How is hashish broken down in the body?

What is hashish?

Hashish, often simply referred to as "hash", is a substance from the Cannabis-Pflanze product. It is one of the oldest and most widely used intoxicants in the world. Hashish is produced by Resins of the cannabis plant and pressed into a compact mass. These resins are rich in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active ingredient responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis.

Compared to other cannabis products such as marijuana, which uses dried leaves and <LOSS12> of the plant, hashish is often much more potent. This is because it is more concentrated and contains a higher amount of THC. This makes hashish popular with consumers looking for a stronger effects.

Hashish can be consumed in various ways. The most common methods are the Rauchen often mixed with tobacco in a cigarette or pipe, and the Essen where it is added to food. When smoked, the effects occurs almost immediately because the THC quickly enters the bloodstream via the lungs and then into the brain. When hashish is eaten, it takes longer for the effects to be felt because the THC must first be processed in the gastrointestinal tract.

The effects of hashish can vary greatly, depending on the amount of THC consumed and the user's personal tolerance. Typically, users report feelings of Entspannung and Euphorie but also increased sensory perceptions, such as more intense colours and sounds. However, negative effects such as anxiety or paranoia can also occur, especially at higher doses or in people with little experience.

In many countries, the possession and use of hashish is regulated or prohibited by law, although laws vary widely around the world. In some regions, the medicinal use of cannabis products, including hashish, is increasingly recognised and legalised, leading to changing perceptions of its safety and acceptability.

Understanding these basics about hashish helps to get a clear picture of its role and effects in society, as well as the challenges and debates associated with its use.

How does hashish get into the body?

Differences: smoking vs. eating

When it comes to how hashish enters the body, there are two main methods: smoking and eating. Both methods have their own peculiarities and effects that are important for users to understand.

Rauchen Smoking is the most common method of consuming hashish. The hash is smoked either in a pipe, a Joint (a type of cigarette) or a special device such as a bong. When smoked, the hash is heated and the smoke, which contains THC, is inhaled directly into the lungs. From there, the THC enters the bloodstream almost immediately and reaches the brain within minutes. This rapid absorption leads to an almost immediate high, which can vary depending on the strength of the hashish and the amount of smoke consumed.

Essen Eating hashish, often in the form of edibles such as biscuits, brownies or other foods enriched with hashish, is another popular method of consumption. In contrast to smoking, THC takes a longer route through the body when eaten. It is first digested in the stomach and then in the small intestine before entering the bloodstream and finally the brain. This method leads to a delayed, but often longer and more intense effects. The high can sometimes only set in after 30 minutes to two hours, but often lasts longer. This is because the THC is converted into a stronger chemical form during the digestion process.

The choice between smoking and eating can be made based on the desired speed and duration of the effects. Smoking leads to a quick but shorter effects, while eating hashish produces a slower but more sustained effects. It is important to note that especially when eating hashish, the dosage is difficult to control, which can lead to unexpectedly strong or long-lasting effects.

Breakdown of THC: How does it work?

What happens in the liver?

Once THC enters the bloodstream, the liver plays a crucial role in breaking it down. The liver is the central organ for detoxification in the body and for processing substances that are absorbed through food or other routes. THC is processed here by specialised enzymes, in particular the cytochrome P450 group.

These enzymes convert THC into various metabolites, the most well-known metabolite being 11-hydroxy-THC. This substance is still psychoactive and can have even stronger effects than THC itself. After it has been converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, this is further converted into THC-COOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-THC), which is no longer psychoactive. It is these metabolites that are finally excreted in the urine and faeces.

Why this is important

Understanding the degradation process of THC is important for several reasons. Firstly, it can help to understand the duration of the effects of hashish. Because some of the THC metabolites are themselves psychoactive, the effects of initial consumption can be prolonged even if the original THC has already been processed.

Secondly, the breakdown of THC has significant legal and medical implications. THC and its metabolites can be detected in standard drug tests that are often conducted as part of workplace inspections or legal assessments. Knowledge of the length of time THC and its metabolites remain in the body is critical for individuals working in environments where regular drug testing is common.

Thirdly, there are health considerations. The process of how the body breaks down THC may be different in individuals with impaired liver function or other health conditions, which may influence the effects of hashish. In addition, this knowledge can help medical professionals develop treatment plans for individuals who use cannabis medicinally and may need to avoid interactions with other medications.

THC in the body: storage and excretion

Where does the body store THC?

After THC enters the bloodstream and is processed by the liver, it is distributed throughout the body. Due to its chemical properties, THC is lipophilic, which means that it prefers to dissolve in fatty tissues. This means that THC accumulates in the fatty areas of the body, such as the brain, organs, fatty tissue and cell membranes.

This storage in fatty tissue means that THC can remain in the body for longer, especially in people with a higher body fat percentage or regular users. As THC is released slowly from these fat deposits, it can remain detectable in the bloodstream for a longer period of time even after actual consumption.

How and when does THC leave the body?

The process by which THC leaves the body is complex and can vary depending on individual factors. The main routes of excretion of THC and its metabolites are via the urine and faeces. A smaller amount can also be excreted via sweat and breath.

