traceable origins are in a league of their own compared to unregulated \u201clegal high\u201d products or adulterated black-market products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) \u2013 What are synthetic cannabinoids?<\/h2>
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What are synthetic cannabinoids exactly, and how do they interact with the body?<\/h3>
\n

The scientific answer to “What are synthetic cannabinoids” is that they are entirely artificially produced laboratory chemicals designed to highly actively bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Originally developed for medical research, they now frequently appear as dangerous additives in unregulated recreational products like “Spice” or legal highs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Are these artificial substances legally permitted in Switzerland?<\/h3>
\n

The legal classification always depends on the specific substance, making it impossible to give a blanket answer regarding what synthetic cannabinoids mean legally in individual cases. Since new psychoactive substances (NPS) are regularly reviewed and banned as narcotics in Switzerland, you should never rely on misleading terms like “legal high.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How can cannabis flowers sprayed with chemicals be reliably detected?<\/h3>
\n

Unfortunately, checking the appearance, smell, and taste is nowhere near enough to reliably detect what synthetic cannabinoids are hiding on seemingly natural flowers. To rule out severe health risks from these artificial additives, utilizing professional drug-checking services is the only safe method whenever there is suspicion.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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To what extent are semi-synthetic substances like HHC safer than pure THC?<\/h3>
\n

Anyone who understands what synthetic cannabinoids can cause should also be extremely cautious with semi-synthetic variants like HHC, as they offer no guaranteed safety. These chemically altered substances are insufficiently researched, meaning their unexpected byproducts, lack of purity, and incalculable long-term risks pose a massive health danger.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the exact difference between synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids?<\/h3>
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While the definition of what synthetic cannabinoids are involves purely artificial lab substances, semi-synthetic variants are created by chemically altering natural raw materials like CBD. This highly processed category includes controversial and scientifically insufficiently researched substances such as HHC, HHC-O, or Delta-8-THC.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What measures apply in a medical emergency caused by unusual cannabis effects?<\/h3>
\n

If sudden confusion, seizures, or shortness of breath occur\u2014typical symptoms of what synthetic cannabinoids can trigger\u2014consumption must be stopped immediately, and in Switzerland, emergency number 144 must be dialed right away. Such acute reactions to new psychoactive substances are extremely dangerous and always require immediate professional medical help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

List of sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Saferparty Zurich: Cannabis and Drug Checking<\/a>
Saferparty Zurich: Synthetic Cannabinoids<\/a>
Saferparty Zurich: Cannabis, Cutting Agents, and Synthetic Cannabinoids<\/a>
Infodrog: (Semi-)Synthetic Cannabinoids, Fact Sheet for Professionals<\/a>
SafeZone \/ Infodrog: (Semi-)synthetic cannabinoids, information for users<\/a>
IG Hanf Switzerland: HHC listed in Switzerland in the BetmVV-EDI directory<\/a>
IG Hanf Switzerland: Synthetic cannabinoids and cannabinoid mimetics<\/a>
European Commission TRIS: Czech Republic, HHC, HHC-O, and THCP<\/a>
Czech National Monitoring Center: HHC, HHC-O, and THCP classified as addictive substances in the Czech Republic<\/a>
European Union Drugs Agency: Semi-synthetic cannabinoids in Europe<\/a>
Hanf Magazin: CBX hemp resin, risks, and the law<\/a>
Hanf Magazin: European Drug Report 2026<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Synthetic cannabinoids have been a source of concern for years. Many people are familiar with natural cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, or CBG, which come from the hemp plant. Others have heard of the body\u2019s own endocannabinoid system, which is involved in various processes within the body. However, there is another group: artificially produced or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1147,"featured_media":89021,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[556],"tags":[304,997],"class_list":["post-29424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowledge","tag-knowledge","tag-synthetic-cannabinoids"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1147"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29424"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91093,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29424\/revisions\/91093"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/89021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}