Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Beyond Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), scientists have identified a substantial number of other distinct cannabinoids within cannabis species.
Answer: True
Explanation: In addition to THC, scientific research has identified at least 113 other distinct cannabinoids within cannabis plants, each potentially possessing unique chemical structures and biological activities.
The chemical formula C21H30O2 represents a unique molecular structure that is exclusively associated with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Answer: False
Explanation: While C21H30O2 is the chemical formula for THC, this formula can also represent other chemical structures, known as isomers, which may possess different properties.
The specific isomer of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) commonly referred to in scientific literature is (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term THC typically designates the specific isomer known as (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, which denotes its precise stereochemistry and the position of a critical double bond.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was first isolated by researchers in the 21st century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was first isolated in 1964 by researchers Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam.
Nabilone is mentioned as an example of a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analog.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nabilone is listed among the synthetic analogs of THC, compounds structurally similar to THC.
THCV (Cannabivarin) is listed as a minor phytocannabinoid related to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Answer: True
Explanation: THCV (Cannabivarin) is recognized as a minor phytocannabinoid and is structurally related to THC.
How many other distinct cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis plants, in addition to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: At least 113
Explanation: Beyond THC, scientific investigation has identified a minimum of 113 other distinct cannabinoid compounds within cannabis species, each potentially exhibiting unique pharmacological profiles.
What does the chemical formula C21H30O2 signify in the context of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: It indicates the atomic composition but can apply to different isomers.
Explanation: The chemical formula C21H30O2 denotes the elemental composition of THC. However, this formula is not exclusive to a single structure and can represent various isomers with potentially differing biological activities.
Which specific isomer is typically referred to when discussing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol
Explanation: The common designation 'THC' typically refers to the specific isomer known as (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, characterized by its precise stereochemical configuration and double bond position.
Who were the scientists credited with first isolating Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from cannabis?
Answer: R. Mechoulam and Y. Gaoni
Explanation: The initial isolation of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from cannabis was achieved in 1964 by researchers Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam.
Which of the following is mentioned as a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analog?
Answer: Levonantradol
Explanation: Levonantradol is listed as a synthetic analog of THC, indicating a structural similarity to the naturally occurring compound.
What is the IUPAC name for the primary Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomer?
Answer: (6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-Trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-1-ol
Explanation: The systematic IUPAC nomenclature for the primary THC isomer, (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, is (6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-Trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-1-ol.
At what pressure is the boiling point of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cited as 155–157 °C?
Answer: 0.05 mmHg
Explanation: The boiling point of THC is reported as 155–157 °C at a significantly reduced pressure of 0.05 mmHg.
What is the approximate solubility of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in water at 23 °C?
Answer: 0.0028 mg/mL
Explanation: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exhibits very low solubility in water, reported at approximately 0.0028 mg/mL at 23 °C, consistent with its hydrophobic nature.
Which of the following is mentioned as a minor phytocannabinoid homologue of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: THCP (Cannabiphorol)
Explanation: THCP (Cannabiphorol) is listed as a minor phytocannabinoid that shares structural homology with THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is recognized as the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant, responsible for mediating its characteristic psychotropic effects.
Answer: True
Explanation: THC is scientifically established as the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis, responsible for its characteristic psychotropic effects.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) functions as a full agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.
Answer: False
Explanation: THC acts as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors, meaning it activates them but to a lesser extent than a full agonist.
Activation of CB1 receptors by Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) leads to an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels.
Answer: False
Explanation: THC's activation of CB1 receptors inhibits adenylate cyclase, leading to a decrease, not an increase, in intracellular cAMP levels.
Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) partial agonism means it produces a stronger response than endogenous cannabinoids.
Answer: False
Explanation: As a partial agonist, THC exhibits lower intrinsic efficacy than full agonists, including endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide, meaning it elicits a weaker maximal response.
The primary psychoactive effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are mediated by its interaction with the CB1 receptor in the central nervous system.
Answer: True
Explanation: The activation of CB1 receptors, predominantly located within the central nervous system, is the principal mechanism through which THC exerts its characteristic psychoactive effects.
