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Trade names | Marinol, Syndros |
Other names | (6aR,10aR)-delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol; (−)-trans-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol; THC |
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Dependence liability | Physical: Low Psychological: Low–moderate |
Addiction liability | Relatively low: 9% |
Routes of administration | By mouth, transdermal, sublingual, inhalation |
Drug class | Cannabinoid |
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Bioavailability |
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Protein binding | 97–99% [3] [4] [5] |
Metabolism | Mostly hepatic by CYP2C [3] |
Elimination half-life | 1.6–59 h, [3] 25–36 h (orally administered dronabinol) |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.153.676 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C21H30O2 |
Molar mass | 314.469 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Specific rotation | −152° (ethanol) |
Boiling point | 155–157 °C (311–315 °F) 0.05mmHg, [6] 157–160°C @ 0.05mmHg [7] |
Solubility in water | 0.0028 mg/mL (23 °C) [8] |
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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. [9] It is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids identified on the plant. Although the chemical formula for THC (C21H30O2) describes multiple isomers, [10] the term THC usually refers to the delta-9-THC isomer with chemical name (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a colorless oil.
THC, referred to as dronabinol in the pharmaceutical context, is approved in the United States as a capsule or solution to relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and HIV/AIDS-induced anorexia. [11]
THC is an active ingredient in nabiximols, a specific extract of Cannabis that was approved as a botanical drug in the United Kingdom in 2010 as a mouth spray for people with multiple sclerosis to alleviate neuropathic pain, spasticity, overactive bladder, and other symptoms. [12] [13] Nabiximols (as Sativex) is available as a prescription drug in Canada. [14] In 2021, nabiximols was approved for medical use in Ukraine. [15]
Side effects of THC include red eyes, dry mouth, drowsiness, short-term memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, ataxia, increased appetite, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis (i.e., hallucinations, delusions), decreased motivation, and time dilation, among others. [16] [17]
Chronic usage of THC may result in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition characterized by cyclic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that may persist for months to years after discontinuation. [16]
The median lethal dose of THC in humans is not fully known as there is conflicting evidence. A 1972 study gave up to 90 mg/kg of THC to dogs and monkeys without any lethal effects. Some rats died within 72 hours after a dose of up to 36 mg/kg. [18] A 2014 case study based on the toxicology reports and relative testimony in two separate cases gave the median lethal dose in humans at 30 mg/kg (2.1 grams THC for a person who weighs 70 kg; 154 lb; 11 stone), observing cardiovascular death in the one otherwise healthy subject of the two cases studied. [19] A different 1972 study gave the median lethal dose for intravenous THC in mice and rats at 30–40 mg/kg. [20]
Formal drug–drug interaction studies with THC have not been conducted and are limited. [21] [22] The elimination half-life of the barbiturate pentobarbital has been found to increase by 4 hours when concomitantly administered with oral THC. [21]
The actions of Δ9-THC result from its partial agonist activity at the cannabinoid receptor CB1 (Ki = 40.7 nM [23] ), located mainly in the central nervous system, and the CB2 receptor (Ki = 36 nM [23] ), mainly expressed in cells of the immune system. [24] The psychoactive effects of THC are primarily mediated by the activation of (mostly G-coupled) cannabinoid receptors, which result in a decrease in the concentration of the second messenger molecule cAMP through inhibition of adenylate cyclase. [25] The presence of these specialized cannabinoid receptors in the brain led researchers to the discovery of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glyceride (2-AG).[ citation needed ]
THC is a lipophilic molecule [26] and may bind non-specifically to a variety of entities in the brain and body, such as adipose tissue (fat). [27] [28] THC, as well as other cannabinoids that contain a phenol group, possess mild antioxidant activity sufficient to protect neurons against oxidative stress, such as that produced by glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. [24]
THC targets receptors in a manner far less selective than endocannabinoid molecules released during retrograde signaling, as the drug has a relatively low cannabinoid receptor affinity. THC is also limited in its efficacy compared to other cannabinoids due to its partial agonistic activity, as THC appears to result in greater downregulation of cannabinoid receptors than endocannabinoids. Furthermore, in populations of low cannabinoid receptor density, THC may even act to antagonize endogenous agonists that possess greater receptor efficacy. However while THC's pharmacodynamic tolerance may limit the maximal effects of certain drugs, evidence suggests that this tolerance mitigates undesirable effects, thus enhancing the drug's therapeutic window. [29]
Recently, it has been shown that THC is also a partial autotaxin inhibitor, with an apparent IC50 of 407 ± 67 nM for the ATX-gamma isoform. [30] THC was also co-crystallized with autotaxin, deciphering the binding interface of the complex. These results might explain some of the effects of THC on inflammation and neurological diseases, since autotaxin is responsible of LPA generation, a key lipid mediator involved in numerous diseases and physiological processes. However, clinical trials need to be performed in order to assess the importance of ATX inhibition by THC during medicinal cannabis consumption.
