Toxicology report is out for Michael Brown
"Delta-9-THC = 12 ng/ml in blood.
11-Nor-Delta-9-THC-COOH = 45 ng/ml in blood.
Comments: Delta-9-THC detection in the blood defines impairment."
Delta-9-THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It peaks rapidly after smoking/vaping and is gradually metabolized into 11-Nor-Delta-9-THC-COOH. The -COOH form is what remains in the body for weeks to months and can be detected in skin, in hair, and so on.
The presence of Delta-9-THC in the blood means that Michael Brown smoked within a few hours and was actively under the influence.
Impairment differs widely from person to person with MJ and isn't as linear as alcohol in its effects. In addition, metabolic responses also widely differ, much more widely than for alcohol. 'Experienced' smokers build up a tolerance and metabolize faster and can appear to be less impaired. The level of the -COOH form in the blood is highly variable and generally can't be said to provide evidence other than, "Yes, marijuana was used."
All that being said, any way you slice it, 12 ng/mL in a 296 pound man is a hell of a lot of weed.
In contrast, Trayvon Martin, a much more slight, wiry 158 pounds, had 1.5 ng/ml of the active Delta-9-THC and 7.3 ng/mL of the inactive 11-Nor-Delta-9-THC-COOH.
11-Nor-Delta-9-THC-COOH = 45 ng/ml in blood.
Comments: Delta-9-THC detection in the blood defines impairment."
Delta-9-THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It peaks rapidly after smoking/vaping and is gradually metabolized into 11-Nor-Delta-9-THC-COOH. The -COOH form is what remains in the body for weeks to months and can be detected in skin, in hair, and so on.
The presence of Delta-9-THC in the blood means that Michael Brown smoked within a few hours and was actively under the influence.
Impairment differs widely from person to person with MJ and isn't as linear as alcohol in its effects. In addition, metabolic responses also widely differ, much more widely than for alcohol. 'Experienced' smokers build up a tolerance and metabolize faster and can appear to be less impaired. The level of the -COOH form in the blood is highly variable and generally can't be said to provide evidence other than, "Yes, marijuana was used."
All that being said, any way you slice it, 12 ng/mL in a 296 pound man is a hell of a lot of weed.
In contrast, Trayvon Martin, a much more slight, wiry 158 pounds, had 1.5 ng/ml of the active Delta-9-THC and 7.3 ng/mL of the inactive 11-Nor-Delta-9-THC-COOH.