Endocannabinoids like anandamide are considered full agonists at CB1 receptors, unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Answer: True
Explanation: Endogenous cannabinoids such as anandamide function as full agonists at CB1 receptors, whereas THC acts as a partial agonist, exhibiting a lower maximal efficacy.
The discovery of Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) interaction with cannabinoid receptors led to the identification of endocannabinoids.
Answer: True
Explanation: Research into the mechanism of action of THC at cannabinoid receptors prompted the subsequent discovery of the body's endogenous cannabinoid system.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) acts as an antagonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors, blocking their natural function.
Answer: False
Explanation: THC acts as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors, meaning it binds and activates them, rather than blocking them as an antagonist would.
Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) partial agonism at CB1 receptors results in a maximal cellular response.
Answer: False
Explanation: Partial agonists, by definition, produce a submaximal cellular response compared to full agonists. THC's partial agonism limits its maximal efficacy at CB1 receptors.
What is the primary role attributed to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within the cannabis plant?
Answer: It is the principal psychoactive constituent, responsible for the 'high'.
Explanation: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is scientifically recognized as the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, responsible for mediating its characteristic psychotropic effects.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) primarily interacts with which class of receptors in the body?
Answer: Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2)
Explanation: The primary targets for THC's pharmacological actions are the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are integral components of the endocannabinoid system.
How does Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) act on CB1 and CB2 receptors?
Answer: As a partial agonist, activating them partially.
Explanation: THC functions as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors, meaning it binds to and activates these receptors, but its maximal effect is less potent than that of a full agonist.
What is the effect of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binding to CB1 receptors on adenylate cyclase activity?
Answer: It inhibits adenylate cyclase, decreasing cAMP.
Explanation: Activation of CB1 receptors by THC leads to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, a key enzyme in cellular signaling, resulting in a reduction of intracellular cAMP levels.
Which receptor's activation is the primary mechanism for Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) psychoactive effects?
Answer: CB1 receptor in the central nervous system
Explanation: The psychoactive effects of THC are predominantly mediated through its agonistic action on the CB1 receptor, which is highly expressed in the central nervous system.
How does Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) partial agonism compare to the action of anandamide at CB1 receptors?
Answer: Anandamide is a full agonist, while THC is a partial agonist.
Explanation: Anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid, acts as a full agonist at CB1 receptors, producing a maximal response. THC, conversely, functions as a partial agonist, eliciting a submaximal response.
The study of Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) interaction with brain receptors led to the discovery of what class of molecules?
Answer: Endocannabinoids
Explanation: Investigating the mechanism by which THC affects the brain prompted the identification of the body's own endogenous cannabinoid system and its signaling molecules, the endocannabinoids.
What is the effect of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being classified as a 'partial agonist'?
Answer: It produces a weaker response than a full agonist.
Explanation: A partial agonist, such as THC, binds to and activates a receptor but elicits a response that is less potent than that produced by a full agonist.
Inhalation is a route of administration for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that results in lower bioavailability compared to oral administration.
Answer: False
Explanation: Inhalation of THC generally leads to higher bioavailability than oral administration due to bypassing significant first-pass metabolism in the liver.
Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) lipophilic nature means it dissolves easily in water.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lipophilic substances, like THC, have a high affinity for fatty substances and lipids, and consequently exhibit poor solubility in water.
Oral administration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) results in higher bioavailability than inhalation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Oral administration of THC typically yields lower bioavailability compared to inhalation due to significant first-pass metabolism in the liver.
A low-fat meal enhances the absorption of orally administered Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Answer: False
Explanation: Consuming a high-fat meal, not a low-fat meal, is known to enhance the absorption and overall exposure of orally administered THC.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, are key in metabolizing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Answer: True
Explanation: The liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, specifically isoforms like CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, plays a crucial role in the hepatic metabolism of THC.
11-hydroxy-THC is an inactive metabolite of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Answer: False
Explanation: 11-hydroxy-THC is a primary active metabolite of THC, formed in the liver, which also contributes to the psychoactive effects.
The elimination half-life of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is consistent across all users, typically around 10 hours.
Answer: False
Explanation: The elimination half-life of THC is highly variable and not consistent across users, often ranging from 20-30 hours or longer, particularly in heavy users.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites can be detected in biological samples like urine and hair for drug testing purposes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Standard drug testing protocols utilize various biological matrices, including urine and hair, to detect the presence of THC and its primary metabolites.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has a high solubility in water, facilitating its easy dispersion in aqueous solutions.
Answer: False
Explanation: THC is a lipophilic molecule, characterized by very low solubility in water.
Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) lipophilicity allows it to easily cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in fatty tissues.
Answer: True
Explanation: The lipophilic nature of THC facilitates its passage across biological membranes, including the blood-brain barrier, and promotes its distribution and accumulation within lipid-rich tissues.
Hydroxylation by CYP2C9 is considered a minor pathway in Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hydroxylation mediated by CYP2C9 is a primary and significant pathway in the hepatic metabolism of THC.
Heavy users generally have a shorter elimination half-life for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared to casual users.
Answer: False
Explanation: Heavy users typically exhibit a longer elimination half-life for THC due to the accumulation of the compound in adipose tissue, leading to slower release.
First-pass metabolism significantly reduces the amount of active Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when administered via inhalation.
Answer: False
Explanation: First-pass metabolism primarily affects oral administration. Inhalation largely bypasses this process, leading to higher bioavailability of unmetabolized THC.
Genetic variations in CYP2C9 function do not significantly impact Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure.
Answer: False
Explanation: Genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C9 can significantly alter THC metabolism, particularly following oral administration, potentially leading to substantially higher systemic exposure in individuals with reduced enzyme activity.
The elimination half-life refers to how quickly Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is metabolized after reaching the brain.
Answer: False
Explanation: The elimination half-life refers to the time required for the total amount of the drug in the body to decrease by half, reflecting its overall clearance from the system, not specifically its metabolism after reaching the brain.
Accumulation in fatty tissues contributes to Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) prolonged elimination half-life, especially in heavy users.
Answer: True
Explanation: Due to its lipophilicity, THC accumulates in adipose tissue, leading to a slow release and consequently a prolonged elimination half-life, particularly pronounced in individuals with frequent and heavy usage patterns.
Which route of administration leads to significantly lower bioavailability of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: Oral administration
Explanation: Oral administration of THC results in lower bioavailability compared to inhalation due to extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, which significantly reduces the amount of active compound reaching systemic circulation.
Why is Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) lipophilic nature significant for its action in the body?
Answer: It allows it to easily cross cell membranes and accumulate in fatty tissues.
Explanation: THC's lipophilicity enables it to readily traverse cellular membranes and distribute into lipid-rich environments, such as adipose tissue, influencing its distribution kinetics and duration of action.
Compared to oral administration, what is the typical bioavailability of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via inhalation?
Answer: Higher, generally around 25%
Explanation: Inhalation typically results in higher bioavailability of THC, generally estimated around 25%, compared to oral administration which is significantly reduced by first-pass hepatic metabolism.
How does consuming a high-fat meal affect oral Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) absorption?
Answer: It delays peak concentration and increases overall exposure.
Explanation: Ingestion of a high-fat meal prior to oral THC administration delays the time to peak plasma concentration and substantially increases overall systemic exposure to the compound.
Which enzyme family plays a primary role in metabolizing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the liver?
Answer: Cytochrome P450 (CYP)
Explanation: The hepatic metabolism of THC is predominantly carried out by enzymes belonging to the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily, particularly specific isoforms like CYP2C9 and CYP3A4.
What is the main active metabolite of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: 11-hydroxy-THC
Explanation: 11-hydroxy-THC is the principal active metabolite of THC, formed during hepatic metabolism, which also possesses psychoactive properties.
What is the typical range for the elimination half-life of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in many studies?
Answer: 20-30 hours
Explanation: Published research frequently reports the elimination half-life of THC to be in the range of 20 to 30 hours, although significant variability exists.
What does the term 'lipophilic' mean in the context of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: Being easily dissolved in fatty substances.
Explanation: A lipophilic substance, such as THC, possesses a chemical nature that allows it to dissolve readily in lipids and fatty environments.
What is the primary metabolic process Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) undergoes in the liver?
Answer: Oxidation
Explanation: The principal metabolic transformation of THC in the liver involves oxidation, primarily hydroxylation, mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Why does Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have a longer elimination half-life in heavy users?
Answer: Accumulation in fat tissue and slow release.
Explanation: The prolonged elimination half-life observed in heavy THC users is attributed to the accumulation of the lipophilic compound in adipose tissue, from which it is gradually released back into circulation.
Dronabinol, a pharmaceutical agent, is the chemical name for Cannabidiol (CBD) and is used clinically to manage nausea.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dronabinol is the pharmaceutical name for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), not CBD. It is approved for managing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and anorexia in HIV/AIDS patients.
Dry mouth and drowsiness are commonly reported side effects associated with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use.
Answer: True
Explanation: Physical and cognitive effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, short-term memory impairment, and anxiety are frequently reported side effects of THC consumption.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by mild, infrequent nausea and vomiting following Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use.
Answer: False
Explanation: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is typically associated with chronic, long-term THC use and is characterized by severe, cyclical episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Research definitively establishes a specific median lethal dose (LD50) for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in humans.
Answer: False
Explanation: A definitive median lethal dose (LD50) for THC in humans has not been established. While animal studies suggest potential lethality at high doses, documented human deaths solely from marijuana overdose are considered extremely rare or non-existent.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been shown to decrease the elimination half-life of barbiturates such as pentobarbital.
Answer: False
Explanation: Evidence suggests that THC can actually increase the elimination half-life of certain drugs, including pentobarbital, by approximately four hours.
Pharmacodynamic tolerance to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may potentially widen its therapeutic window.
Answer: True
Explanation: While tolerance can reduce efficacy, the development of pharmacodynamic tolerance might mitigate certain adverse effects, potentially expanding the range between therapeutic and toxic doses.
Systematic reviews suggest Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is ineffective for managing spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis.
Answer: False
Explanation: Research, including systematic reviews, indicates that THC and related cannabis extracts are effective for improving symptoms of spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
The American Academy of Neurology found sufficient evidence for Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) effectiveness in treating epilepsy in 2014.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2014, the American Academy of Neurology concluded there was insufficient evidence to support THC's effectiveness for epilepsy, though they found evidence for its use in multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Prolonged, high-dose Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure is definitively proven to cause hereditary effects.
Answer: False
Explanation: Preliminary research suggests potential interference with chromosomal stability from prolonged, high-dose THC exposure, which could have hereditary implications, but definitive proof is lacking.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is known for its psychoactive effects, similar to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Answer: False
Explanation: Unlike THC, CBD (Cannabidiol) is considered non-psychoactive and is not associated with the psychotropic 'high' typically produced by THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) potential inhibition of autotaxin might relate to its effects on inflammation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emerging research suggests THC may inhibit autotaxin, an enzyme involved in inflammatory processes, potentially contributing to THC's anti-inflammatory properties.
What is the pharmaceutical name for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: Dronabinol
Explanation: Dronabinol is the pharmaceutical designation for synthetic Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marinol is a brand name for dronabinol, and Nabiximols is a different cannabis-based medication.
What are the approved medical uses for dronabinol (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in the United States?
Answer: Relieving nausea/vomiting from chemotherapy and anorexia from HIV/AIDS
Explanation: Dronabinol is approved in the U.S. for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and for appetite stimulation in patients with anorexia associated with HIV/AIDS.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a common side effect of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use?
Answer: Increased appetite
Explanation: While THC is known to cause side effects such as red eyes, short-term memory impairment, anxiety, and drowsiness, increased appetite is generally considered a common therapeutic effect rather than an adverse side effect.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is primarily associated with what type of cannabis use?
