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).