Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics

Development of a rapid column-switching LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of THCCOOH and THCCOOH-glucuronide in whole blood for assessing cannabis consumption frequency

“…Phase I biotransformation involves hydroxylation to active 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), followed by oxidation to inactive 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH). Further biotransformation via phase II glucuronidation produces hydrophilic conjugates that are easily excreted [11]. Due to its long elimination half-life [11] , THCCOOH accumulates in the blood upon regular cannabis use [12][13][14][15] and has therefore been proposed as diagnostic marker to distinguish between occasional and heavy users [16,17].…”

“…Further biotransformation via phase II glucuronidation produces hydrophilic conjugates that are easily excreted [11]. Due to its long elimination half-life [11] , THCCOOH accumulates in the blood upon regular cannabis use [12][13][14][15] and has therefore been proposed as diagnostic marker to distinguish between occasional and heavy users [16,17]. In Switzerland, a free THCCOOH blood level of 40 µg/L is currently used as cut-off for the classification of impaired drivers as heavy users, as recommended by Fabritius et al [17,18].…”

Pharmacology of Marijuana

“…The two most well described cannabinoids in marijuana are delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) [1,3]. CBD does not produce any of the psychoactive responses and appears to block some of the effects of THC by acting as an antagonist at the cannabinoid receptors [2,6,7].…”

“…A synthetic version of THC is available per prescription Marinol (Dronabinol), or as newer synthetic form of THC, Cesamet (Nabilone) [1,4,13]. Synthetic THC does not have the same effect as the "natural" cannabis.…”

“…The two best-described cannabinoids are THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Most of the other compounds are not yet understood and their mental and physical effects are unknown [1][2][3].…”