Metabolite of (-)-trans-delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol: identification and synthesis.

The major metabolite of (-)-trans-Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol observed in vivo and formed by hepatic microsomes in vitro is 11-hydroxy-trans-Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol. The metabolite was identified spectroscopically and was synthesized from trans-Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol. In tests with rats, the metabolite produced behavioral effects similar to those imparted by Delta(8)- and Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol.