Even a moderate dose of synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 caused psychotic-like symptoms in healthy people
In a controlled trial of 24 healthy volunteers, a moderate dose of synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 induced psychedelic effects, dissociation, depersonalization, derealization, amnesia, and confusion.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
JWH-018 (average dose 5.52 mg) caused psychedelic effects (altered internal and external perception), dissociative effects (amnesia, derealization, depersonalization), and confusion in healthy participants with no history of mental illness.
Key Numbers
24 participants. Average dose 5.52 mg JWH-018. Pronounced effects on altered perception, dissociation, amnesia, derealization, depersonalization, and confusion within 4.5 hours.
How They Did This
Placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-subjects trial of 24 healthy participants (10 males, 14 females). Inhaled vapor of placebo or 75 mcg/kg JWH-018 with optional booster dose. Assessed subjective high, dissociative states (CADSS), psychedelic symptoms (Bowdle), mood (POMS), and cannabis reinforcement over 4.5 hours.
Why This Research Matters
This is one of the few controlled studies of a synthetic cannabinoid in humans, providing direct evidence that even moderate doses produce pronounced psychotomimetic symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals.
The Bigger Picture
Synthetic cannabinoids remain widely available and are often consumed by vulnerable populations. This controlled evidence of psychotomimetic effects at moderate doses underscores the serious mental health risks these substances pose.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Only 24 participants. Single moderate dose tested, which may not reflect the higher doses commonly used recreationally. Healthy volunteers may respond differently than typical synthetic cannabinoid users.
Questions This Raises
- ?How do these effects compare at higher recreational doses?
- ?Are individuals with psychiatric vulnerability at greater risk?
- ?Do the psychotomimetic effects persist or cause lasting changes with repeated use?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Pronounced psychotic-like symptoms in people with no mental illness
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: placebo-controlled, double-blind design, but small sample and single dose level.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Psychotomimetic symptoms after a moderate dose of a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018): implications for psychosis.
- Published In:
- Psychopharmacology, 239(5), 1251-1261 (2022)
- Authors:
- Theunissen, Eef L(8), Reckweg, Johannes T(2), Hutten, Nadia R P W(5), Kuypers, Kim P C, Toennes, Stefan W, Neukamm, Merja A, Halter, Sebastian, Ramaekers, Johannes G
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04264
Evidence Hierarchy
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups to test cause and effect.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is JWH-018?
JWH-018 is one of the earliest and most widely available synthetic cannabinoids. It activates the same brain receptors as THC but is typically much more potent.
How is this different from marijuana?
Unlike marijuana, which contains dozens of compounds that may moderate effects, JWH-018 is a single potent compound. The psychotomimetic effects (psychosis-like symptoms) were more pronounced than typically seen with natural cannabis.
Could these effects lead to lasting psychosis?
This study examined single-dose effects, which resolved within 4.5 hours. However, the pronounced psychotomimetic response in healthy individuals raises concerns about the risk of triggering lasting psychosis in vulnerable people or with repeated use.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04264APA
Theunissen, Eef L; Reckweg, Johannes T; Hutten, Nadia R P W; Kuypers, Kim P C; Toennes, Stefan W; Neukamm, Merja A; Halter, Sebastian; Ramaekers, Johannes G. (2022). Psychotomimetic symptoms after a moderate dose of a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018): implications for psychosis.. Psychopharmacology, 239(5), 1251-1261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-05768-0
MLA
Theunissen, Eef L, et al. "Psychotomimetic symptoms after a moderate dose of a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018): implications for psychosis.." Psychopharmacology, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-05768-0
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Psychotomimetic symptoms after a moderate dose of a syntheti..." RTHC-04264. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/theunissen-2022-psychotomimetic-symptoms-after-a
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.