Tolerance to effects of high-dose oral δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and plasma cannabinoid concentrations in male daily cannabis smokers

J Anal Toxicol. 2013 Jan-Feb;37(1):11-6. doi: 10.1093/jat/bks081. Epub 2012 Oct 16.

Abstract

Oral cannabinoids are taken for medicinal or recreational purposes, yet little is known about tolerance to their effects after high-dose extended exposure. The development of tolerance to effects of around-the-clock oral synthetic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (20 mg every 3.5-6 h) was evaluated in 13 healthy male daily cannabis smokers residing on a secure research unit: 40 mg on Day 1; 100 mg on Days 2-4; 120 mg on Days 5-6. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and symptoms of subjective intoxication (100 mm visual-analogue scales, VAS) were assessed the morning of Day 1 (before any oral THC), and on Days 2, 4 and 6, every 30 min for 3 h after the first morning THC dose. Morning subjective intoxication ratings increased from Days 1 to 2, and then declined on Days 4 and 6. The morning THC dose increased intoxication ratings on Day 2, but had less effect on Days 4 and 6, a pattern consistent with tolerance. THC lowered BP and increased heart rate over the six days. Plasma THC and 11-OH-THC concentrations increased significantly over the first five days of dosing. Six days of around-the-clock, oral THC produced tolerance to subjective intoxication, but not to cardiovascular effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cannabinoids / blood*
  • Cannabis / chemistry*
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage*
  • Dronabinol / blood
  • Drug Tolerance
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Smoking / adverse effects
  • Marijuana Smoking / metabolism*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Dronabinol