How 11 Hydroxy Metabolite Works in The Body

Jun 10, 2022

Have you ever wondered why edibles hit differently than smoking cannabis? The answer lies in a powerful compound called 11 Hydroxy THC.

This metabolite, produced when you consume cannabis orally, packs a punch that can catch even experienced users off guard. Although technically not present in cannabis, your body creates it when you consume THC, and it comes with its own unique effects that you need to know about.

Knowing how 11 Hydroxy THC works in your body is key to understanding the potency and effects of edibles and tinctures.

If you’re wondering how edibles produce their effects and how the 11 Hydroxy metabolite works on the body, keep reading because we’ve got all the answers. Let’s start by finding out what Hydroxy-11-THC is.

Key Takeaways

11 Hydroxy THC is a metabolite produced in the liver when you consume THC orally, resulting in stronger and longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping.
Unlike Delta 9 THC, 11 Hydroxy THC crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, possibly leading to significantly more potent psychoactive effects.
First-pass metabolism plays a role in the creation of 11 Hydroxy THC, impacting bioavailability and increasing the strength of effects.
11 Hydroxy THC may bind more strongly to CB1 receptors, contributing to its potentially enhanced potency and duration of effects, lasting up to 12 hours.
To safely enjoy edibles and 11 Hydroxy THC, start with low doses, be mindful of delayed onset times, and avoid mixing with alcohol or other substances.

What is 11 Hydroxy THC?

11 Hydroxy THC is a metabolite created when your liver processes THC from orally consumed cannabis. This compound is much more potent and longer-lasting than its parent molecule, Delta 9 THC, something we’ll discuss in greater detail below.

Scientists first identified 11 Hydroxy THC in the 1970s during studies on cannabis metabolism. Early research focused on understanding how the body processes THC and why edibles produced different effects than smoking.

Studies revealed that 11 Hydroxy THC has a great binding affinity to cannabinoid receptors, explaining the long-lasting effects of edibles.

When you eat cannabis-infused products, your digestive system breaks down the THC and sends it to your liver for processing.

There, enzymes that break down various compounds that you consume (whether from cannabis or otherwise) and transform THC into 11 Hydroxy THC before it enters your bloodstream.

Once 11 Hydroxy THC enters the bloodstream and then passes through the blood-brain barrier, it takes effect just like Delta 9 THC or any other cannabinoid would.

Let’s move on and find out what makes 11 Hydroxy THC different from regular Delta 9 THC.

How 11 Hydroxy THC Differs from Delta 9 THC

The main difference between 11 Hydroxy THC and Delta 9 THC lies in their potency and duration of effects.

Studies show that 11 Hydroxy THC crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, potentially leading to stronger and longer-lasting psychoactive effects.

This is why edibles often produce a more intense high than smoking or vaping cannabis. So, while Delta 9 THC is potent, 11 Hydroxy THC takes the experience to another level. Studies indicate that it may be three times as potent as Delta 9 THC, or more.

Due to this, many report feeling much stronger psychoactive effects when consuming edibles compared to smoking or vaping. Although the effects from inhaled and orally consumed cannabis are much the same, due to the potency of 11 Hydroxy THC, you can expect those effects to be much stronger when edibles are involved.

With the basics covered, let’s find out how 11 Hydroxy THC works in the body.

How Does 11 Hydroxy THC Work in the Body?

When you consume cannabis orally, your liver metabolizes THC into 11 Hydroxy THC through a process called first-pass metabolism, allowing the cannabinoid to bind more efficiently with receptors, therefore potentially producing much stronger effects.

Let’s find out exactly what first-pass metabolism is.

First Pass Metabolism and Bioavailability

First-pass metabolism impacts the bioavailability of THC. Bioavailability refers to how much of the substance your body can actually absorb and use. With regular THC, the bioavailability sits at around 30%.