With oral administration of a single dose, THC is almost completely absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. [21] However, due to first-pass metabolism in the liver and the high lipid solubility of THC, only about 5 to 20% reaches circulation. [3] [21] Following oral administration, concentrations of THC and its major active metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) peak after 0.5 to 4 hours, with median time to peak of 1.0 to 2.5 hours at different doses. [21] [3] In some cases, peak levels may not occur for as long as 6 hours. [3] Concentrations of THC and 11-hydroxy-THC in the circulation are approximately equal with oral administration. [21] There is a slight increase in dose proportionality in terms of peak and area-under-the-curve levels of THC with increasing oral doses over a range of 2.5 to 10 mg. [21] A high-fat meal delays time to peak concentrations of oral THC by 4 hours on average and increases area-under-the-curve exposure by 2.9-fold, but peak concentrations are not significantly altered. [21] A high-fat meal additionally increases absorption of THC via the lymphatic system and allows it to bypass first-pass metabolism. [31] Consequently, a high-fat meal increases levels of 11-hydroxy-THC by only 25% and most of the increase in bioavailability is due to increased levels of THC. [31]
The bioavailability of THC when smoking or inhaling is approximately 25%, with a range of 2% to 56% (although most commonly between 10 and 35%). [22] [32] [3] The large range and marked variability between individuals is due to variation in factors including product matrix, ignition temperature, and inhalational dynamics (e.g., number, duration, and intervals of inhalations, breath hold time, depth and volume of inhalations, size of inhaled particles, deposition site in the lungs). [22] [32] THC is detectable within seconds with inhalation and peak levels of THC occur after 3 to 10 minutes. [3] [32] Smoking or inhaling THC results in greater blood levels of THC and its metabolites and a much faster onset of action than oral administration of THC. [22] [32] Inhalation of THC bypasses the first-pass metabolism that occurs with oral administration. [22] The bioavailability of THC with inhalation is increased in heavy users. [3]
Transdermal administration of THC is limited by its extreme water insolubility. [22] Efficient skin transport can only be obtained with permeation enhancement. [22] Transdermal administration of THC, as with inhalation, avoids the first-pass metabolism that occurs with oral administration. [22]
The volume of distribution of THC is large and is approximately 10 L/kg (range 4–14 L/kg), which is due to its high lipid solubility. [21] [22] [32] The plasma protein binding of THC and its metabolites is approximately 95 to 99%, with THC bound mainly to lipoproteins and to a lesser extent albumin. [21] [3] THC is rapidly distributed into well-vascularized organs such as lung, heart, brain, and liver, and is subsequently equilibrated into less vascularized tissue. [22] [32] It is extensively distributed into and sequestered by fat tissue due to its high lipid solubility, from which it is slowly released. [31] [22] [32] THC is able to cross the placenta and is excreted in human breast milk. [22] [3]
The metabolism of THC occurs mainly in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4. [33] [34] CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 are the primary enzymes involving in metabolizing THC. [21] Pharmacogenomic research has found that oral THC exposure is 2- to 3-fold greater in people with genetic variants associated with reduced CYP2C9 function. [21] When taken orally, THC undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, primarily via hydroxylation. [21] The principal active metabolite of THC is 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), which is formed by CYP2C9 and is psychoactive similarly to THC. [31] [22] [21] This metabolite is further oxidized to 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH). In animals, more than 100 metabolites of THC could be identified, but 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH are the predominant metabolites. [31] [35]
More than 55% of THC is excreted in the feces and approximately 20% in the urine. The main metabolite in urine is the ester of glucuronic acid and 11-OH-THC and free THC-COOH. In the feces, mainly 11-OH-THC was detected. [36]
Estimates of the elimination half-life of THC are variable. [22] THC was reported to have a fast initial half-life of 6 minutes and a long terminal half-life of 22 hours in a population pharmacokinetic study. [22] [32] Conversely, the Food and Drug Administration label for dronabinol reports an initial half-life of 4 hours and a terminal half-life of 25 to 36 hours. [21] Many studies report an elimination half-life of THC in the range of 20 to 30 hours. [3] 11-Hydroxy-THC appears to have a similar terminal half-life to that of THC, for instance 12 to 36 hours relative to 25 to 36 hours in one study. [3] The elimination half-life of THC is longer in heavy users. [22] This may be due to slow redistribution from deep compartments such as fatty tissues, where THC accumulates with regular use. [22]
Category | Compound | THC-relationship |
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Analogs | Dimethylheptylpyran | an analog of THC |
Analogs | Levonantradol | an analog of THC |
