A pilot study of orally administered Δ(1)-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol in the management of patients undergoing radiotherapy for carcinoma of the bronchus.

1 Δ(1)-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(1)-THC; 10 mg) or a placebo was given orally on 7 days to two groups of six patients on a cross-over pattern with 7 days rest between. 2 The patients were hospitalized, suffering from inoperable bronchogenic carcinoma, subjected to radiation therapy, and anxious. 3 Self-rating mood scales were filled in before, and 2 and 6 h after ingestion on the first and seventh day of medication. 4 Records of sleep, pain, general well-being, temperature, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal parameters were kept. 5 Δ(1)-THC caused drowsiness and improved night sleep, reduced pain, increased fatigue and confusion and reduced elation and vigour; it caused slight tachycardia and hypotension as also did placebo. 6 The effects of Δ(1)-THC were stronger after 2 h than 6 h and no tolerance had developed at 7 days. 7 The management of stressful patients was considered to have been improved by the drug.