Cannabinoid Metabolites in Urine: What You Need to Know

• Parent drug (THC): The psychoactive compound in cannabis.

• Metabolites tested in urine:

  • 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH) → the primary marker in standard urine drug tests.

  • THC-glucuronide and other minor metabolites may also be detected.

👉 Key Point: THC itself is not found in urine. Only its breakdown products (metabolites) are measured.

Do Metabolites Affect Cognitive Function?

• THC impairs cognition (reaction time, attention, memory, coordination).

• THC-COOH and other metabolites are inactive.

  • They do not bind to cannabinoid receptors.

  • They do not cause impairment or intoxication.

👉 A positive urine test = evidence of past cannabis use, not proof of current impairment.

Detection Windows (Approximate)

• Single use: 1–3 days

• Moderate use (3x/week): 5–7 days

• Daily use: 10–15 days

• Chronic/heavy use: 30+ days

(Detection varies with body fat, metabolism, hydration, and frequency of use.

Why This Matters

• Employers & Attorneys: Urine results cannot determine when cannabis was used or whether the person is cognitively impaired at the time of testing.

• Medical & Legal Context: A positive test only confirms prior exposure, not intoxication.

References

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Urine Specimen Validity Testing Guidelines. Federal Register.

2. Huestis, M.A. (2007). "Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics." Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770–1804.

3. Verstraete, A.G. (2004). "Detection Times of Drugs of Abuse in Blood, Urine, and Oral Fluid." Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, 26(2), 200–205.

4. Musshoff, F., & Madea, B. (2006). "Review of Biological Matrices (Urine, Blood, Hair) as Indicators of Recent or Ongoing Cannabis Use." Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, 28(2), 155–163.

5. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets: Cannabis (Marijuana, THC).