Δ9-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Definition
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, formed by decarboxylation of THCA. Molecular formula C21H30O2, MW 314.46 g/mol. The 0.3% dry-weight threshold under the USDA Farm Bill 2018 and EU regulations is measured against this compound (plus its THCA precursor in the total THC calculation).
- Formed from
- Decarboxylation of THCA
- Formula
- C21H30O2
- Molecular weight
- 314.46 g/mol
- Legal threshold
- 0.3% dry weight (US 2018 Farm Bill, EU)
Common questions
Does the 0.3% threshold measure delta-9-THC alone or something else?+
It is calculated as total THC, meaning delta-9-THC plus its acidic precursor THCA converted using a decarboxylation factor, because raw plant material contains mostly THCA until heated or aged.
Why does decarboxylation matter for potency testing?+
Fresh cannabis is largely non-psychoactive THCA. Heating it, whether by smoking, cooking or intentional decarboxylation, converts THCA into the psychoactive delta-9-THC, which is why total THC calculations account for both compounds.
Related terms
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- Charas
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- Total THC Calculation
- The formula (THCA x 0.877) + Δ9-THC that converts the THCA fraction to its decarboxylated THC equivalent, required by USDA ASTM methods...