Some praxis-relevant aspects of the pharmacokinetics of THC

The pharmacokinetics of THC varies in dependence of its route of administra tion. Pulmonary assimilation of Cannabis (smoking, inhalation) leads to a m aximum THC concentration within minutes, psychotropic effects start within seconds to a few minutes, reach a maximum after 15-30 min, and slope down w ithin 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 incr eased 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.