Recently, several countries authorized the use of cannabis flowering tops (dried inflorescences) with a standardized amount of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (
THC),
cannabidiol (CBD) and their acidic precursors [Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic
acid A (THCA-A) and
cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)] to treat neurogenic
pain. We studied the acute pharmacological effects and disposition of
cannabinoids and their metabolites in serum, oral fluid, sweat patch and urine of 13 healthy individuals treated with
medical cannabis decoction and oil.
Cannabinoids and their metabolites were quantified by ultrahigh performance tandem mass spectrometry. Even if the oil contained a significantly higher amount of
THC, the absorption of
THC and its metabolites were similar in both
herbal preparations. Conversely, whereas oil contained a significantly higher amount of CBD and a lower amount of CBDA, absorption was significantly higher after decoction intake. Only
cannabinoids present in both
herbal preparations (
THC, CBD, THCA-A and CBDA) were found in oral fluid, due to the higher acidity compared with that of serum.
THC metabolites urinary excretion was always higher after decoction administration. Decoction induced greater feeling of hunger and drowsiness than oil preparation. Pharmacokinetics of
cannabinoids, their precursors and their metabolites in
biological fluids of individuals treated with cannabis decoction and oil showed a high interindividual variability. The aqueous preparation was generally better absorbed than the oil, even if it contained a minor amount of
THC, THCA-A and CBD.