Analogs | Nabilone | a novel synthetic cannabinoid analog (neocannabinoid) that mimics THC. [37] |
Analogs | Nabitan | an analog of THC |
Analogs | Tinabinol | an analog of THC and dimethylheptylpyran |
Derivatives | 9-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (9-OH-HHC) | a semi-synthetic derivative of THC |
Derivatives | Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) | a hydrogenated derivative of THC |
Derivatives | THC morpholinylbutyrate | a synthetic derivative of THC |
Esters | THC hemisuccinate | the hemisuccinate ester of THC that's water soluble and has rectal bioavailability to reach CNS |
Esters | THC-O-acetate | the acetate ester of THC |
Esters | THC-O-phosphate | a water-soluble organophosphate ester derivative |
Homologues | Parahexyl | a homologue of THC |
Homologues | Tetrahydrocannabihexol (THCH) | a hexyl homologue of THC |
Homologues | Tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THCC) | a homologue of THC and THCV |
Homologues | Tetrahydrocannabutol (THCB) | a homologue of THC |
Homologues | Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) | the heptyl homologue of THC |
Homologues | Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) | a homologue of THC |
Isomers | Cis-THC | an isomer of THC |
Isomers | Δ-3-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-3-THC) | a synthetic isomer of THC |
Isomers | Δ-4-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-4-THC) | a synthetic isomer of THC |
Isomers | Delta-7-Tetrahydrocannabinol | a synthetic isomer of THC |
Isomers | Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol | a double bond isomer of THC |
Isomers | Delta-10-Tetrahydrocannabinol | a positional isomer of THC |
Metabolites | 3'-Hydroxy-THC | a minor active metabolite of THC |
Metabolites | 8,11-Dihydroxytetrahydrocannabinol | an active metabolite of THC |
Metabolites | 11-Hydroxy-Δ-8-THC | an active metabolite of THC |
Metabolites | 11-Hydroxy-THC | the main active metabolite of THC |
Metabolites | 11-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol | an active metabolite of THC and a metabolite of the trace cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) |
Metabolites | 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC | the main secondary metabolite of THC |
Precursor | Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) | the biosynthetic precursor for THC |
Prodrug | THC-VHS | a synthetic prodrug of THC |
As with many aromatic terpenoids, THC has a very low solubility in water, but good solubility in lipids and most organic solvents, specifically hydrocarbons and alcohols. [8]
A total synthesis of the compound was reported in 1965; that procedure called for the intramolecular alkyl lithium attack on a starting carbonyl to form the fused rings, and a tosyl chloride mediated formation of the ether. [38] [ third-party source needed ]
As a phytochemical, THC is assumed to be involved in the plant's evolutionary adaptation against insect predation, ultraviolet light, and environmental stress. [39] [40] [41]
In the Cannabis plant, THC occurs mainly as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA, 2-COOH-THC). Geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid react, catalysed by an enzyme to produce cannabigerolic acid, [42] which is cyclized by the enzyme THC acid synthase to give THCA. Over time, or when heated, THCA is decarboxylated, producing THC. The pathway for THCA biosynthesis is similar to that which produces the bitter acid humulone in hops. [43] [44] It can also be produced in genetically modified yeast. [45]
Cannabidiol was isolated and identified from Cannabis sativa in 1940 by Roger Adams who was also the first to document the synthesis of THC (both Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC) from the acid-based cyclization of CBD in 1942. [46] [47] [48] [49] THC was first isolated from Cannabis by Raphael Mechoulam in 1964. [50] [51] [52] [53]
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Cannabis |
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Female cannabis plants contain at least 113 cannabinoids, [54] including cannabidiol (CBD), thought to be the major anticonvulsant that helps people with multiple sclerosis, [55] and cannabichromene (CBC), an anti-inflammatory which may contribute to the pain-killing effect of cannabis. [56]
THC and its 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH metabolites can be detected and quantified in blood, urine, hair, oral fluid or sweat using a combination of immunoassay and chromatographic techniques as part of a drug use testing program or in a forensic investigation. [57] [58] [59] There is ongoing research to create devices capable of detecting THC in breath. [60] [61]
THC, along with its double bond isomers and their stereoisomers, [62] is one of only three cannabinoids scheduled by the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (the other two are dimethylheptylpyran and parahexyl). It was listed under Schedule I in 1971, but reclassified to Schedule II in 1991 following a recommendation from the WHO. Based on subsequent studies, the WHO has recommended the reclassification to the less-stringent Schedule III. [63] Cannabis as a plant is scheduled by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (Schedule I and IV). It is specifically still listed under Schedule I by US federal law [64] under the Controlled Substances Act for having "no accepted medical use" and "lack of accepted safety". However, dronabinol, a pharmaceutical form of THC, has been approved by the FDA as an appetite stimulant for people with AIDS and an antiemetic for people receiving chemotherapy under the trade names Marinol and Syndros. [65]
