Based on the Diels-Alder reaction of vinylchromenes with electron-poor dienophiles, we developed a strategy for the synthesis of tetrahydrocannabinol derivatives. Substituted vinyl chromenes could be converted with several dienophiles to successfully isolate several complex molecules. These molecules already contain the cannabinoid-like base structure and further processing of one such derivative led to a precursor of Δ$^{9}$-tetrahydrocannabinol. The most challenging step towards this

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... was an epoxidation step that was ultimately achieved via dimethyl dioxirane.