An in vitro rat liver microsomal system for conjugating fatty acids to 11-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

We have previously identified long-retained metabolites of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) and delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8-THC) in the rat as fatty acid conjugates of 11-hydroxy-delta 9-THC and 11-hydroxy-delta 8-THC. These metabolites can be produced in vitro using a rat liver microsomal energy-dependent esterase system.