In 2003, the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence recommended transferring THC to Schedule IV of the convention, citing its medical uses and low abuse and addiction potential. [66] In 2019, the Committee recommended transferring Δ9-THC to Schedule I of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, but its recommendations were rejected by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. [67]
As of 2023, 38 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States allow medical use of cannabis (in which THC is the primary psychoactive component), with the exception of Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. [68] As of 2022, the U.S. federal government maintains cannabis as a schedule I controlled substance, while dronabinol is classified as Schedule III in capsule form (Marinol) and Schedule II in liquid oral form (Syndros). [69] [70]
As of October 2018 when recreational use of cannabis was legalized in Canada, some 220 dietary supplements and 19 veterinary health products containing not more than 10 parts per million of THC extract were approved with general health claims for treating minor conditions. [14]
The status of THC as an illegal drug in most countries imposes restrictions on research material supply and funding, such as in the United States where the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Drug Enforcement Administration continue to control the sole federally-legal source of cannabis for researchers. Despite an August 2016 announcement that licenses would be provided to growers for supplies of medical marijuana, no such licenses were ever issued, despite dozens of applications. [71] Although cannabis is legalized for medical uses in more than half of the states of the United States, no products have been approved for federal commerce by the Food and Drug Administration, a status that limits cultivation, manufacture, distribution, clinical research, and therapeutic applications. [72]
In April 2014, the American Academy of Neurology found evidence supporting the effectiveness of the cannabis extracts in treating certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis and pain, but there was insufficient evidence to determine effectiveness for treating several other neurological diseases. [73] A 2015 review confirmed that medical marijuana was effective for treating spasticity and chronic pain, but caused numerous short-lasting adverse events, such as dizziness. [74]
Preliminary research indicates that prolonged exposure to high doses of THC may interfere with chromosomal stability, which may be hereditary as a factor affecting cell instability and cancer risk. The carcinogenicity of THC in the studied populations of so-called "heavy users" remains dubious due to various confounding variables, most significantly concurrent tobacco use. [76]
Medical cannabis, medicinal cannabis or medical marijuana (MMJ) refers to cannabis products and cannabinoid molecules that are prescribed by physicians for their patients. The use of cannabis as medicine has a long history, but has not been as rigorously tested as other medicinal plants due to legal and governmental restrictions, resulting in limited clinical research to define the safety and efficacy of using cannabis to treat diseases.
Cannabinoids are several structural classes of compounds found in the cannabis plant primarily and most animal organisms or as synthetic compounds. The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (delta-9-THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is also a major constituent of temperate cannabis plants and a minor constituent in tropical varieties. At least 100 distinct phytocannabinoids have been isolated from cannabis, although only four have been demonstrated to have a biogenetic origin. It was reported in 2020 that phytocannabinoids can be found in other plants such as rhododendron, licorice and liverwort, and earlier in Echinacea.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive phytocannabinoid that acts as a low affinity partial agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This activity at CB1 and CB2 receptors constitutes interaction of CBN with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and accounts for up to 40% of the plant's extract. Medically, it is an anticonvulsant used to treat multiple forms of epilepsy. It was discovered in 1940 and, as of 2024 clinical research on CBD included studies related to the treatment of anxiety, addiction, psychosis, movement disorders, and pain, but there is insufficient high-quality evidence that CBD is effective for these conditions. CBD is sold as an herbal dietary supplement and promoted with yet unproven claims of particular therapeutic effects.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a homologue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) having a propyl (3-carbon) side chain instead of pentyl (5-carbon), making it non-psychoactive in lower doses. It has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective activity, appetite suppression, glycemic control and reduced side effects compared to THC, making it a potential treatment for management of obesity and diabetes. THCV was studied by Roger Adams as early as 1942.
