Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026
06:09
Development of a Preclinical Inhalation Model to Test Vaporized Cannabis Distillates
Published on: May 30, 2025
826
Death by self-mutilation after oral cannabis consumption
Clemence Delteil1, Caroline Sastre2, Marie-Dominique Piercecchi1
1Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, CNRS, EFS, ADES, France; APHM, CHU Timone, Service de Médecine Légale, Marseille, France.
Legal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|November 11, 2017
Summary
Oral cannabis consumption, particularly with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, was linked to severe behavioral disturbances and fatal self-mutilation in a case study. This highlights potential risks associated with potent cannabis products.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Psychiatry
- Cannabinoid Research
Background:
- Major self-mutilation is often linked to psychiatric disorders and substance abuse.
- Cannabis use, especially oral consumption, is increasingly prevalent.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old man exhibited sudden behavioral changes and fatal self-mutilation after consuming oral cannabis.
- Autopsy revealed death due to hemorrhage from severe self-inflicted injuries.
- Seized cannabis resin fragments and toxicological analysis confirmed high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels.
Findings:
- Femoral blood analysis detected significant levels of THC and its metabolites.
- Hair analysis indicated chronic cannabis use.
- The consumed cannabis resin contained 31-35% THC.
Implications:
- Oral cannabis consumption, particularly with very high THC concentrations, may precipitate severe psychiatric events and self-harm.
- This case underscores the need for awareness regarding the potency of cannabis products and their potential psychological effects.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying such adverse reactions.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
806
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
806
01:16Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Oral
3.3K
The oral stage is the initial phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, occurring from birth to approximately 12 to 18 months. During this period, the infant's mouth serves as the primary source of pleasure, with actions such as sucking, chewing, biting, and drinking playing a crucial role in reducing tension. These activities are essential not only for nourishment but also for the infant's psychological and emotional satisfaction.
Weaning, typically occurring...
Weaning, typically occurring...
3.3K
01:14Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
1.3K
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
1.3K
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
1.4K
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
1.4K