WHAT IS DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL-C4 (THC-C4, Δ9 THC-C4)?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) is a compeer of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is one of the most prominent Cannabinoids alongside Cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) which is a forebear of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) and Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ8-THCA), Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) is more of an intoxicating compound just as well as it is also psychoactive.
As a psychoactive compound, it can relate with the brain functions by binding to the brain receptors and as an intoxicating agent, it is capable of causing disturbances to the brain functions such as consciousness, cognition, judgment, behavior, perception, etc. The reason for the high level of intoxication in Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4), is due to the process of trying and heating of Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid to produce Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is a homologue of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4).
The medical benefits or use of cannabis plant dates back to almost 16 century B.C. by Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. An extract of cannabis that contained THC metabolites was initially discovered inside a tomb located in Israel. It was found on the remains of a woman who apparently died giving birth. The archeologists who first discovered the tomb stated that cannabis extract apparently facilitated the birth process.
The structure of tetrahydrocannabinol was unknown until Gaoni and Mechoulam (1964b) isolated D9-THC and used NMR to assign the double bond position and the transconfiguration. They also reported an optical rotation of [a]D -140-(chloroform). The absolute configuration of tetrahydrocannabinol was determined to be trans-(6aR,10aR)by comparison with d-(+)-glyceraldehyde and ()-CBD (Mechoulam and Gaoni, 1967b). Nine THC-type cannabinoids are known, although it is not certain if the C4-and C1-acids are the A and/or B acids.
HOW Δ9 THC-C4 WORKS
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol which is also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol is a responsible agent for the psychoactive traits present in the Cannabis plant being a commonly known component of the plant. If they must ultimately use up the compound, it must be decarboxylated i.e. exposed to heat because it is a major metabolite though in the secondary class of the cannabis plant which makes it a strong agent of mechanism preventing the high intake of the compound. In essence, due to the higher level concentration of psychoactive effects, the body only needs a limited quantity.
THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS
Unlike Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol that binds to CB1 receptors and also present a lower psychotropic properties, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) possess psychoactive effects and a higher level of psychotropic potency. This means it is capable of acting as:
- Anti-anxiety agents
As much as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) is an intoxicating compound, it has a calming effect without affecting clarity of consciousness or neurologic conditions thereby alleviating anxiety.
- Antidepressants
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) can be used to treat depressive and anxiety disorders.
- Antipsychotics
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) can be used as a neuroleptics to manage psychosis.
- Mood stabilizers
Just as an antidepressant, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) can help control high and low of the brain alongside handling depression.
- Stimulants
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) can raise the physiological level in the body.
INTERESTING FACTS
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4) can be used to manage some kinds of addiction since it is an antidepressant.
References
Gaoni, Y., Mechoulam, R., 1964b. Hashish. III. Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish. Journal of the American Chemical Society 86 (8), 1646–1647.
Mechoulam, R., Gaoni, Y., 1967b. Absolute configuration of D1-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major active constituent of hashish. Tetrahedron Letters 8 (12), 1109–1111.