THC-O-acetate is the acetate ester of THC. The term THC-O-acetate and its variations are commonly used for two types of the substance, dependent on which cannabinoid it is synthesized from. The difference between Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC is bond placement on the cyclohexene ring.
11-Hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, usually referred to as 11-hydroxy-THC is the main active metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is formed in the body after Δ9-THC is consumed.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabutol is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis that is a homologue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component of Cannabis. Structurally, they are only different by the pentyl side chain being replaced by a butyl side chain. THCB was studied by Roger Adams as early as 1942
11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, often referred to as 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC or THC-11-oic acid, is the main secondary metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is formed in the body after cannabis is consumed.
Dronabinol, sold under the brand names Marinol and Syndros, is the generic name for the molecule of (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the pharmaceutical context. It has indications as an appetite stimulant, antiemetic, and sleep apnea reliever and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective for HIV/AIDS-induced anorexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active component of cannabis.
Trauma contributed to promoting the use and potential abuse of cannabis. Conversely, cannabis use has been associated with the intensity of trauma and PTSD symptoms. While evidence of efficacious use of cannabis is growing in novelty, it is not currently recommended.
Δ-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is an isomer of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound commonly known as THC, with which it co-occurs in hemp; natural quantities of ∆8-THC found in hemp are low. Psychoactive effects are similar to that of Δ9-THC, with central effects occurring by binding to cannabinoid receptors found in various regions of the brain.
THC hemisuccinate is a synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol, developed in the 1990s. It is a water-soluble prodrug ester which is converted into THC inside the body, and was developed to overcome the poor bioavailability of THC when taken by non-inhaled routes of administration. In medical applications it has mainly been formulated as rectal suppositories.
11-Hydroxy-Δ-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is an active metabolite of Δ8-THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid found in small amounts in cannabis. It is an isomer of 11-OH-Δ9-THC, and is produced via the same metabolic pathway. It was the first cannabinoid metabolite discovered in 1970.
11-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol is an active metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a metabolite of the trace cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).
Tetrahydrocannabihexol is a phytocannabinoid, the hexyl homologue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which was first isolated from Cannabis plant material in 2020 along with the corresponding hexyl homologue of cannabidiol, though it had been known for several decades prior to this as an isomer of the synthetic cannabinoid parahexyl. Another isomer Δ8-THCH is also known as a synthetic cannabinoid under the code number JWH-124, though it is unclear whether this occurs naturally in Cannabis, but likely is due to Δ8-THC itself being a degraded form of Δ9-THC. THC-Hexyl can be synthesized from 4-hexylresorcinol and was studied by Roger Adams as early as 1942.
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant or synthetic compounds that can interact with the endocannabinoid system. The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Delta-9-THC), the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of some cannabis plants. Conversion of CBD to THC can occur when CBD is heated to temperatures between 250–300 °C, potentially leading to its partial transformation into THC.
8-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinols are active primary metabolites of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in animals and trace phytocannabinoids. The 8-OH-HHCs are produced in notable concentrations following HHC administration in several animal species, including humans. They have drawn research interest for their role in HHC toxicology and stereoisomeric probes of the cannabinoid drug/receptor interaction.
Conversion of cannabidiol (CBD) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can occur through a ring-closing reaction. This cyclization can be acid-catalyzed or brought about by heating.
Dronabinol has a large apparent volume of distribution, approximately 10 L/kg, because of its lipid solubility. The plasma protein binding of dronabinol and its metabolites is approximately 97%.
In dogs and monkeys, single oral doses of Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC between 3000 and 9000/mg/kg were nonlethal.
Δ9-THC and many of its derivatives are highly lipophilic and poorly water soluble. Calculations of the n-octanol-water partition coefficient (Ko/w) of Δ9-THC at neutral pH vary between 6,000, using the shake flask method, and 9.44 × 106, by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography estimation.
Because they are extremely lipid soluble, cannabinoids accumulate in fatty tissues, reaching peak concentrations in 4–5 days. They are then slowly released back into other body compartments, including the brain. ... Within the brain, THC and other cannabinoids are differentially distributed. High concentrations are reached in neocortical, limbic, sensory and motor areas.
THC is highly lipophilic and initially taken up by tissues that are highly perfused, such as the lung, heart, brain, and liver.