The chemical structure of THC has a delta nine-eleven structure, known as the skeletal formula. It is a standard notation used to describe organic molecules. This structure assumes that the carbon atoms are located at the corners of the molecule. It does not specify the hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms, but assumes that each carbon atom is associated with enough hydrogen atoms to form four bonds.
Biological Effects
The chemical structure of THC is a tricyclic compound with 21 carbons and two chiral centers in trans configuration. Its structure is different from that of most alkaloids and has no nitrogen atoms. It also lacks the structural features of other alkaloids, such as the heterocyclic ring.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is produced in the body by the cyclization of cannabigerolic acid, a precursor to THC. This precursor to THC is produced by an enzyme called THC acid synthase. This enzyme also produces the metabolite geranyl pyrophosphate.
While the biosynthesis of cannabinoids is still largely unknown, cannabinoids share a common pathway. During biosynthesis, hexanoyl-CoA is sequentially cyclized with malonyl-CoA by a tetraketide synthase. Olivetolic acid cyclase aromatizes the resulting 3,5,7-trioxododecane-CoA, and aromatic prenyltransferase inserts a prenyl group into the 2-resorcinol position. This step produces cannabigerolic acid, a chemical with many therapeutic uses.
The final demethylation is performed with boron tribromide to give (-)-trans-D9-THC. The dehydrogenation of the compound is asymmetric, with the help of a ruthenium catalyst. The final demethylation is performed at ambient temperature, and the product, the (-)-trans-D9-THC, is the halogenated form of the drug.
The chemical structure of THC-COOH makes it difficult to quantify its effects because it has a higher lipophilicity than other drugs. Therefore, it is important to use a reference material that is free of carboxylated compounds. This way, the drug can be used without fear of legal repercussions.
The main route of administration is by inhalation, which causes rapid and intense absorption of the active principle. The heat that activates the acid precursors in the phytocomplex also destroys approximately 30% of the THC content. THC is detectable in the plasma and saliva within seconds of the first puff, and its concentration rises continuously. Further, THC is metabolized to produce hydroxylated analytes (11-OH-THC).
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids have a high potential for abuse and have few human studies to back up their safety. They can cause severe agitation and anxiety, a heightened sense of alertness, and even psychosis. They also contain multiple chemicals in varying concentrations, making their toxicity unpredictable. Many public health authorities have issued health warnings about these drugs. They are also known to lead to serious physical and psychological disorders and may be carcinogenic.
Synthetic cannabinoids are sold in a variety of retail locations including drug paraphernalia stores, novelty stores, and gas stations. Many of them are also sold online. They are not legal and should be avoided. They are also sold in colorful packages and may be misleading. Their packaging may claim they are safe for consumption, but this is not true. The products may be sold under false names such as fake weed or synthetic marijuana and may appeal to young users.
Several states have taken action to regulate the production and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids. Previously, no federal or state-level regulation had been placed on these compounds. However, these laws have changed over time and many new products have been released in the market.
Synthetic cannabinoids have a high potential for abuse. They are primarily used by adolescents and young adults. According to the Monitoring the Future survey, one out of nine 12th graders reported using synthetic cannabinoids in the past year.
In the early 2000s, chemical companies began producing large quantities of synthetic cannabinoids. The products were typically sold in half-kilogram packages. The manufacturing of these products is carried out in small laboratories in Asia.
Precursors
Precursors of THC are a class of compounds found in marijuana plants. They contain high amounts of cannabinoids. These compounds are most potent in the leaves of mature plants. In immature plants, they contain little to no THC. The oldest fan leaves contain the highest levels of cannabinoids. These plants are generally not valued for their resin, so they are often removed from gardens and destroyed. The leaves, however, are edible. They are often prepared by heating them in butter or oil. They can also be used in salads.
The most abundant natural cannabinoids are THCA and CBDA. They differ from their neutral forms by having a carboxyl group in the C2 position. The carboxyl group in the C2 position is lost during decarboxylation, the process in which THC and CBD are synthesized. This loss of the carboxyl group makes the cannabinoids unstable.
Cannabis has nine different cannabinoids with biogenic precursors. These include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THC acid A (THCA), and THC acid B (THC acid). Both THC and CBD are derived from THC and the other cannabinoids aren’t psychoactive. Female Cannabis sativa plants produce up to 20 times more THC than male plants. This is because female cannabis plants produce higher levels of cannabinoids in their reproductive parts. These plants also produce D8-THC, which is considered an artifact and has a lower activity compared to THC.
The first cannabinoid discovered in plants was cannabigerolic acid (CBG). The other types of cannabinoid precursors include cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBD). Both are oxidation artifacts and are derived from THC.
Similarity To Natural Cannabinoids
While synthetic cannabinoids are chemically different from natural cannabinoids, their effects are comparable. They bind to the same cannabinoid receptors. In 2008, synthetic cannabinoids were found in a variety of herbal smoking mixtures. These were sold under the Spice Gold, Yucatan Fire, and Aroma brands. Because of their chemical similarity to natural cannabinoids, these products were banned in many European countries. In addition, their use was curbed in ‘head shops’ and online stores.
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It causes a high sensation and can be consumed by smoking marijuana or ingesting it through oils, edibles, tinctures, and capsules. THC and CBD are similar in chemical structure, but they have different effects on the body due to differences in atom arrangements. The two compounds affect neurotransmitters that play roles in sleep, pain, immune function, and stress.
While there are a number of synthetic cannabinoids on the market, only THC is naturally produced by plants. Synthetic cannabinoids are often very potent and have unpredictable effects. Many of them are much stronger than natural THC, and they are mixed with other chemicals or drugs.
