Voluntary heart rate changes and the marihuana "high"

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Marihuana intoxication involves complex psychological and physiological changes.
• Pulse rate is a consistent physiological indicator of marihuana intoxication.
• Understanding the interplay between subjective and objective measures is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between subjective and physiological measures of marihuana intoxication.
• To determine if biofeedback training can alter physiological responses during intoxication.
• To examine the discrepancy between self-reported intoxication and objective physiological changes.

Main Methods:

• Participants rated their subjective intoxication using the 'How High' Scale.
• Pulse rate was monitored as the objective physiological measure.
• An experimental group used biofeedback to voluntarily increase pulse rate while intoxicated.
• A control group received feedback without active manipulation of pulse rate.

Main Results:

• Both groups reported similar subjective levels of marihuana intoxication.
• The experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher pulse rate compared to the control group.
• A discrepancy was observed between subjective intoxication ratings and objective pulse rate changes.

Conclusions:

• Voluntary control over physiological responses, like pulse rate, is possible even during marihuana intoxication.
• Subjective self-reports of intoxication may not fully align with objective physiological measures.
• The interaction between psychological and physiological states during intoxication is complex and warrants further investigation.