Dosing

Dosing THC can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated, and it is always recommended to consult a cannabis healthcare professional before using THC.

Many effects are dose-dependent, meaning low doses and high doses will elicit different experiences. This is usually noticed with energy/clarity at lower doses and relaxation at higher doses. 

In general:

• Micro Dose = 5 mg and below

  • Fatigue and mood stabilizing

  • ADHD

  • Metabolic disorders

• Low Dose = 5 - 10 mg

  • Mild pains and aches

  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression

  • Nausea

• Standard Dose = 10 - 25 mg

  • Mild to moderate pain and muscle relaxation

  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression

  • Appetite stimulation

• High Dose = 25 - 100 mg

  • Moderate to severe pain and muscle spasms

  • Insomnia

• Macro Dose = 100 - 1000 mg

  • Severe pain and muscle spasms

  • Cancer, epilepsy

Pharmacokinetics: ADME

Absorption

The bioavailability of ∆9-THC is greatly influenced by the method of consumption:

• Inhalation = 5-55%

  • Highly variable depending on the inhalation method

    • Smoking: 30% lost to pyrolysis during combustion

    • Vaping: 20% increase in bioavailability

• Sublingual = 10-50%

  • Depends on formulation and duration

• Oral = 10-20% 

  • Highly variable depending on individual factors

  • Increased if taken with food 

  • 4-12% conversion in the liver to 11-hydroxy-∆9-THC (active metabolite)

• Topical = low systemic absorption

  • Used locally for peripheral effects

The onset of ∆9-THC effects varies depending on the consumption method:

• Inhalation = Seconds < 1 minute

• Sublingual = 15-30 min

• Oral = 45-90 min

  • Food delays onset but increases bioavailability

• Topical = 5-30 min

  • Depends on formulation

The time to peak levels depends on the method of consumption and metabolism:

• Inhalation = Seconds < 1 minute

  • ∆9-THC = 8 mins

  • 11-hydroxy-∆9-THC (active metabolite) = 15 mins

• Sublingual = 30-60 min

• Oral = 60-120 min

  • It can be extended by up to 100% in some cases

  • Dual peaks from ∆9-THC and 11-hydroxy-∆9-THC (active metabolite)

Distribution

∆9-THC is distributed very well into fatty tissues and organs in a manner proportional to blood flow. The distribution half-life depends on the frequency of use:

• Infrequent users = 1.3 days

• Daily users = 5-13 days

Metabolism

The metabolism of ∆9-THC is unique because it is metabolized in the liver to a more potent, active metabolite before being metabolized to an inactive metabolite. When inhaled, ∆9-THC enters the blood, and 11-hydroxy-∆9-THC is made by the liver and then dispersed in the blood. When ∆9-THC is ingested, it is metabolized by the liver before it enters the blood, which is partly why edibles may have a longer onset but can feel more potent.

• Phase 1: hydroxylation of THC to the primary (active) metabolite, 11-hydroxy-∆9-THC (11-OH-THC)

  • • 50-100% more active than ∆9-THC on CB1 receptors

• Phase 2: oxidation of 11-hydroxy-∆9-THC to the secondary (inactive) metabolite, 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH)

  • • Glucuronidation to excrete in feces, urine, and sweat

Elimination

The inactive metabolite, 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, is excreted mainly through the feces and secondarily through urine and sweat—urinary drug tests screen for this marker.