Δ1-Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, an important component in the evaluation of cannabis products

Abstract

Abstract The occurrence and some analytical properties of Δ1-etrahydrocannabinolic acid have been investigated, including its chromatographic behaviour in the presence of other cannabinoids. The acid is inactive but is converted on smoking into the active tetrahydrocannabinol. The acid is present in abundant amounts in various cannabis samples, marihuana in particular, and these will be more active on smoking than when administered by injection or orally. A method for the separate determination of tetrahydrocannabinol and its acid is also described.