# Edibles Metabolism Flowchart

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/d2-process-of-thc-conversion-in-the-liver-when-edibles-are-consumed-png/
> **Published:** 2026-09-04T23:04:48-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-13T14:38:13-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** The journey of THC after an edible: first-pass metabolism in the liver, conversion to 11-hydroxy-THC, and why edibles feel different from inhalation.

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[← Back to the Methods of Consumption Summary Hub](https://cedclinic.com/topic-methods-of-consumption/)Diagram & referenceA visual reference. The evidence, sources and clinical interpretation are in the linked article.About this diagramA four box flowchart following an edible through the body, read from the top down. It runs from consuming the edible, to THC reaching the liver, to conversion of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, and ends at increased potency of effects. Read it as a sequence rather than a timeline, since the graphic marks the order of the steps and not how long any of them takes.The evidence behind it[Read the evidence: what controlled human studies show about 11-hydroxy-THC, onset, and dose variability](https://cedclinic.com/11-hydroxy-thc-edibles-first-pass-metabolism/)That article carries the cited studies, the limits of the evidence, and the clinical interpretation.

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).