What is 11-Hydroxy - THC? What you need to know.

February 6, 2023

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Written by John Gush

What is 11-Hydroxy - THC? What you need to know. - Coastal Hemp Co

February 6, 2023

·

Written by John Gush

What is 11-HYDROXY - THC?

A common misconception is that 11-Hydroxy THC, or 11-HXY-THC for short, is Delta 11 THC. Although they are similar, they are not precisely the same thing. Delta 11 is not as effective as 11-Hydroxy-THC and is not great for a psychoactive experience. 11-Hydroxy-THC however, is said to be as strong and similar to Delta 9. "Hydroxy" compounds might be popular in the near future.

11-hydroxy-THC is thought to be 2-3 times more potent than THC and could have significantly more significant psychoactive effects. Orally consumed THC also needs to be digested first, so it can take longer for the effects to take about 1-2 hours.

11-Hydroxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol is not a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, but rather a metabolite produced in the body after delta 9 THC has been consumed. Delta 9 converts into 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver, as part of the metabolization process in which delta 9 THC eventually breaks down and leaves the body.

11-Hydroxy-THC: Why Edibles Can Feel More Potent

Why do cannabis edibles feel so different? Let’s explore how your body processes cannabis and the effects of the potent metabolic byproduct, 11-hydroxy-THC.

One theory points to 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolic byproduct created as the THC in your edible passes through your GI tract and liver. Metabolic enzymes modify and break down the compounds in the foods we eat. The metabolic byproducts of this process are usually less active than the original molecule. However, in the case of 11-hydroxy-THC, the metabolite is actually more potent than its progenitor, THC.

An early study compared the effects of THC and 11-hydroxy-THC. The researchers found that when volunteers were given equivalent one-milligram doses intravenously of either compound, 11-hydroxy-THC resulted in a faster onset and a more intense psychoactive experience than THC.

Moreover, it’s been estimated that the body’s first-pass metabolism produces far more 11-hydroxy-THC after oral administration than when cannabis is inhaled. This may explain why cannabis edibles can feel more potent and more psychoactive than a similar dose that’s been inhaled.