Cannabis (THC)/Cannabinoids

LABOKLIN Service ID: 530


To detect exposure, THC and two metabolites are measured:

  • THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and the metabolites 11-OH-THC (11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol) and THC-COOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-THC) do not occur naturally in animals.
  • THC and 11-OH-THC have psychoactive effects.
  • The half-life of THC in blood is short and is reported to be 20–30 minutes.

Material

Serum 0.5 ml

Parameter

THC, 11-OH THC, THC-COOH, CBD

Method

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS)

Species list

Dog, cat, rabbit, horse, others on request

Duration

1–2 working days

Remark

Clinical signs (dog, cat):

  • common: lethargy, ataxia, vomiting followed by CNS depression, urinary incontinence, sensitivity to noise, mydriasis, hyperaesthesia, bradycardia, hypothermia and tremors
  • rare: hypotension, bradypnoea, aggression, tachycardia, nystagmus, convulsion, death
  • Clinical signs occur within 1 to 2 hours after exposure and usually subside within 12 to 72 hours.

Evaluation:
  • The detection of THC in serum and 11-OH-THC concentration > 1 ng/ml indicate recent cannabis intake.
  • Long-term intake is indicated by THC-COOH concentrations > 1 ng/ml.