Effect of synthetic cannabinoids on elevated intraocular pressure

Two chemical derivatives of delta-1-tetrahydrocannabinol were evaluated in a randomized, double-masked study, administered as a single oral dose to a group of ocular hypertensive patients. One of the compounds (BW146Y) was found to have a significant intraocular pressure lowering effect that was independent of orthostatic blood pressure changes, although such changes did occur in some patients. The other compound (BW29Y) was ineffective in lowering intraocular pressure at the doses tested. Psychological and performance parameters were measured, and except for a time production test among the BW29Y group, these parameters were not significantly affected by the test drugs. Patients receiving both drugs experienced mild subjective side effects.