11-HYDROXY-THC: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
What is 11-Hydroxy-THC?
11-hydroxy-THC, also known as 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is responsible for the effects of most cannabis edibles. You won’t find 11-hydroxy-THC on our menus or product labels, but it is an important cannabinoid to know about because it is created when you ingest Delta-9 THC products. When Delta-9 THC is ingested, some of it is converted by enzymes in our livers into 11-hydroxy-THC. It then enters our bloodstream. This process can take an hour or longer, and once the effects begin, they last much longer than other methods of consumption. To avoid overconsuming and getting too much 11-hydroxy-THC, we strongly recommend starting low and going slow with edibles to find your optimal dose.
Effects and Benefits
11-hydroxy-THC is the main reason edibles offer different effects and benefits than other forms of consumption. Many people find that this cannabinoid produces a heavier body effect and stronger psychoactive effects than Delta-9 THC. Most edible products can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin working, and they can last from 4 to 8 hours depending on the individual. This longer therapeutic window can be very beneficial for anyone managing a chronic condition. Many patients with chronic pain and insomnia prefer the effects of edibles for their long-lasting relief and strong body effects.
Some individuals get little to no effect from taking cannabis edibles. This is because they have a genetic trait that causes their bodies to metabolize the cannabinoids faster than they can take effect. These individuals are most likely to benefit from consuming cannabis by either smoking, vaping, or using tinctures sublingually (under the tongue).
Do All THC Products Turn into 11-Hydroxy-THC?
Delta-9 THC products that are ingested orally will turn into 11-hydroxy-THC. Even THC products that are specially designed to be fast-acting will convert into 11-hydroxy-THC. Cannabis edibles with Delta-8 THC will convert into 11-hydroxy-delta-8-THC. This is why Delta-8 THC edibles have slightly different effects than Delta-9 THC edibles.
Patients who smoke or vaporize are getting very little 11-hydroxy-THC because those methods result in Delta-9 THC being absorbed directly into the bloodstream. When cannabis is inhaled, the Delta-9 THC crosses into the bloodstream in the lungs so the effects are felt almost immediately.
The Delta-9 THC from tinctures consumed sublingually is absorbed into the bloodstream through the tissues in the mouth. If tincture oil is swallowed, then it’s considered ingested, and some will convert into 11-hydroxy THC. Lastly, cannabis-infused suppositories containing Delta-9 THC are absorbed directly into the bloodstream when taken both rectally and vaginally. Because they are not processed in the liver, very little of the Delta-9 THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC.
