CBX vs CBDX: what are the differences?

Today, we take a look at the difference between CBX and CBDX (or CBD-X). One is an acronym for cannabioxepane, a cannabinoid with curious properties discovered in 2011, the other stands for Cannabinoid Xtrem, a new blend of cannabinoids, of which there are more and more since the last ban in June 2024.

 

Without further ado, here's a precise definition of the two "molecules".

 

 

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What is CBX (Cannabioxepane)?

Origin and discovery

CBX is a relatively recent discovery, dating back to 2011. It was the subject of a scientific analysis published in 2015. This new minor cannabinoid is the fruit of research into Cannabis sativa, which has already led to the isolation of over a hundred compounds.

 

CBX was first identified in a study carried out on Carmagnola. A variety of textile hemp, naturally producing relatively high levels of CBD (between 4 and 8% on average) and low levels of THC (1%). Its name comes directly from a locality in the metropolitan city of Turin. It is one of the oldest varieties of Italian hemp, a close cousin of the "Bolognese", "Toscana" and "Ferrarese" varieties.

Chemical structure

According to the study, CBX is a rare and structurally unique cannabinoid. It belongs to a family of biphenyl cannabinoids with a unique tetracyclic structure. This structure is partially aromatized, based on two linked benzene rings, which makes it similar to a terpene or CBDV and very different from CBD and THC.

The effects of CBX

While its structure may have aroused scientific curiosity, the same cannot be said for its effects. Indeed, the study concluded that CBX had no interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors, nor with TRPA1 receptors, which play a role in modulating pain and inflammation, and thatit exhibited no psychotropic activity.

 

This is rather bad news for this newcomer, because in the absence of effects, pharmacological interest in it is limited. As you probably know, it's above all these interactions with the endocannabinoid system and TRPs that are currently being studied and researched.

What is CBDX (Cannabinoid Xtrem)?

CBDX: an unclear composition

Once again, as with HPE CBD, we'd be hard-pressed to answer this question. It'sa blend of cannabinoids and terpenes, playing on the entourage effect, developed to replace the former derivatives now banned, such as THCP or HHCPO.

 

Nevertheless, the sellers don't reveal anything about its composition, so we don't know which terpenes or cannabinoids are used to make the product.

Hypothetical and incomplete effects

According to the sites that market it, its supposed effects are :

 

• Relaxants: The cannabinoid blend is said to have positive effects on anxiety and stress. It is said to be beneficial in cases of anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress and depression.
• Analgesics: CBDx is said to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects in common with CBD.
• Sleep benefits: some users have reported a reduction in night-time awakenings and improved sleep quality.

 

However, we would point out that no information is provided on the exact composition of the mixture, so these effects appear to be highly speculative, entirely hypothetical and of course have no real scientific basis.

 

What's more, we find it quite interesting that this molecule is proposed as a replacement for THCP, and that nothing is said about any psychoactivity. We recall in passing that THCP is a minor cannabinoid quite similar to THC, and that its psychoactive properties were very real.

 

 

CBX vs CBDX: scientific versus economic interest

CBX: a cannabinoid doomed to oblivion?

Although scientifically interesting for its unique structure, little scientific interest has been shown in CBX. Its lack of binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, or to TRPA1, distances it from current scientific research, which is focused on cannabinoids that have demonstrated pharmacological or recreational interest.

 

In any case, unless an unexpected discovery is made, it is highly unlikely that CBX-based products will be marketed in the years to come.

Market interest in active molecules

As you know, research is expensive - no money, no research. On the other hand, people are increasingly interested in the naturally beneficial and recreational potential of cannabinoids.

 

This is why the range of products based on mixtures of cannabinoids and terpenes, or on artificially-generated cannabinoids, is constantly growing and renewing itself with each ban.

 

While CBX is unlikely to be found in CBD shops, CBDx comes in a wide range of products. These include flowers, resins, gummies, vapes and e-liquids...

CBX and CBDX: future and legality

In short, CBX is a scientifically intriguing cannabinoid with no immediate application, while CBDX represents an opportunistic market response to changing regulations. Both are totally legal for the time being, despite the lack of research into them. And for a reason.

 

In France, as in most of Europe, CBD and its derivatives are classified as dietary supplements, and as such they join the long list of products, sometimes sold in pharmacies, whose interest and real benefits are often questioned by scientists, in the same way that vitamin mixtures are said to be useless or even dangerous[1 ; 2].

 

Nevertheless, as the French Minister of Health reminded us on France Inter when HHC was banned, this type of product "fills a hole in the market "[3]. A hole left by a banned but known product, with certain proven beneficial effects, to the benefit of products whose effects are as obscure as they are potentially dangerous.