The results of an Australian study on the effect of medical cannabis containing THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid intoxicant, orally consumed and vaporised products are now available.
Carried out by researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast, the study involved 78 participants – 41 of those oral users aged between 21 years and 67 years old and 37 consuming flower via vaporiser (aged 24 years to 67 years old). Researchers from the University of Queensland and the Sunshine Coast excluded participants if their drug test was positive at either session.
Participants were tested without cannabis first, and then again a few days later with cannabis. Tests included assessing mental agility, processing speed and inhibitory control. The post-cannabis test was conducted 90 minutes after the oil ingestion, and 15 minutes after the use of the flowers. It is believed that the oil administered orally has a much slower onset than the flower.
Both flower and oil group did not show any change in processing speed of information, sustained and divided attention or inhibition control, but they showed significant decreases in TMT-B performance (cognitive flexible and executive functions). TMT ratio also decreased significantly after cannabis oil consumption.
While stating TMT B may be sensitive to acute cannabis consumption in medicinal cannabis patients, the researchers say further research is required to determine effect nature and duration, and whether such effects vary depending on the population studied – for example, in regular versus new users.
The research has been conducted published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review
Driving with a blood THC level above 0.1 mg/dl is prohibited in the majority of Australian states and territory, regardless of whether or not a prescription has been obtained or any signs of impairment are observed. CBD products containing trace amounts of THC can lead to prosecution. THC is detectable up to two weeks after consumption, which puts patients who need to drive into a difficult situation.
Some states are changing the law to make it more consistent with prescription medication. Patients can still drive as long they’re not impaired. The government of Victoria has launched a trial of medical cannabis to improve road safety. Results are not expected until mid-next year.