UCLA chemists develop method for producing a form of the substance that acts more predictably and consistently.
- In the fast-growing marketplace for recreational marijuana and related products, products containing cannabinoids called HHCs are gaining popularity.
- The neurological and physiological effects of HHCs are not well understood.
- A new study by UCLA chemists is the first to explain how well HHCs bind to receptors in the human body.
- The scientists also devised a safer way to produce HHCs than the current standard process.
With the increasing legalization of marijuana across the nation, there has been a surge in the number of products available in dispensaries. These products often contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and other cannabinoids which can either be derived from THC or the plant itself.
Cannabinoids are a group of substances that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body and brain. While THC, found in the cannabis plant, is the most recognized cannabinoid, there are numerous other classes being sold in dispensaries today. The neurological or physiological effects of many of these classes remain poorly understood.
This lack of clarity has led to a “wild west” scenario in the marijuana marketplace, posing challenges for governments striving to regulate these products and establish comprehensive laws regarding their usage.
Research Efforts and Findings
UCLA chemist Neil Garg is one of a group of scientists who are rapidly learning more about emerging cannabinoids. Their goals include ensuring the safety of products being sold to consumers and helping government agencies develop evidence-based laws for the fast-growing industry.
A new research paper by Garg and colleagues takes a close look at one class of those emerging cannabinoids: hexahydrocannabinols, or HHCs. The study systematically evaluates how well HHCs bind to receptors in the human body.
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