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Delta 9-tetrahydrocannibinol: acute efects on defensive and primary-process language
The International Journal of the Addictions
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impacts language by reducing defensive speech and increasing intellectualizing vocabulary. This study explored THC
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Understanding the psychological effects of cannabinoids is crucial.
- Language processing is a complex cognitive function potentially modulated by psychoactive substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on distinct language processes.
- To analyze changes in defensive and secondary-process language following THC administration.
Main Methods:
- Four male volunteers participated in a controlled study.
- Monologue samples were collected under three conditions: placebo, 15 mg THC, and recovery.
- Linguistic analysis focused on defensive indicators and secondary-process vocabulary.
Main Results:
- Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) significantly attenuated defensive language behaviors.
- THC administration led to an increased use of secondary-process (intellectualizing) vocabulary.
- Recovery condition showed a return towards baseline language patterns.
Conclusions:
- THC influences cognitive and linguistic functions related to self-expression.
- The findings suggest THC alters the balance between immediate defensive responses and more elaborated cognitive processing in language.