11-hydroxy- 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol: pharmacology, disposition, and metabolism of a major metabolite of marihuana in man

Abstract

11-Hydroxy-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, administered intravenously to man, produces psychologic and pharmacologic effects that persist for several hours. The drug and its metabolites are excreted in urine and feces for more than 1 week. The pharmacology, disposition, and metabolism of 11-hydroxy-Delta(9)-tetra-hydrocannabinol mimic that of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, thus providing evidence that Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (the major active component of marihuana) is converted to the 11-hydroxy compound in man, the latter compound being responsible for the effects.