The subjective effects of △9-tetrahydrocannabinol: A systematic review and dose-response meta-regression.
Neurosci Biobehav RevJun 3, 2026 (epub)
Isabella Goodwin, Dominic Oliver, Edward Chesney et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the subjective effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in 1020 healthy individuals with infrequent cannabis use. The study found that inhaled THC significantly increased feelings of high, anxiety, and tiredness, while decreasing alertness and contentedness. Notably, a 5 mg inhaled dose resulted in a 34.3-point increase in feelings of high on a 100-point scale.
Key findings
- Inhaled THC increased feelings of high by 34.3 points on a 100-point scale (95%CI: 30.8-37.7).
- Inhaled THC decreased alertness by 40.2 points (95%CI: -45.4--34.9).
- Greater inhaled THC dose increased consistency in feeling high (b=-0.05, p=0.021).
- Oral THC dose showed no significant subjective effects (p>0.05).
Why it matters
Understanding the subjective effects of THC is crucial for informing public health strategies and guiding consumers, especially as cannabis products become more potent and accessible.