Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Phytocannabinoid
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name – (6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-Trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-1-ol
Chemical Formula – C21H30O2
Molecular Weight – 314.46 g/mol
Properties
Density – n/a
Boiling Point – n/a
Short-term Stability (4 weeks)
Sub-Freezer -70°C – No decrease in purity observed
Freezer -15°C – No decrease in purity observed
Refrigerator 4°C – No decrease in purity observed
Room Temp 22°C – No decrease in purity observed
Hot Temp 40°C – No decrease in purity observed
Long-term Stability
Stable for 60 months at -10°C freezer conditions has been established through real-time stability studies.
Biology
Confirmed Therapeutic Uses
Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s Disease – Although further research required, can be adjunct treatment for nausea, vomiting and anorexia from UC/CD. Potential alternative to narcotics
Anti-emetic – Human trials support significant benefits for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting vs placebo. As well as, benefit patients refractory to ondansetron.
HIV/AIDS – Improve appetite, promote weight gain, and lift mood.
Dosages
Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s Disease – 115 mg THC in cannabis cigarette
Acute and chronic pain – typical dosages start at 5 mg, but can be increased depending on necessity in edible or capsule form. Usually less than 100 mg.
Promising Potential Applications
Neuropathic pain, acute pain, fibromyalgia
References
https://www.cochrane.org/CD012954/IBD_cannabis-and-cannabis-oil-treatment-ulcerative-colitis
https://www.cochrane.org/CD012182/SYMPT_cannabis-products-adults-chronic-neuropathic-pain
https://www.cochrane.org/CD005175/HIV_medical-use-of-cannabis-in-patients-with-hivaids
https://www.cochrane.org/CD011694/SYMPT_cannabis-products-people-fibromyalgia
About The Author
Dr. Rivera-Acevedo is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is also cannabinologist and consultant for various pharma companies around the world.
With a BSc from the University of Puerto Rico – Cayey and PhD in Pharmacology from the University of British Columbia, he has extensive knowledge and expertise researching cannabis and its derivatives. In 2015, he established the first laboratory for cannabinoid research in the Department of Pharmacology at UBC, which is dedicated to understanding the therapeutic uses of different cannabis strains and formulations to treat different diseases.
He also teaches various undergraduate courses within the department including Introduction to Pharmacology, Statistics in Science, Drug Development, Natural Health Products, and Pharmacogenomics.
As former Director of Chemistry for Cannevert Therapeutics Ltd, he lead the chemistry team conducting R&D, QA/QC, and manufacturing research to improve cannabinoid extract formulations and development of new delivery methods. He also helped organize and supervise one of the first internationally recognized clinical trials with cannabis in Puerto Rico.
When not in the lab, he can be found in the dojo practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, teaching mindfulness to high school students with the Vancouver Crisis Centre, co-hosting the shows Cannabis Science Podcast, Cannabis Con Ciencia Podcast, and El Bus De Las 7 on Vancouver Coop Radio 100.5 FM.
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