From: [d--e] at [unislc.slc.unisys.com] (Dale Clark) Subject: THC Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1993 14:56:54 -0600 (MDT) ---------------------------------- THC ---------------------------------- GENERAL INFO ------------ Tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-1-ol. C21 H30 O2. Active constituents of marihuana (hashish). The (delta)1-3,4-trans isomer, also refered to as (delta)9-THC, is the only major active constituent in hashish; the (delta)6-3, 4-trans isomer, although physiologically active, represents no more than 1%. Boiling point (0.02) 200F. STRUCTURE --------- CH3 OH \------ \------ / ~~~~ \ //~~~~\\ | |----|| ||-- (CH2)4 CH3 \ / \\____// -----| |----- \ / /\----O / \ H3C CH3 COMMERCIAL DRUG NAMES --------------------- Marinol LD-50 ----- In Fischer rats (mg/kg): 1270 (males), 730 (females) orally, sesame oil vehicle: 800 (males), sensame oil, 1% polysorbate 80, saline emulsion; 40 (males, females) i.v.; 105.7 (males, females) inhalation, corrected for particulate losses and pulmonary absorption to 42 mg/kg. ACTIONS ------- Marijuana contains over 400 chemicals that can alter the biological functioning of the human body. Cannaboids are the primary compounds that produce intoxication. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most powerful of the 60 cannaboids present in marijuana. THC is a fat-soluble drug that does not mix with water, which means that it remains in the body for an extended period of time. THC is retained primarily in the organs that have high-fat content, such as the brain, liver, pancreas, testes, and ovaries. Lowered testosterone levels have been reported, although the biologic significance of this is uncertain. Despite the acceptance of the "new" dangers of marijuana, there is still little evidence of biologic damage even among relatively heavy users. As a therapeutic drug, THC is occasionally prescribed - not in the form of marijuana (a combination of over 400 drugs) - to treat Glaucoma (to reduce pressure in the eyes), and for Cancer (to reduce nausea from chemotherapy). Marijuana is sometimes "aged" by burying it in the soil. One result is that a fungus (aspergillus fumigatus) may grow on the leaves. Anyone with asthma or an impared immune system is vulnerable to the risk that this fungus will cause lung disease. Marijuana is sometimes contaminated with disease causing bacteria. A marijuana user who suffers from cancer, lung disease, or a disorder of the immune system, or who is undergoing immuno- suppressive drug therapy, is at risk of infection. Cannabis produces no physical dependence and there is no abstinence syndrome when the drug is abruptly discontinued. Cannabis can be used on an episodic but continuous basis without evidence of social or psychic dysfunction. In many users the term dependence with its obvious connotations probably is misapplied. Use of the drug is widespread. In the USA it is commonly used in the form of cigarettes made from the dried plant, Cannabis sativa, or as hashish, the pressed resin of the plant. Cannabis produces a dreamy state of consciousness in which ideas seem disconnected, uncontrollable, and freely flowing. Time, color, and spatial perceptions are distorted and enhanced. In general, there is a feeling of well-being, exaltation, excitement, and inner joyousness that has been termed a "high." Many of the psychologic effects seem to be related to the setting in which the drug is taken. An occasional panic reaction has occurred, but this is rare. Communicative and motor abilities are decreased during the use of these drugs. Difficulty in depth perception and altered sense of timing, both of which are particularly hazardous during automobile driving, have been demonstrated. There are now several published reports of the exacerbation of schizophrenic symptoms by marijuana even in patients being treated with antipsychotic medication (eg. chlorpromazine).