11-Hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-Δ9-THC, alternatively numbered as 7-OH-Δ1-THC), usually referred to as 11-hydroxy-THC, is the main active metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is formed in the body after decarboxylated cannabis is consumed.[1][2]
Fresh cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which is converted into THC after heating and then metabolized by the body into 11-hydroxy-THC and then into 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC;[2] both compounds can be glucuronidated and mainly excreted into urine. Both compounds, along with THC, are assayed in blood tests.[1]
11-hydroxy-THC has a similar psychoactive effect as THC, but with a slower onset of effect.[medical citation needed][3]
^ Jump up to: abKraemer T, Paul LD (August 2007). "Bioanalytical procedures for determination of drugs of abuse in blood". Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 388 (7): 1415–35. doi:10.1007/s00216-007-1271-6. PMID17468860. S2CID32917584.
^ Jump up to: abHuestis MA (2005). "Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the plant cannabinoids, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabinol". Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. 168 (168): 657–90. doi:10.1007/3-540-26573-2_23. ISBN3-540-22565-X. PMID16596792.