Relationships between several pharmacokinetic parameters and psychometric indices of subjective effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in man.

This study explored the relationships in man between various pharmacological effect of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), plasma THC concentration, and pharmacokinetic parameters of THC. Three male and three female experienced marihuana users smoked two standard marihuana cigarettes. The relationships between heart rate, subjective "high" rating, Linear Mood Scale factors, and plasma THC concentration were assessed. Significant correlations were observed between various Linear Mood Scale factors and pharmacokinetic parameters reflecting the magnitude of drug intake and the degree of temporal dissociation between the time courses of plasma THC concentration and pharmacological effects (tachycardiac effect, "high"). In particular, the disturbed/weird and sensitive/aware mood factors correlated positively with pharmacokinetic measures of drug intake and time lag to effect. A more reliable index of intoxication with THC may be provided by the global subjective "high" rating, rather than other ratings more specific for particular moods.