title: [Some practice-relevant aspects of the pharmacokinetics of THC].
abstract: The pharmacokinetics of THC varies in dependence of its route of administration. Pulmonary assimilation of Cannabis (smoking, inhalation) leads to a maximum THC concentration within minutes, psychotropic effects start within seconds to a few minutes, reach a maximum after 15-30 min, and slope down within 1-2 h. In case of oral ingestion the effect sets in delayed after 30-90 min, reaches its maximum after 2-3 h and lasts about 4-8 h. Duration of action depends on measured parameters. Intestinal absorption of THC is increased by application in a lipophilic base. Cannabinoids are present in the plant mainly as pharmacologically inactive carboxylic acids (more than 95%), that are transformed into the active phenols by heating (smoking, baking). Heating of 5 min to 200 degrees C seems to be optimal.
authors.affiliation: nova-Institut, Hürth, Germany. Fgrotenhermen@compuserve.com
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grotenhermen
mesh_terms: D013759:Dronabinol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008385:Marijuana Smoking; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D013759:Dronabinol
vernacular_title: Einige praxisrelevante Aspekte der Pharmakokinetik von THC.