11-Hydroxycannabinol

A metabolite of THC

11-Hydroxycannabinol (11-OH-CBN) is a cannabinoid metabolite that is formed in the body after the consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It is one of the many metabolites that result from the metabolic processing of THC in the liver.

Chemical structure and properties

11-Hydroxycannabinol is a hydroxylated form of cannabinol (CBN). The addition of a hydroxyl group (-OH) to the 11th carbon position of the CBN molecule results in the formation of 11-OH-CBN. This structural modification can influence the compound's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Metabolism

When THC is consumed, it is metabolized by the liver into various metabolites, including 11-hydroxy-THC and 11-hydroxycannabinol. The enzyme cytochrome P450 plays a significant role in this metabolic process. 11-Hydroxycannabinol is further metabolized into other compounds before being excreted from the body.

Pharmacology

The pharmacological effects of 11-hydroxycannabinol are not as well-studied as those of THC or 11-hydroxy-THC. However, it is known that hydroxylated metabolites of cannabinoids can have different affinities for cannabinoid receptors such as CB1 and CB2. These interactions can influence the psychoactive and physiological effects experienced by the user.

Detection in biological samples

11-Hydroxycannabinol can be detected in biological samples such as blood and urine using various analytical techniques. These techniques are often employed in toxicology and forensic science to determine cannabis use.

Related pages

• Cannabinoid
• Tetrahydrocannabinol
• Cannabinol
• 11-Hydroxy-THC

Gallery

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  Chemical structure of 11-Hydroxycannabinol