HEP (2005) 168:657–690
©cSpringer-Verlag 2005
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of the Plant Cannabinoids,
∆^9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol and Cannabinol
M.A. Huestis
Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program,
5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore MD, 21224, USA
[email protected]
1Introduction.................................... 658
2 Pharmacokinetics of THC............................. 660
2.1 Absorption .................................... 660
2.1.1SmokedAdministration.............................. 660
2.1.2OralAdministration................................ 662
2.1.3RectalAdministration............................... 664
2.1.4SublingualandDermalAdministration ..................... 664
2.2 Distribution .................................... 665
2.3 Metabolism .................................... 666
2.3.1HepaticMetabolism................................ 666
2.3.2ExtrahepaticMetabolism ............................. 668
2.4 Elimination .................................... 668
2.4.1TerminalEliminationHalf-LivesofTHCCOOH ................. 669
2.4.2PercentageTHCDoseExcretedasUrinaryTHCCOOH............. 669
2.4.3CannabinoidGlucuronideConjugates ...................... 670
2.4.4UrinaryBiomarkersofRecentCannabisUse................... 670
3 Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol ........................ 671
4 Pharmacokinetics of Cannabinol......................... 672
5 Interpretation of Cannabinoid Concentrations in Biological Fluids...... 672
5.1 PlasmaConcentrationsofTHC,11-OH-THC,andTHCCOOH......... 672
5.1.1FollowingIntravenousTHCAdministration................... 673
5.1.2FollowingSmokedCannabisAdministration .................. 673
5.1.3OralTHC...................................... 674
5.1.4CannabinoidConcentrationsAfterFrequentUse ................ 675
5.1.5PredictionModelsforEstimationofCannabisExposure ............ 675
5.2 UrinaryTHCCOOHConcentrations ....................... 677
5.2.1THCCOOHDetectionWindowsinUrine .................... 677
5.2.2 Normalization of Cannabinoid Urine Concentrations
toUrineCreatinineConcentrations ....................... 678
5.3 OralFluidTesting ................................. 679
5.4 CannabinoidsinSweat .............................. 681
5.5 CannabinoidsinHair ............................... 682
References ........................................ 683