Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Delirium following ingestion of marijuana present in chocolate cookies
Charles André1, Jorge A Jaber-Filho, Rafael M A Bento
1Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. andrecmd@unisys.com.br
Objective:
To describe a case of marijuana-induced delirium and the techniques used to detect psychoactive agents and metabolites in urine.
Methods:
A case of delirium following involuntary ingestion of cannabis is described. A urine sample was analyzed applying various chemical procedures, using high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry technique. 11-Nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid was quantified by the methodology for steroids and cannabis.
Results:
A 26-year-old man was hospitalized with severe agitation and psychotic behavior 36 hours after suspected involuntary ingestion of cannabis contained in a brigadeiro, a typical Brazilian cookie, consumed during a party. Treatment with neuroleptics resulted in complete regression of the symptoms over 2 weeks. The urine sample revealed marijuana ingestion, demonstrated by the presence of its metabolite, 11-nor-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in high concentration. No other investigated substance was found in the patient's urine.
Conclusion:
Severe delirium can follow oral ingestion of cannabis integrated into homemade cookies.
Related Concept Videos
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Toxidromes: Clinical Features
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents

