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11-OH-THC in a nutshell: properties and effects

What is 11-OH-THC?

One of the widespread myths about 11-OH-THC is that it is present in cannabis. In fact, it is not found in cannabis, but is produced by the human body when THC is broken down. More specifically, 11-OH-THC or 11-hydroxy-THC is a metabolite that is produced when consuming edibles with delta-9 THC.

When you consume a product containing THC, your liver processes it and converts it into 11-OH-THC. 11-hydroxy-THC is therefore the main active metabolite of THC. But of course, the amount of 11-OH-THC in the body can vary depending on the individual, how the cannabis is used, metabolism and other factors.

 

A paper on which is written: 11-OH-THC (11-hydroxy-THC) is the main active metabolite of THC, accompanied by a cannabis leaf and an illustration of the structure

How is 11-OH-THC formed?

Simply put, metabolites are produced when the body breaks down cannabinoids in the liver. When THC is ingested orally, this powerful cannabinoid passes through the digestive system and eventually reaches the liver, where it is broken down into molecules called metabolites.

Cannabinoids themselves are a group of compounds in cannabis that interact with the human body's endocannabinoid system. This system regulates various physiological processes such as sleep, pain and appetite.

Cannabis contains more than 150 cannabinoids that bind to specific receptors in the body. These are:

  • CB1 receptors (located mainly in the brain and central nervous system)
  • CB2 receptors (found mainly in the immune system) 

Activation of these receptors causes various physiological effects such as feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Since 11-OH-THC is produced as a metabolic by-product, it should be less active than the original molecule, as this is usually the case with metabolic products. But what is it really like?

11-OH-THC vs. THC

One early study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, which compared the effects of THC and 11-OH-THC, came to a surprising conclusion. The researchers found that when volunteers were given equivalent one-milligram doses of both compounds intravenously, 11-OH-THC led to a faster onset and more intense psychoactive experience than THC.

It is reported to be even two to three times stronger. Thus, in the case of 11-OH-THC, the metabolite is more potent than its predecessor. This is partly due to the fact that 11-OH-THC binds better to the CB1 receptor compared to delta-9. 

What about research?

Most other scientific research related to 11-OH-THC is older and focuses more on the ability to detect it in urine samples and blood tests. According to scientists, the peak concentration of 11-OH-THC in the blood is about an hour and a half after ingestion, but can persist for eight or more hours depending on the dose. The fact that its presence in the body can be detected by toxicological tests is particularly important in the context of legislation and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Effects of 11-OH-THC

Unfortunately, 11-OH-THC has not yet been studied in detail in terms of its potential medicinal and therapeutic properties. However, although there is little research on how 11-OH-THC acts on the brain and body, its longer duration of action and potentially higher psychoactivity suggest that this metabolite could help in the future, for example, in the treatment of chronic pain and insomnia. 

 

A man is lying in bed and cannot sleep because he suffers from insomnia, which could be helped by the metabolite 11-OH-THC

Oral use vs. inhalation

11-OH-THC can be produced by inhalation in addition to primary oral administration of THC. However, 11-OH-THC levels are usually higher when THC is consumed. Why is this?

This is because THC first passes through the digestive tract and liver, where it is more easily converted to 11-OH-THC, whereas when vaping or smoking, THC passes through the lungs and directly into the blood. This means that the liver does not have time to convert as much of the cannabinoid into 11-OH-THC.

It is important to remember that one milligram of THC taken orally can be more potent than one milligram of inhaled THC.

Conclusion

11-OH-THC is not contained in cannabis but is produced in the liver when the body breaks down THC. This metabolite, like THC, is psychoactive, but research suggests stronger effects and a faster onset. While it is true that oral consumption of cannabis leads to a higher production of 11-OH-THC, the metabolite is also produced in smaller quantities in other routes of use (smoking, vaporisation).

 

Author: Canatura

 

 

Photo: ChatGPT

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