UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

Anatomy of a Joint: Comparing Self-Reported and Actual Dose of Cannabis and Tobacco in a Joint, and How These Are Influenced by Controlled Acute Administration

Hindocha, C; Freeman, TP; Curran, HV; (2017) Anatomy of a Joint: Comparing Self-Reported and Actual Dose of Cannabis and Tobacco in a Joint, and How These Are Influenced by Controlled Acute Administration. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research , 2 (1) pp. 217-223. 10.1089/can.2017.0024. Green open access

[thumbnail of can.2017.0024 (1).pdf]
Preview
Text
can.2017.0024 (1).pdf - Published Version

Download (560kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: Major gaps exist in the measurement of cannabis exposure. The accuracy of self-reported cannabis and tobacco dose per joint is poorly characterized and has never been investigated following acute cannabis/ tobacco exposure. Using an innovative ‘‘Roll a Joint’’ paradigm, this study aims to (1) compare estimated and actual dose of cannabis and tobacco per joint at baseline and (2) examine the acute effects of cannabis and/ or tobacco on estimated and actual dose. Materials and Methods: We investigated this by using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover 2 (active cannabis, placebo cannabis) · 2 (active tobacco, placebo tobacco) design in a laboratory setting. Participants were 24 recreational cousers of cannabis and tobacco. At baseline, they were asked to measure out the amount of cannabis and tobacco they would put in an average joint for themselves (dose per joint). Then, on each of four drug administration sessions, participants were again asked to do this for a joint they would want to smoke ‘‘right now.’’ Self-reported and actual amount was recorded (g). Results: At baseline, the estimated amount of cannabis per joint (0.28 – 0.23 g) was double the actual amount (0.14 – 0.12 g) ( p = 0.003, d = 0.723). No difference emerged between estimated (0.43 – 0.25 g) and actual (0.35 – 0.15 g) ( p = 0.125) amount of tobacco per joint. Compared to placebo, active cannabis reduced the actual dose of both cannabis ( p = 0.035) and tobacco ( p < 0.001) they put in a joint. Participants accurately estimated this reduction for tobacco ( p = 0.014), but not for cannabis ( p = 0.680). Conclusions: Self-reported dose per joint is accurate for tobacco but dramatically overestimates cannabis exposure and therefore should be viewed with caution. Cannabis administration reduced the amount of cannabis and tobacco added to joints, suggesting a reduction in dose during a smoking session. The ‘‘Roll A Joint’’ paradigm should be implemented for better accuracy in assessing dose per joint.

Type: Article
Title: Anatomy of a Joint: Comparing Self-Reported and Actual Dose of Cannabis and Tobacco in a Joint, and How These Are Influenced by Controlled Acute Administration
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1089/can.2017.0024
Publisher version: http://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0024
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: cannabis; cannabis use metrics; coadministration; dose; quantity; self-report; tobacco
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences > Clinical, Edu and Hlth Psychology
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1576533
Downloads since deposit
85Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item