∆8-THC is moderately less potent than Δ9-THC (being ≈50-66% as potent in-vivo).[5][6] This essentially means that it has properties similar to those of ∆9-THC, although to a lesser degree per milligram of material consumed.[7] Delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC both contain a double bond in their molecular chain, but the location is different. Delta-8-THC has the bond in the 8th carbon chain while delta-9 contains it in the 9th carbon chain.
A 1973 study testing the effects of ∆8-THC in dogs and monkeys reported that a single oral dose of 9,000 milligrams per kilogram of body mass (mg/kg) was nonlethal in all dogs and monkeys studied.[9][10] The same study reported that the median lethal dose of ∆8-THC in rats was comparable to that of ∆9-THC.[9] Both isomers of THC have been found to cause a transient increase in blood pressure in rats,[11] though the effects of cannabinoids on the cardiovascular system are complex.[12] Animal studies indicate that ∆8-THC exerts many of its central effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors found in various regions of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, hippocampus, and cerebellum.[13][14]
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic profile of ∆8-THC is similar to that of ∆9-THC.[5][6] It is a partial agonist of CB1 and CB2cannabinoid receptors with about half the potency of ∆9-THC in most but not all measures of biological activity.[15][16][17] ∆8-THC has been reported to have a Ki value of 44 ± 12 nM at the CB1 receptor and 44 ± 17 nM at the CB2 receptor.[18] These values are higher than those typically reported for ∆9-THC (CB1 Ki = 40.7 nM) at the same receptors, indicating that ∆8-THC binds to cannabinoid receptors less efficiently than ∆9-THC.[19]
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetic profile of ∆8-THC is also similar to that of ∆9-THC.[5][6] Following ingestion in humans, hepaticcytochrome P450 enzymes including CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 first convert ∆8-THC into 11-hydroxy-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-Δ8-THC).[20][21] Next, dehydrogenase enzymes convert 11-OH-Δ8-THC into 11-nor-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (11-nor-Δ8-THC-9-COOH, also known as Δ8-THC-11-oic acid).[21][22] Finally, Δ8-THC-11-oic acid undergoes glucuronidation by glucuronidase enzymes to form 11-nor-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid glucuronide (Δ8-THC-COOH-glu).[21][22] This final product is then excreted in the urine.[23][24]
Physical and chemical properties
∆8-THC is a tricyclic terpenoid. Although it has the same chemical formula as ∆9-THC, one of its carbon-carbon double bonds is located in a different position.[5] This difference in structure increases the chemical stability of ∆8-THC relative to ∆9-THC, lengthening shelf life and allowing the compound to resist undergoing oxidation to cannabinol over time.[15] Like other cannabinoids, ∆8-THC is very lipophilic (log P = 7.4[25]). It is an extremely viscous, colorless oil at room temperature.[26]
∆8-THC has a double bond (a) between the carbon atoms labeled 8 and 9. ∆9-THC has a double bond (a) between the carbon atoms labeled 9 and 10.
The ongoing controversy regarding the legal status of ∆8-THC in the U.S. (see below) is complicated by chemical nomenclature. According to a 2019 literature review published in Clinical Toxicology, the term "synthetic cannabinoid" typically refers to a full agonist of CB1 and CB2cannabinoid receptors.[32] According to the review, "The psychoactive (and probably the toxic) effects of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists are likely due to their action as full receptor agonists and their greater potency at CB1 receptors."[32] Because ∆8-THC and ∆9-THC are partial agonists of cannabinoid receptors,[16] rather than full agonists, these compounds are less potent and less toxic than many synthetic cannabinoids.[33] Although it has not been definitively proven if full agonism is the reason for toxicity as Delta-9-THC has been shown to act as a full CB1 agonist on specific CB1 receptors located in the hippocampus section of the brain.[34] and the synthetic cannabinoid EG-018 acts as a partial agonist[35] The classical cannabinoid dibenzopyran structure class of drugs which includes THC interact with a different spot inside of the CB1 receptor than synthetic cannabinoid compounds of unrelated chemical classes such as Naphthoylindoles do which may contribute to toxicity.[36]
History
The partial synthesis of ∆8-THC was published in 1941 by Roger Adams and colleagues at the University of Illinois.[37] In 1942, the same research group studied its physiological and psychoactive effects after oral dosing in human volunteers.[38]Total syntheses of ∆8-THC were achieved by 1965.[39] In 1966, the chemical structure of ∆8-THC isolated from cannabis was characterized using modern methods by Richard L. Hively, William A. Mosher, and Friedrich W. Hoffmann at the University of Delaware.[40] A stereospecific synthesis of ∆8-THC from olivetol and verbenol was reported by Raphael Mechoulam and colleagues at the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1967.[41] ∆8-THC was often referred to as "Delta-6-THC" (Δ6-THC) in early scientific literature, but this name is no longer conventional among most authors.[42]
Legality in the United States
In 1937, Delta-9 THC was made illegal with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, which made cannabis illegal on a federal level. Over the course of the 1970s, 11 states decriminalized marijuana, with others reducing related penalties. In 1976, the start of a parent’s movement that influenced public attitudes, which led to the War on Drugs in the 1980s. President Ronald Reagan re-enacted mandatory sentences for cannabis-related offenses.[43]
The 2018 United States farm bill signed into law in December 2018 states "that any cannabis containing under 0.3% Delta-9 THC is classified as “hemp” and no longer a controlled substance.",[44] ∆8-THC products partially synthesized from compliant sources (including industrial hemp and derivative cannabidiol extracts) have been sold by a range of digital vendors and a more limited array of brick and mortar retailers, including head shops. Ranging from bulk quantities of unrefined distillate to prepared edibles and atomizer cartridges[45] suffused with cannabis-derived terpenes, they are usually marketed as federally legal alternatives to their ∆9-THC counterparts.[46] However, the legal status of ∆8-THC at the federal level is in question with some believing that the Oct. 2020 DEA IFR addressing "synthetics" applied to Delta-8 and other hemp derivatives allowed by the Farm Bill.[47][48]
Beginning in late 2020, ∆8-THC began to attract the attention of many cannabis consumers throughout the United States. Thought of as an alternative to traditional cannabis use, especially in areas where marijuana is illegal, the news of ∆8-THC spread quickly via news agencies,[48] cannabis publications,[46] blogs, and podcasts which attracted a storm of social media attention.
Because marketing of ∆8-THC products does not require special licensing or, in most states, chemical analysis, the fact that these products can be produced and marketed nationally instead of one state at a time, and have no more tax than an ordinary sales tax, if that, means that they are far cheaper than ∆9-THC products purchased in a cannabis dispensary. They can be sent through the mail; ∆9-THC products, still illegal at the federal level, can not. As of 2021, a sizeable new industry, including franchises, is being or has already been created.
As of early 2021, "Delta-8"/∆8-THC is one of the fastest growing segments of products derived from hemp.[49]
Despite claims of legality by manufacturers, independent testing of products from retail often reveals significant levels of delta 9 THC, well above the legal threshold.[50] One store owner in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin is facing a sentence of up to 50 years for selling delta 8 products with illegal amounts of delta 9 THC.[51] Other raids and arrests have happened due to delta 9 THC content of these products in North Carolina.[52][53] Catoosa County Sheriff Sisk has announced intent to prosecute stores distributing delta 8 THC with non-compliant delta 9 THC levels, and has stated “the products the sheriffs office has purchased and tested all contain significant levels of Delta 9.” and that they have “evidence needed to move forward with prosecution and seizures."[54]
Delta-8-THC products have been sold in regulated recreational Cannabis and medical Cannabis industries within the United States for over 2 years. Including California's regulated recreational Cannabis industry [55] and Pennsylvania's regulated medical Cannabis industry[56][57] both with products containing Delta-8-THC at levels unnaturally higher than what the plant can produce suggesting chemical conversion.
The states of Michigan and Oregon have regulated Delta-8-THC products to be sold under their respective regulated Cannabis systems.[58][59]
Safety concerns
∆8-THC is typically synthesized from cannabidiol extracted from hemp[60] as the natural quantities of Delta 8 found in hemp are low. The reaction often yields a mixture that contains other cannabinoids and unknown reaction by-products. As a result, most products sold as ∆8-THC are not actually pure ∆8-THC.[60] Little is known about the identity and the health effects of the impurities.[60]
The FDA has reported 104 adverse event reports related to delta 8 THC, including one pediatric case with a coded outcome of "death".[61] National poison control centers received 2,362 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products between January 1, 2021 (i.e., date that delta-8 THC product code was added to database), and February 28, 2022, 58% of these exposures involve adults.[61]
Although ∆8-THC is a minor constituent of medical cannabis, no large clinical studies have been conducted on it alone. However, thus far the pharmacology of the compound has been found to be similar to its isomer delta-9-THC, though with less potency.
^ abcdHollister LE, Gillespie HK (May 1973). "Delta-8- and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration". Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 14 (3): 353–7. doi:10.1002/cpt1973143353. PMID4698563. S2CID41556421.
^Charalambous A, Marciniak G, Shiue CY, Dewey SL, Schlyer DJ, Wolf AP, Makriyannis A (November 1991). "PET studies in the primate brain and biodistribution in mice using (-)-5'-18F-delta 8-THC". Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior. 40 (3): 503–7. doi:10.1016/0091-3057(91)90354-5. PMID1666914. S2CID140208679.
^Tripathi HL, Vocci FJ, Brase DA, Dewey WL (1987). "Effects of cannabinoids on levels of acetylcholine and choline and on turnover rate of acetylcholine in various regions of the mouse brain". Alcohol and Drug Research. 7 (5–6): 525–32. PMID3620017. INIST:7401152.
^ abcAbrahamov A, Abrahamov A, Mechoulam R (May 1995). "An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology". Life Sciences. 56 (23–24): 2097–102. doi:10.1016/0024-3205(95)00194-b. PMID7776837.
^ abcVillamor JL, Bermejo AM, Tabernero MJ, Fernandez P, Sanchez I (December 1998). "GC/MS Determination of 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-Δ 8 -tetrahydrocannabinol in Urine from Cannabis Users". Analytical Letters. 31 (15): 2635–2643. doi:10.1080/00032719808005332.
^ abValiveti S, Hammell DC, Earles DC, Stinchcomb AL (June 2005). "LC-MS method for the estimation of delta8-THC and 11-nor-delta8-THC-9-COOH in plasma". Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 38 (1): 112–8. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2004.11.055. PMID15907628.
^Huffman JW, Padgett LW (31 May 2005). "Recent developments in the medicinal chemistry of cannabimimetic indoles, pyrroles and indenes". Current Medicinal Chemistry. 12 (12): 1395–411. doi:10.2174/0929867054020864. PMID15974991.
^Adams R, Cain CK, McPhee WD, Wearn RB (August 1941). "Structure of Cannabidiol. XII. Isomerization to Tetrahydrocannabinols 1". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 63 (8): 2209–2213. doi:10.1021/ja01853a052.
^Hively RL, Mosher WA, Hoffmann FW (April 1966). "Isolation of trans-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol from marijuana". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 88 (8): 1832–3. doi:10.1021/ja00960a056. PMID5942992.
^Mechoulam R, Braun P, Gaoni Y (August 1967). "A stereospecific synthesis of (-)-delta 1- and (-)-delta 1(6)-tetrahydrocannabinols". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 89 (17): 4552–4. doi:10.1021/ja00993a072. PMID6046550.
^"Archived copy". www.maitrimedicinals.com. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.((cite web)): CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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