Answer: Chronic, long-term use
Explanation: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition strongly linked to prolonged and heavy use of cannabis products containing THC.
What does the source suggest regarding fatal overdoses from marijuana (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?
Answer: No deaths from marijuana overdose have been reported.
Explanation: According to available information, documented fatalities resulting solely from marijuana or THC overdose are considered non-existent.
How can Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affect the elimination half-life of other drugs, such as pentobarbital?
Answer: It increases it by about four hours.
Explanation: Studies indicate that concurrent administration of THC can prolong the elimination half-life of certain drugs, including pentobarbital, by approximately four hours.
What potential benefit might pharmacodynamic tolerance to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) offer?
Answer: It may mitigate some undesirable side effects.
Explanation: While tolerance can diminish therapeutic effects, the development of pharmacodynamic tolerance to THC may concurrently reduce the intensity of certain adverse side effects, potentially enhancing its therapeutic utility.
What did the American Academy of Neurology conclude regarding Tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) effectiveness for multiple sclerosis symptoms in 2014?
Answer: Effective for spasticity and pain.
Explanation: In 2014, the American Academy of Neurology reported evidence supporting the efficacy of THC for managing spasticity and pain symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
What potential risk is associated with prolonged, high-dose Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure according to preliminary research?
Answer: Interference with chromosomal stability
Explanation: Preliminary investigations suggest that sustained exposure to high concentrations of THC may potentially disrupt chromosomal stability, raising concerns about hereditary effects.
Federally, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the US, although many states have legalized its medical use.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the United States, pure THC and cannabis are federally classified as Schedule I substances. However, numerous states have enacted legislation permitting medical and/or recreational use.
Under the US Controlled Substances Act, cannabis is classified as a Schedule II substance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Federally, cannabis and pure THC are classified as Schedule I controlled substances under the US Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.
The U.S. federal government considers cannabis to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Answer: True
Explanation: This assessment aligns with the criteria for Schedule I classification under the US Controlled Substances Act, which designates substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
In the United States, what is the federal classification of cannabis and pure Δ⁹-THC?
Answer: Schedule I Controlled Substance
Explanation: Under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, cannabis and its primary psychoactive component, Δ⁹-THC, are federally classified as Schedule I substances.
What is the federal legal status of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the US, based on the Controlled Substances Act?
Answer: Schedule I, indicating high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Explanation: Under the Controlled Substances Act, THC is classified as a Schedule I substance, signifying a high potential for abuse and lacking accepted medical use according to federal law.
THCA is the form of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis before heating or aging causes decarboxylation.
Answer: True
Explanation: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acidic precursor to THC, present in the raw cannabis plant. Decarboxylation, typically induced by heat, converts THCA into the psychoactive THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is believed to play a role in protecting the cannabis plant from insect predation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Phytochemicals like THC are hypothesized to serve adaptive functions for the cannabis plant, including defense against herbivores and protection from environmental stressors.
THCA is synthesized from Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the cannabis plant.
Answer: False
Explanation: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the precursor molecule from which THC is synthesized via decarboxylation within the cannabis plant.
THCA is the final, psychoactive form of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produced in the cannabis plant.
Answer: False
Explanation: THCA is the non-psychoactive acidic precursor to THC. The psychoactive form, THC, is generated from THCA through decarboxylation.
What process converts THCA into Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Answer: Decarboxylation
Explanation: The conversion of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) to the psychoactive THC occurs through a process known as decarboxylation, typically initiated by heat.
What is a hypothesized role of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the cannabis plant's evolutionary adaptation?
Answer: Defense against insect predation
Explanation: It is theorized that THC may function as a protective phytochemical for the cannabis plant, potentially deterring insect herbivores and mitigating damage from environmental factors like UV radiation.
What is the role of THCA in the cannabis plant?
Answer: It is the precursor to THC, converted by heat.
Explanation: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) serves as the direct precursor to THC within the cannabis plant, undergoing decarboxylation, typically induced by heat, to yield the psychoactive compound.