Centre of Biosciences SAS
Topic
The novel psychoactive cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC): molecular and electrophysiological characterization of its effects in the nervous system
PhD. program
Biochemistry
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
RNDr. Katarína Ondáčová, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology of STU in Bratislava
Annotation
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a novel semi-synthetic cannabinoid derived from naturally occurring cannabinoids. Its psychoactive effects have been observed following consumption, predominantly among young adults. Although HHC is known to bind to cannabinoid receptors, its downstream signaling pathways and its influence on neuronal excitability have not yet been systematically investigated. This study aims to elucidate the effects of HHC on cannabinoid receptors, neuronal firing properties under in vitro conditions, and its impact on brain function in vivo.