Delta‐8‐ and delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol; Comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration

Abstract

Delta‐8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has activity in man similar to that of its double‐bond isomer, delta‐9‐THC. Its relative potency to the other isomer, as judged following both oral and intravenous administration, is 2:3. Intravenous administration of ethanolic solutions of cannabinoids in clinically active doses is feasible and desirable for experimental purposes. A range of doses of 1 to 6 mg of delta‐9‐THC intravenously produced a wide spectrum of cannabis‐like effects. Relatively simple clinical techniques clearly detect cannabis‐like activity in man, making both qualitative and quantitative camparisions of unknown materials with delta‐9‐THC feasible.