The Psychotomimetic Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Healthy Individuals: Implications for Psychosis

The Psychotomimetic Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Healthy Individuals: Implications for Psychosis

2 June 2004 | Deepak Cyril D'Souza, Edward Perry, Lisa MacDougall, Yola Ammerman, Thomas Cooper, Yu-te Wu, Gabriel Braley, Ralitza Gueorguieva, John Harrison Krystal
A study published in *Neuropsychopharmacology* (2004) investigated the psychotomimetic effects of intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) in 22 healthy individuals who had used cannabis but not been diagnosed with a cannabis use disorder. The study found that Δ-9-THC produced symptoms resembling those of psychosis, including positive and negative symptoms, perceptual alterations, anxiety, euphoria, and cognitive deficits. These effects were dose-dependent and included impaired verbal recall, working memory, and attention, while orientation and recognition memory were spared. Δ-9-THC also increased plasma cortisol levels, indicating a stress response. The study suggests that Δ-9-THC can induce transient psychotic-like symptoms in healthy individuals, potentially contributing to the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders. The findings highlight the need for further research into the role of cannabinoid receptors in psychosis. The study was conducted under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions, with participants undergoing standardized assessments. The results indicate that Δ-9-THC can produce effects similar to those seen in schizophrenia, including delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. The study also found that Δ-9-THC did not significantly affect prolactin levels, suggesting that its effects on the endocrine system are limited. The study's implications include a better understanding of the potential risks of cannabis use and the role of cannabinoids in mental health. The study's limitations include the use of intravenous administration, which may not reflect typical recreational use, and the exclusion of individuals with varying responses to cannabis. Overall, the study provides important insights into the effects of Δ-9-THC on cognitive and behavioral functions, with potential implications for the treatment and understanding of psychotic disorders.A study published in *Neuropsychopharmacology* (2004) investigated the psychotomimetic effects of intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) in 22 healthy individuals who had used cannabis but not been diagnosed with a cannabis use disorder. The study found that Δ-9-THC produced symptoms resembling those of psychosis, including positive and negative symptoms, perceptual alterations, anxiety, euphoria, and cognitive deficits. These effects were dose-dependent and included impaired verbal recall, working memory, and attention, while orientation and recognition memory were spared. Δ-9-THC also increased plasma cortisol levels, indicating a stress response. The study suggests that Δ-9-THC can induce transient psychotic-like symptoms in healthy individuals, potentially contributing to the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders. The findings highlight the need for further research into the role of cannabinoid receptors in psychosis. The study was conducted under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions, with participants undergoing standardized assessments. The results indicate that Δ-9-THC can produce effects similar to those seen in schizophrenia, including delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. The study also found that Δ-9-THC did not significantly affect prolactin levels, suggesting that its effects on the endocrine system are limited. The study's implications include a better understanding of the potential risks of cannabis use and the role of cannabinoids in mental health. The study's limitations include the use of intravenous administration, which may not reflect typical recreational use, and the exclusion of individuals with varying responses to cannabis. Overall, the study provides important insights into the effects of Δ-9-THC on cognitive and behavioral functions, with potential implications for the treatment and understanding of psychotic disorders.
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