Abstract
One of the physiologic effects of marihuana, which was noted as early as 1971, is its ability to lower intraocular pressure (Hepler and Frank, 1971). This has been documented in at least one controlled study in human subjects with normal intraocular pressures (Hepler, Frank and Ungerleider, 1972). In addition, Purnell and Gregg (1975) at the University of North Carolina have reported a decrease in intraocular pressure in two subjects when given intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active component of marihuana. The purpose of this study is to describe further the effects of intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on intraocular pressure in subjects with normal intraocular pressures.
NOTE: This investigation was supported by National Institute of Health research grant #DEO2668 from the National Institute of Dental Research and by National Institute of Health grant #RRO5333 from the Division of Research Facilities and Resources.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Beaconsfield, P., Ginsburg, J., & Rainsbury, R. Marijuana smoking: Cardiovascular effects in man and possible mechanism. New England Journal of Medicine, 1972, 287, 209–219.
Green, K., & Pederson, J. E. Effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on aqueous dynamics and ciliary body permeability in the rabbit. Experimental Eye Research, 1973, 15, 499–507.
Harmon, J., & Aliapoulios, M. A. (Letter) New England Journal of Medicine, 1972, 287, 936.
Hepler, R. S., & Frank, I. M. (Letter) Journal of the American Medical Association, 1971, 217, 1392.
Hepler, R. S., Frank, I. M., & Ungerleider, J. T. Pupillary constriction after marijuana smoking., American Journal of Ophthalmology, 1972, 74, 1185–1190.
Jones, R. T. Marijuana-induced “high”: Influence of expectation, setting and previous drug experience. Pharmacology Review, 1971, 23, 359–369.
Malit, L. A., Johnstone, T. W., Bourke, D. I., Kulp, R. A., Klein, V., & Smith, T. C. Intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Effects on ventilatory control and cardiovascular dynamics. Anesthesiology, 1975, 42, 666–673.
Meyer, R. E., Pillard, R. C., Shapiro, L. M., et al. Administration of marijuana to heavy and casual marijuana users. American Journal of Psychigtry, 1971, 128, 198–204.
Perez-Reyez, M., Timmons, M. D., Lipton, M. A., et al. Intravenous injection in man of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Science, 1972, 177, 633–635.
Purnell, W. D., & Gregg, J. M. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, euphoria and intraocular pressure in man. Annals of Ophthalmology, 1975, 7, 921–923.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1976 Plenum Publishing Corporation
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Cooler, P., Gregg, J.M. (1976). The Effect of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Intraocular Pressure in Humans. In: Cohen, S., Stillman, R.C. (eds) The Therapeutic Potential Of Marihuana. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-4286-1_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-4286-1_6
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-4288-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-4286-1
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive