DELTA-8-THC

Description

Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is a positional isomer of the more abundant and widely known Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol1 (Δ9-THC), which is usually called just THC. The Δ9 isomer was the Molecule of the Week for January 24, 2011.
In contrast to Δ9-THC, the Δ8 isomer content of marijuana plants (Cannabis spp.) is no more than 1%. It is most likely not produced by plant metabolism but is formed by the degradation (isomerization) of Δ9. The pharmacological profile of Δ8 is similar to that of Δ9 with somewhat less psychoactive potency.
Richard L. Hively and William A. Mosher at the University of Delaware (Newark) and Friedrich W. Hoffmann at Edgewood Arsenal (MD) reported the isolation of Δ8-THC in 1966, just 2 years after the initial report of the structure of Δ9.2 One year later, the research team that pioneered the discovery of THC, led by Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, published stereospecific total syntheses of both isomers.
Since its discovery and synthesis, Δ8-THC has been largely ignored by the public—until recently. Even though the psychoactive properties of Δ8 are like those of the Δ9 isomer, it is largely unregulated; and consumers have begun to use it to achieve a high while relieving stress and anxiety. The low concentration of Δ8 in cannabis is overcome by synthesizing it from widely available, inexpensive cannabidiol; however, the resulting product is usually impure, and its health effects have not been extensively studied.
As the Δ8-THC craze spreads, chemists and regulators are growing increasingly concerned. Several states have begun to crack down on sales even though Δ8-THC that contains <0.3% of the Δ9 isomer is not illegal. The president of one drug-testing firm says, “I believe that Δ8 has a legitimate place in therapeutics and potentially adult use, but I just don’t see anybody doing it appropriately. It’s all bathtub gin.”
1. CAS Reg. No. 1972-08-3. 2. In the nomenclature system used in this and other early articles about THCs, Δ9 is named Δ1, and Δ8 is named Δ6.

The Uses of DELTA-8-THC

It is one of the active constituent of cannabis. Agonist at CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Antiemetic; appetite stimulant. Controlled substance (hallucinogen).

Definition

ChEBI: Delta8-THC is a 1-benzopyran.