9-Nor-9-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinols. Synthesis, some behavioral and analgesic properties, and comparison with the tetrahydrocannabinols

Abstract

The racemic mixture and levo isomer of both 9-nor-9.alpha.-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol and its 9.beta.-hydroxy isomer were prepared. Both .alpha.- and .beta.-hydroxy compounds were active in the dog ataxia test and depressed spontaneous activity in mice. Only the .beta.-hydroxy compound was an analgesic in mice with morphine-like potency. The behavioral and analgesic properties of these compounds may be mediated through different sites or mechanisms and may, therefore, be separable.