3'-Hydroxy-THC

Metabolite of THC

3'-Hydroxy-THC (3'-OH-THC) is a metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It is formed in the body through the process of hydroxylation, which is a part of the metabolism of THC.

Chemical structure

3'-Hydroxy-THC is a hydroxylated derivative of THC. The hydroxyl group is added to the third carbon of the pentyl side chain of the THC molecule. This modification can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the compound.

Pharmacology

3'-Hydroxy-THC is known to have some psychoactive effects, although it is generally considered to be less potent than THC itself. The presence of the hydroxyl group can influence the compound's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system.

Metabolism

The metabolism of THC involves several steps, with 3'-Hydroxy-THC being one of the intermediate metabolites. THC is initially metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver, leading to the formation of 11-hydroxy-THC and subsequently 3'-Hydroxy-THC. These metabolites are further processed into more polar compounds that are excreted from the body.

Detection in biological samples

3'-Hydroxy-THC can be detected in various biological samples, such as blood, urine, and hair, using techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The presence of this metabolite can be used to confirm recent cannabis use.

Related pages

• Tetrahydrocannabinol
• Cannabis (drug)
• Cannabinoid receptor
• Metabolism of THC

Gallery

• 
  Chemical structure of 3'-Hydroxy-THC