• Urine Most THC metabolites are filtered through the kidneys and excreted in the urine. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the frequency of use and the metabolic rate of the individual.
• Chair A significant proportion of the metabolites are excreted into the intestine with the bile and leave the body with the faeces. This excretion route can also take several days.
• Sweat and breath : Smaller amounts of THC and its metabolites can be released via sweat and breath, but this plays a subordinate role compared to urine and faeces.

The speed at which THC leaves the body depends on various factors, including the individual's metabolic rate, body fat percentage and consumption habits. For occasional users, THC can be completely excreted within a few days, while for regular users it can take weeks to months for all traces to be removed from the body.

This knowledge about the storage and excretion of THC is important because it influences the detectability of THC in drug tests and can also explain the duration of effects after consumption. It also helps to understand why some people have longer positive drug tests even though they have not consumed hashish for a long time.

What influences how quickly THC is broken down?

Personal factors: What counts?

The speed at which THC is broken down in the body can depend heavily on individual factors. Here are some of the most important personal factors:

• Stoffwechselrate People with a higher metabolism break down THC faster. Metabolism can be influenced by genetic predisposition, physical activity and general health.
• Körperfettanteil As THC is stored in fatty tissues, people with a higher body fat percentage tend to have a longer detection time. The stored THC is released and broken down slowly.
• Geschlecht Women tend to break down THC more slowly than men due to a higher average body fat percentage.
• Age : With increasing age, the metabolism slows down, which can delay the breakdown of THC.
• Leberfunktion The liver is the main organ for the breakdown of THC. People with impaired liver function can break down THC more slowly.

Consumer habits: What is changing?

The way in which THC is consumed and the frequency of consumption also play a major role in the breakdown of THC in the body:

• Frequency of consumption Regular or chronic users store more THC in their fatty tissue, which can significantly increase detection times. Occasional users break down THC faster.
• Amount of THC consumed Higher doses lead to higher concentrations of THC and its metabolites in the body, which can prolong the breakdown.
• Konsumform How THC is consumed (smoking, vaporising or eating) can influence the speed at which it is broken down. When smoking and vaporising, THC enters the bloodstream faster, but is also broken down more quickly. When eating, the effects occurs more slowly, but lasts longer.
• Hydration and nutrition Good hydration can promote the breakdown and excretion of THC. Certain foods and drinks can also influence the metabolism.

These factors show that the breakdown of THC in the body is a complex matter that is influenced by many individual and behavioural aspects. Understanding these factors can help to better assess the duration of the effects of THC and make informed decisions about its use.

Why is all this important?

Legal aspects and health

Understanding how THC is broken down in the body has both legal and health implications. Here are the main reasons why this knowledge is important:

Legal aspects

• Drogentests THC and its metabolites can be detected by drug tests, which are often carried out as part of workplace checks, traffic controls or sporting competitions. The detectability of THC can vary depending on consumption behaviour and individual factors, which can influence the consequences in legal situations.
• Driving licence and road traffic Driving under the influence of THC is illegal in many countries. As THC can remain detectable in the body for a long time, even after the psychoactive effects have worn off, this can cause legal problems. A better understanding of the breakdown of THC can help to avoid risks and comply with legal regulations.
• Arbeitsrecht In professions with high safety requirements or strict drug testing guidelines, the detection of THC can lead to disciplinary action or dismissal. Knowledge of the reduction times can help to avoid such situations.

Gesundheit

• Medical use THC is used medicinally in some countries, for example to treat pain or to stimulate appetite in certain diseases. Knowledge of the breakdown of THC helps patients and doctors to better control the dosage and timing of consumption in order to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
• Interactions with medication THC can interact with other drugs that are also metabolised in the liver. Understanding how THC is metabolised can help avoid potential interactions and ensure patient safety.
• Gesundheitsrisiken THC use can pose health risks, especially with regular use or the presence of certain health conditions. Knowledge about the breakdown and storage of THC in the body can help to make informed decisions and minimise the risks.

Overall, understanding the breakdown of THC in the body helps to make informed decisions about use, avoid legal consequences and maximise health benefits. It helps both users and healthcare professionals to manage THC more safely and effectively.

Fazit

Knowledge about the degradation of Haschisch and its main active ingredient THC in the body is of great importance. THC is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream after consumption via various methods such as smoking or eating and is mainly broken down in the liver by specialised enzymes. The metabolites of THC, especially 11-hydroxy-THC and THC-COOH, are eventually excreted from the body via urine and faeces.

Several factors influence how quickly THC is broken down, including personal characteristics such as metabolic rate, body fat percentage, gender and age, as well as consumption habits such as frequency and amount of use. This knowledge is important not only for legal reasons to avoid problems with drug testing, but also for health reasons to minimise drug interactions and health risks.

For consumers, this means that they can make better informed decisions about consumption. For medical professionals and regulatory authorities, understanding THC degradation provides valuable insights to develop safe and effective policies.

Overall, a sound knowledge of the breakdown of THC in the body helps to make consumption safer, avoid legal problems and better understand the health benefits and risks. It is an important aspect that is highly relevant for occasional users as well as regular consumers and medical users.