General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: How will over-the-limit, DUI driving infractions be determined [View all]RainDog
(28,784 posts)IMMEDIATELY after THC is consumed, it begins a process of breaking down the molecules to 11-OH-THC. This metabolite is still psychoactive and is further oxidized to 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH).
11-COOH-THC is not psychoactive itself, but has a long half-life in the body of up to several days (or even weeks in very heavy users),[4][5][6] making it the main metabolite tested for when blood or urine testing for cannabis use. More sensitive tests are able to distinguish between 11-OH-THC and 11-COOH-THC, which can help determine how recently cannabis was consumed;[7][8] if only 11-COOH-THC is present then the cannabis was used some time ago and any impairment in cognitive ability or motor function will have dissipated, whereas if both 11-OH-THC and 11-COOH-THC are present then the cannabis was consumed more recently and motor impairment may still be present.
If someone has "the munchies" - they are under the influence of 11-OH-THC. They are still under the influence but the effect is not the same and the high is waning as the metabolized THC is removed from the cannabinoid receptors in the brain to make their way through the digestive system.