Hashish. Importance of the phenolic hydroxyl group in tetrahydrocannabinols

Optically active delta-3- and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinols (THC's), cannabidiol and racemic delta-9-cis-THC, and their corresponding analogs (1b yields 4b) in which the positions of the phenolic hydroxyl group and the n-C5 side chain have been interchanged are compared in selected pharmacological tests in mice. the results indicate that the phenolic hydroxyl group in the 1 position in THC's is very important for eliciting activity and that cannabidiol and delta-9-cis-THC possess weak CNS depressant properties.