Ocular effects of topical administration of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in man
K. Green and M. Roth
delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or vehicle alone was applied topically
to one eye of normal paid volunteers. Ocular and systemic toxic effects and
intraocular responses were measured in different series. Toxicity was
limited to minor conjunctival injection that was of short (less than 60
minutes) duration and occurred with both drug and vehicle alone. Subjective
responses indicated a sensation of minor burning and/or tearing. No fall in
intraocular pressure was found. A small (1 mm) but significant mydriasis
occurred in both the treated eye and untreated eye and was not drug
related. Single-drop administration of delta 9-THC did not, therefore,
cause any significant ocular irritation or reduce IOP.
