LD50 of THC
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LD50 is a value of partial fatality; IE 50% of test subjects die at said dose.
The LD50 value for THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a controversial subject, as its intravenous dose for a rat is typically used, and can be found quoted specifically as such in the Merck Index. However, THC is somewhat of a lipid, i.e., it is completey soluble in fat and insoluble in water. This statement would readily explain its significant fluctuation in value between injection and oral administration.
It should be noted that the highest animal that oral LD50 values are available for, the Domestic Dog, would have to consume roughly one third of a pound (150 g) of pure THC in order to experience fatality. This data supports the theory that marijuana can not cause lethal overdose.
TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL TOXICITY DATA:
666 mg/kg ORAL-RAT LD50;
482 mg/kg ORAL-MOUSE LD50;
525 mg/kg ORAL-DOG LD5O;
29 mg/kg INTRAVENOUS-RAT LD50;
42 mg/kg INTRAVENOUS-MOUSE LD50;
128 mg/kg INTRAVENOUS-MONKEY LDLO;
373 mg/kg INTRAPERITONEAL-RAT LD50;
168 mg/kg INTRAPERITONEAL-MOUSE LD50;
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[edit] References
Previous writer miscalculated the LD50 for dogs when she/he converted mg into pounds. If LD50 in dogs is 525mg/kg, then the average 15 kg dog would reach LD50 at 15x525mg = 7,875mg or 7.875 grams, which is equal to about 1/4 ounce. In fact, according to the Rosencrantz, 1983 the LD50 IV dose of THC in dog and monkey is 130 mg/kg. This translates to only 1.95g for a 15kg dog.
-Rosencrantz, H. (1983) Cannabis, marihuana and cannabinoid toxicological manifestations in man and animals. in K. O. Fehr & H.Kalant (Eds.) Cannabis and Health Hazards. Toronto: Addiction Research Foundation.
