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Preference for high- versus low-potency marijuana
1Department of Psychiatry, MC3077, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Humans prefer higher potency marijuana, indicating that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content influences marijuana
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Human pharmacology
- Cannabis studies
Background:
- Many drugs of abuse show dose-preference in humans and animals.
- Marijuana's reinforcing effects and abuse potential are key research areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if humans prefer higher potency marijuana during smoking.
- To determine the relationship between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content and marijuana choice.
Main Methods:
- Twelve regular marijuana smokers participated in choice trials.
- Subjects sampled marijuana with 0.63% and 1.95% THC before choosing.
- Physiological and subjective effects were monitored during sampling.
Main Results:
- High-potency marijuana (1.95% THC) caused greater heart rate increase and subjective effects.
- Subjects significantly preferred the high-potency marijuana (21 out of 24 choices).
Conclusions:
- Human preference for marijuana is positively related to THC content.
- Higher THC levels may increase marijuana's reinforcing effects and abuse liability.