Δ9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC): THE MAJOR PSYCHOACTIVE COMPONENT IS OF BOTANICAL ORIGIN

This review paper highlights the medicinal value of Cannabis sativa belongs to Cannabaceae family. The use of the female inflorescence of Medical Cannabis sativa (marijuana or drug type) for medical purposes has increased greatly in the past decade. The constituents of Cannabis sativa responsible for its pharmacological effects are known as Cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are terpenophenolic compounds, and the most abundant and well-known phytocannabinoids are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). According to Ayuverda in India, the medicinal value of the Cannabis sativa was well documented more than 3,000 years ago. However, chemistry of biomolecules responsible for narcotic principle of Cannabis sativa was unknown. The Botanical originated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for the psychoactive activity accumulated in the trichomes of female inflorescences of Cannabis sativa. The official discovery of Cannabidiol (CBD) in 1963 and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in 1964 isolated and identified from Cannabis sativa at Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science is commonly attributed to Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, known as the Godfather of Cannabis science died at the age of 92 on 9th March 2023. The discovery of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has led to the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is a major breakthrough in medical science. The lower concentrations (0.2 to 0.3%) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is used as medicine for pain management, cancer, for controlling nausea and omitting in AIDS patients and etc. However, the consumption of very high concentration (20-30%) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for a long period led to psychoactive activity and other adverse side effects in terms of emotional instability, body movement disorder, cognitive functioning, mental health effects such as a dependence syndrome and schizophrenia.