Delta 9 thc vs thc
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Delta-9 THC vs. THC: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction to Delta-9 THC and THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for the "high" experienced by users. THC, in general, refers to various tetrahydrocannabinol isomers, including Delta-8 THC, which has gained popularity due to its legal status in some regions and its milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta-9 THC2 3 8.
Pharmacokinetics and Administration Routes
Inhalation vs. Injection
The pharmacokinetics of Delta-9 THC vary significantly depending on the route of administration. Inhalation of THC results in immediate hypothermia and higher initial brain THC levels, whereas injection leads to delayed hypothermia and higher concentrations of the potent metabolite 11-OH-THC in both blood and brain1 6. This difference is crucial for interpreting data and generalizing findings from animal studies to human cannabis consumption, which predominantly occurs through inhalation1 6.
Oral Administration
Oral administration of Delta-9 THC results in different pharmacokinetic profiles compared to inhalation or injection. Repeated oral doses lead to steady increases in 11-OH-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) concentrations, while THC levels remain relatively stable9. This method of administration is often used in clinical settings and for therapeutic purposes.
Delta-9 THC vs. Delta-8 THC
Chemical and Legal Differences
Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9 THC, with a slightly different chemical structure that results in milder psychoactive effects. Delta-8 THC has become popular due to its legal status in some regions, as it is often derived from hemp and falls under different regulatory frameworks compared to Delta-9 THC2 3 8. However, the presence of Delta-8 THC in drug tests can cause analytical and medico-legal issues due to its similarity to Delta-9 THC2 3.
Psychoactive Effects and Usage
Delta-8 THC is reported to be less potent than Delta-9 THC, making it a preferred choice for users seeking milder effects. Despite its lower potency, Delta-8 THC can still produce significant psychoactive experiences and has been associated with various benefits and consequences8. The rise in Delta-8 THC usage has led to concerns about product quality and safety, as well as the need for regulatory measures to control its synthesis and distribution8.
Therapeutic Applications
Treatment of Tourette Syndrome
Delta-9 THC has shown promise in treating tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that Delta-9 THC significantly reduced tic severity without serious adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for this condition5.
Palliation in Cancer Patients
Delta-9 THC may also improve chemosensory perception, appetite, and quality of life in cancer patients experiencing chemosensory alterations. A pilot study found that THC-treated patients reported better taste and smell perception, increased appetite, and improved overall well-being compared to placebo7.
Trends in THC Concentrations
Increasing Potency Over Time
A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that Delta-9 THC concentrations in cannabis products have increased significantly from 1970 to 2017, while cannabidiol (CBD) levels have remained stable. This trend is more pronounced in cannabis resin compared to herbal cannabis, highlighting the growing potency of cannabis products available in the market4.
Conclusion
Delta-9 THC and its isomers, particularly Delta-8 THC, exhibit distinct pharmacokinetic profiles, psychoactive effects, and therapeutic potentials. The route of administration significantly influences the metabolism and effects of Delta-9 THC, with inhalation being more representative of human cannabis use. The increasing potency of Delta-9 THC in cannabis products underscores the need for ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy in both recreational and therapeutic contexts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pharmacokinetics and central accumulation of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its bioactive metabolites are influenced by route of administration and sex in rats
Inhalation of THC results in immediate hypothermia, while injection causes delayed hypothermia, and inhalation leads to higher initial brain THC levels than injection.
Non-RCT
Animal Study
Rigorous JournalAnalytical and medico-legal problems linked to the presence of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) - results from urine drug testing in Sweden.
Delta-8-THC and other isomers on the recreational drug market may cause analytical and medico-legal problems due to confusion with delta-9-THC.
Evaluation of a Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Δ9-THC-COOH) Immunoassay and a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Method for the Detection of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Δ8-THC-COOH).
Current immunoassays and GC-MS methods can detect and distinguish the presence of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-COOH, but further evaluation is needed.
In Vitro StudyChanges in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta-analysis.
THC concentrations in international cannabis markets increased from 1970 to 2017, while cannabidiol (CBD) remained stable, with greater increases in cannabis resin than herbal cannabis.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal
Highly CitedDelta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is effective in the treatment of tics in Tourette syndrome: a 6-week randomized trial.
THC is effective and safe in reducing tics in Tourette syndrome patients, suggesting the central cannabinoid receptor system may play a role in the condition.
RCTHighly CitedVaporized Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Inhalation in Female Sprague Dawley Rats: A Pharmacokinetic and Behavioral Assessment.
Inhaled THC has a similar pharmacokinetic and locomotor profile to intraperitoneal injection in female rats, providing a model for studying human cannabis use.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyDelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may palliate altered chemosensory perception in cancer patients: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
THC may improve taste and smell perception, appetite, caloric intake, and quality of life in cancer patients with chemosensory alterations.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedDelta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: A Scoping Review and Commentary.
Delta-8 THC is a less potent psychoactive substance, but its legality, accessibility, and marketing make it a potential risk to public health and safety.
Systematic ReviewDelta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC, and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC plasma pharmacokinetics during and after continuous high-dose oral THC.
Plasma THC concentrations remain >1 mug/L for at least 1 day after daily cannabis smoking and multiple oral THC doses, with free 11-OH-THC and THCCOOH increasing steadily during dosing.
Non-RCT