This means that when you smoke or vape cannabis, realistically, your body can only absorb 30% of that THC. It’s not very efficient.

What needs to be clarified is that when you ingest THC, it has a bioavailability of 12% at most, or about one-third of inhaled THC.

However, because THC converts into 11 Hydroxy THC in the liver, and because 11 Hydroxy THC has a very strong binding affinity with CB1 receptors (combined with an easier time crossing the blood-brain barrier), the overall effects may still be significantly more potent.

As mentioned above, 11 Hydroxy THC also appears to have a stronger binding affinity with CB1 receptors, another factor that comes into play.

If you’d like to experience the increased potency of this cannabinoid, you can start with these Acai Delta 9 Live Resin Edibles, complete with 400mg of Delta 9 THC and CBD, along with a delicious flavor!

11 Hydroxy THC Binding to CB1 Receptors

As established above, 11 Hydroxy THC binds more strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, with CB1 receptors thought to be responsible for many of the psychoactive effects of cannabis. This stronger binding efficiency usually results in more intense effects on mood, perception, and cognition.

Speaking of effects, let’s find out what effects and benefits 11 Hydroxy THC may have.

Effects and Benefits of 11 Hydroxy THC

When 11 Hydroxy THC enters your system, the effects won’t be quite the same as with smoking or vaping. This metabolite delivers stronger, longer-lasting psychoactive effects that may surprise even seasoned cannabis users.

Yes, the type of effects, such as euphoria, bodily relaxation, and altered cognition are all typical, but this metabolite generally delivers a much stronger punch. The effects tend to be much more noticeable and longer lasting.

Let’s take a closer look at the potency and effects of 11 Hydroxy THC.

Enhanced Potency Compared to THC

11 Hydroxy THC is significantly more potent than Delta 9 THC, often producing stronger euphoria, relaxation, and sensory enhancement with smaller doses. This increased potency stems from 11 Hydroxy THC's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, leading to a more intense high.

Although more research is required on this front, it is believed that 11 Hydroxy THC may be three or even four times as potent as regular THC. Not only are the effects presumably stronger, but they also last longer.

Longer Duration of Effects

One of the standout characteristics of 11 Hydroxy THC is its extended duration of effects.

While the effects of smoked or vaped THC typically last one to three hours, the effects 11 Hydroxy THC can last six to eight hours or even longer, sometimes up to 12 hours, making it ideal for those seeking prolonged effects.

All of that said, 11 Hydroxy THC isn’t just good for those seeking a potent effect, but may also have therapeutic benefits worth discussing.

Potential Medical Benefits for Chronic Conditions

Due to its potency and long duration, 11 Hydroxy THC may provide more and longer-lasting relief from a variety of conditions or symptoms. Its unique properties make it a candidate for future cannabis-based therapies.

Although more research is needed on the potential therapeutic benefits of 11 Hydroxy THC, it serves to reason that if Delta 9 THC has a variety of benefits, then the much more potent 11 Hydroxy THC may have even more pronounced benefits.

Remember, THC may be effective at relieving symptoms associated with stress, it may act as a sleep aid, it can possibly reduce pain, and potentially stimulate appetite. These potential benefits may all be enhanced due to the increased potency of 11 Hydroxy THC.

If getting potential relief from a variety of chronic conditions and symptoms is your goal, these M-Fusions Delta 9 Fruit Punch Gummies with 800mg of Delta 9 THC might be right for you. They’re quite potent on their own, so start slow!

Considering this metabolite's great potential for potency, let’s see if there are any risks or side effects involved.

What are the Side Effects and Risks of 11 Hydroxy THC?

Although more research is required, there are certain risks that 11 Hydroxy THC may have, such as causing paranoia and anxious feelings.

Here are some of the potential side effects of 11 Hydroxy THC:

Increased Anxiety or Paranoia

The heightened potency of 11 Hydroxy THC can cause anxiety or paranoia in some users, especially those sensitive to THC.

Start with low doses and gradually increase to avoid these side effects. THC in itself may cause paranoia at higher doses, which means that the more potent 11 Hydroxy THC may produce these side effects to a higher degree.

Impaired Cognitive Function and Memory

Just like THC, 11 Hydroxy THC may impair concentration and short-term memory, so avoid consuming it before engaging in tasks that require mental focus or decision-making. Due to its potency, starting slow is recommended, which we’re about to discuss.

How to Dose and Consume 11 Hydroxy THC Safely

To make sure that you don’t overdo it, let’s go over some tips on how to consume 11 Hydroxy THC for the best results. Taking small doses and being aware of how long edibles can take to produce effects is a start.

Here’s how to dose 11 Hydroxy THC.

Start Low and Go Slow with Edibles

Start with a low dose of 2.5 to 5mg of THC when consuming edibles and wait at least two hours before considering taking more. The potency of 11 Hydroxy THC can catch even experienced users off guard.

Be Aware of Delayed Onset and Prolonged Effects

Edibles take longer to kick in. The effects might take 30 minutes to two hours to appear but can last up to 12 hours. Always plan ahead and ensure you’re in a safe, comfortable environment.

Avoid Mixing with Alcohol or Other Substances

Mixing 11 Hydroxy THC with alcohol or other substances can lead to unpredictable effects. It's best to experience the compound on its own to understand how your body responds.

Keeping all of this in mind, let’s discuss the legalities of 11 Hydroxy THC.

Is 11 Hydroxy THC Legal?

How 11 Hydroxy Metabolite Works in The Body

The legal status of 11 Hydroxy THC is tied to the legal status of the THC from which it's derived. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived THC with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC is legal federally, but state laws vary.

This is a legal gray area, to say the least, because any THC derived from marijuana plants is not legal federally, but THC derived from hemp plants with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC is legal at the federal level.

That said, this is a non-issue for the most part, as 11 Hydroxy THC only occurs through the metabolism of THC. This means that you can’t buy 11 Hydroxy THC.

It’s not something that can be bought or sold at all, but rather needs to be created by your body by consuming THC. An issue that may arise is if you are employed by an agency that requires drug testing for marijuana.

If 11 Hydroxy THC is found in your system, there may be consequences regardless if the original source of the cannabinoid was legal or not.

Is 11 Hydroxy THC Right for You?

11 Hydroxy THC provides a potent, long-lasting cannabis experience but requires careful dosing. Therefore, when you consume edibles, go slow and take your time.

The THC found in edibles will convert into 11 Hydroxy THC, and when it does, you’ll likely feel very potent effects.

However, if you’re looking for long-lasting relief or are looking for a more intense and potent high than you’re used to from smoking or vaping, then eating edibles with THC that converts into 11-Hydroxy THC is certainly an option worth considering.

If this sounds like something for you, check out the high-quality edibles at Mellow Fellow to experience 11 Hydroxy THC safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does 11 Hydroxy THC Compare to Delta 9 THC in Terms of Strength?

11 Hydroxy THC is much more potent than Delta 9 THC, often reported to be three to four times stronger, leading to a more intense and longer-lasting experience.

Why Do Edibles Seem to Have Stronger Effects Than Smoking Cannabis?

When THC is ingested, it’s converted into 11 Hydroxy THC in the liver, which crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, resulting in stronger and more prolonged effects.

Can 11 Hydroxy THC Provide Therapeutic Benefits?

Due to its potency, 11 Hydroxy THC may offer extended relief for conditions like chronic pain, symptoms of stress, and may act as a natural sleep aid. However, more research is needed to confirm its full therapeutic potential.

What Precautions Should I Take When Consuming Edibles With 11 Hydroxy THC?

Start with a low dose of 2.5 to 5mg, wait at least two hours for the effects to kick in, and avoid combining with alcohol or other substances to prevent unpredictable effects.

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