[LomanBill]

Chicken-Little-meets-Reefer-Madness hysteria

Abstract

It has long been known that cannabis can elicit an acute psychotic reaction. Recent work shows that, of the 60 cannabinoid molecules in the plant, delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol is responsible for the central effects of cannabis. Here we aimed to investigate, in more detail, the psychological effects of synthetic intravenous THC in healthy subjects. Over 2 experimental sessions, participants (N=22) were administered 2.5mg IV THC or placebo under randomised, double-blind conditions. Psychological reactions were assessed using standard rating instruments and a battery of cognitive tests was completed.

Following THC, there was a significant increase in self-rated and observer-rated positive psychotic symptoms which were highly correlated (r=0.62, p=0.001).Phenomena centered on de-synchronisation of self-agency (ipseity disturbance) and hypersalience/paranoia. Participants also reported a significant increase in negative symptomatology under THC conditions, which was not explained by sedation. Finally, working memory/executive functioning was markedly and consistently impaired by THC.

Here we provide further evidence that THC can elicit an acute psychotic reaction in a proportion of healthy subjects. Acute THC-psychosis elicits positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Compared with other drug models THC recreates symptomatology across 3 major dimensions of schizophrenic psychosis without sedation/clouding of consciousness. Here we also present preliminary evidence that the molecule cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits THC-elicited positive symptoms. Current work in our laboratory is exploring the underlying mechanisms.

http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0924933809703797?via=sd&cc=y

NOT.

[aruanan]

None of these effects is significantly more problematic than what is experienced under the influence of alcohol.

[JustSayNoToNannies]

the psychological effects of synthetic intravenous THC in healthy subjects.

Nobody uses THC intravenously.

Over 2 experimental sessions, participants (N=22) were administered 2.5mg IV THC

Even aside from the unrealistic route of administration, how does this dose compares to the amount a recreational user of strong weed would get? Rats get cancer from artificial sweetener when fed the equivalent of a million cans of diet soda - should we worry?

Following THC, there was a significant increase in self-rated and observer-rated positive psychotic symptoms which were highly correlated (r=0.62, p=0.001).

In research terminology, "significant" means only statistically distinguishable from no effect - it says nothing about the magnitude of the effect.

Phenomena centered on de-synchronisation of self-agency (ipseity disturbance) and hypersalience/paranoia.

While these may technically fall under the general heading of "psychotic," a smoker hiding under the bed or examining his fingers in wonder ("ipseity disturbance") is nothing you or I need to fear.