THC

toc By: Mark
 * THC **

**Orgins**
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol (C21,H30,O2) is the main component in cannabis. Its is a phychoactive substance. There are 4 stero-isomers and there are 4 absolute configurations for THC. Used as defense in cannabis plant.

IUPAC- (−)-(6a//R//,10a//R//)-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6//H//-benzo[//c//]chromen-1-ol

It is found in Cannabis (more commonly known as Marijuana). One of the first discovered hallucinogens. It was first noticed in the early 1940's becuase of its effects on the brain when feeling "high" while using cannabis. It was first Isolated in 1964, by Raphael Mechoulam, Yechiel Gaoni, and Habib Edery. Its it obtained from the resin of the plant.



Molar Mass- 315.23 Solubility in Water-0.0028 Density- Non-Reported Boiling Point- 157 degrees Celsius Melting Point- 80 degrees Celsius


 * Structure** Classified by where the double bonds are located, the double bond make it have cis- and trans- isomers. The top ring is the reason for the cannabinoid activity in the receptors.

Percent Composition
By Number: Carbon Atoms- 39.7% Hydrogen Atoms- 56.6% Oxygen Atoms- 3.7%

By Mass: Carbon- 10.2% Hydrogen- 9.6% Oxygen- 80.02%



**Chemical Properties of THC**
Has low solubility in water, but it has good solubility in organic solvents. It is a terpenoid, which occurs in most organic oils found in plants. Naturally it is a glassy solid when cold, and a sticky syrup-like solid when warm.

Effects of THC
relaxation or stress reduction, increased appreciation of humor, music or art increased sensuality increased awareness of sensation creative or philosophical thinking disruption of memory paranoia or anxiety

Reaction Tendencies
Reacts with heat to release the THC from the cannabis plant.

Dangers of THC
Short Term memory loss is a common side effect of using THC. Many memory related issues are found to be associated with using THC. There is a risk of having psychosis. It is found that many common users have cardiac and cerebral abnormalities when overused. "Gateway Drug".

**Common uses/How it is used**
Medical aid for such things as Pain, Asthma, Alzeitmers, Epilepsy, and even in prevention of AIDS. Its is used as a prevention for vomiting. Treatment of Anorexia by making the user more hungry and unable to vomit. Legal in 13 states in the U.S.





​ Sources
"THC MOLECULES Tetrahydrocannabinol". World of Molecules. 11-16-09 [].

"Medical Uses of Cannabis and THC". 11-16-09 .

" Tetrahydrocannabinol". Wikipedia. 11-16-09 [].

"History of THC". Role of Chemistry in History. 11-16-09 .

"Hemp". 11-19-09 .

"Medical Marijuana". 11-24-09 .