Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-8-THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is similar to the more well-known Δ-9-THC, but with less potency. Δ-8-THC has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including antiemetic and anxiolytic properties.

Chemical Properties and Synthesis:

Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-8-THC) is a tricyclic terpenoid with high lipophilicity, existing as a viscous, colorless oil at room temperature.
Chemical synthesis of Δ-8-THC involves converting cannabidiol (CBD) under specific conditions, with concerns about impurities in untested products.
Studies have demonstrated the isolation and synthesis of various THC metabolites, including specific THC isomers, and the stereospecific synthesis of THC.
Isomerization of CBD to tetrahydrocannabinols has been achieved, highlighting increased chemical stability in Δ-8-THC compared to Δ-9-THC.

Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics:

Δ-8-THC acts as a partial agonist of cannabinoid receptors, binding less efficiently than Δ-9-THC but sharing similar pharmacological profiles.
Metabolism of Δ-8-THC involves hepatic enzymes converting it to 11-hydroxy-Δ-8-THC and further metabolizing it for excretion.
Pharmacokinetic studies show similarities between Δ-8-THC and Δ-9-THC, with Δ-8-THC having half the potency of Δ-9-THC in biological activity measures.
Δ-8-THC has been evaluated for its diverse pharmacology, potential as a substrate, inhibitor, and inducer of human drug metabolizing enzymes, and its lipophilicity influencing pharmacological potency.

Safety and Legal Concerns:

Products sold as Δ-8-THC may contain impurities, other cannabinoids, and unknown by-products due to synthesis processes, raising safety concerns.
Long-term safety effects of Δ-8-THC use are unknown, with adverse event reports and deaths associated with its products.
Legal issues surround the content of Δ-8-THC in products, leading to raids, arrests, and regulatory warnings, with varying court decisions on its legality.
FDA has not evaluated or approved Δ-8-THC, taking action against businesses marketing it for therapeutic use or resembling food products, highlighting uncertainties about its safety and quality.

Research and Market Trends:

Limited large clinical studies have been conducted on Δ-8-THC alone, with ongoing research focusing on its pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic similarities to Δ-9-THC.
Research has explored the effects of cannabinoids, including Δ-8-THC, on various bodily functions, with studies on its chemistry, structure-activity relationships, and safety.
Δ-8-THC products are widely accessible in the market, available in various forms like edibles, vaping cartridges, and infused drinks, catering to consumer preferences and interests.
Market dynamics and legal challenges exist in the sale and distribution of THC products, with some states regulating Δ-8-THC under their cannabis systems.

Legality and Distribution:

Δ-8-THC was effectively made illegal in 1937, with subsequent legal changes and regulations affecting its status in the United States.
States like California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Oregon have regulated the sale of Δ-8-THC products, with enforcement actions against retailers selling non-compliant products.
Law enforcement agencies actively prosecute stores distributing illegal levels of Δ-8-THC products, with concerns about incidental manufacture during cannabidiol production.
Distribution of Δ-8-THC products in licensed, regulated cannabis industries since 2020, with FDA actions highlighting safety concerns and lack of approval for therapeutic use.

Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Data Sources

Reference	URL
Glossary	https:/glossary/δ-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
Wikipedia	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Wikidata	https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27274350
Knowledge Graph	https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11gchzx6s_
DBPedia	http://dbpedia.org/resource/Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Product Ontology	http://www.productontology.org/id/Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol