Δ9-THCΔ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol

(6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-triméthyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tétrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromén-1-ol

Aliases.THC · Delta-9-THC · Dronabinol (DCI)

The main intoxicating cannabinoid of cannabis, and the molecule the French legal threshold is written against.

Updated on 1 May 2026

Level of detail

Identifiers

Formula: C₂₁H₃₀O₂
Molar mass: 314.46 g·mol⁻¹
CAS: 1972-08-3
PubChem CID: 16078
First described: 1964
Origin: Plant
InChIKey: CYQFCXCEBYINGO-IAGOWNOFSA-N

In plain terms

THC is the molecule that gets you high. In France it is classified as a narcotic: a hemp product is legal only below 0.30% THC, measured in the finished product.

Receptors and activity

CB1
Ki = 40,7 nM · Emax ≈ 40 %Partial agonist
CB2
Ki = 36 nMPartial agonist
GPR55
agoniste faible · µM rangeAgonist
TRPV2
agoniste · activation thermiqueAgonist
PPARγ
agoniste partielModulator

Agonist
Partial agonist
Antagonist
Modulator
Inverse agonist

Hover over a row for the precise value (Ki, EC50…)

Subjective signature

Hover over an axis to read its definition.

Calm
50
Clarity
30
Sleep
65
Appetite
85
High
95

Editorial estimate, not clinical.

Pharmacology

Δ⁹-THC is a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2, and its CB1 activity accounts for the intoxicating effects. It is the reference molecule of the French regulatory framework: the decree of 30 December 2021 sets the limit at 0.30% for the plant and the products made from it. Its acidic precursor THCA is not intoxicating and converts to THC under heat.

Key sources.

Marinol / Syndros (dronabinol)FDA 1985 · CINV, anorexie VIH

Sativex (nabiximols)MHRA 2010 · spasticité SEP