Intoxication

Intoxication is the acute, reversible functional state produced by sufficient CNS exposure to an intoxicating substance — in cannabis, primarily Δ9-THC and its active metabolite 11-OH-THC acting at CB1 receptors. Cannabis intoxication is characterized by euphoria, altered time perception, impaired short-term memory, psychomotor slowing, conjunctival injection, tachycardia, dry mouth, and increased appetite; higher doses add anxiety, paranoia, and perceptual alteration (DSM-5-TR "Cannabis Intoxication" code F12.12x; NASEM 2017). Intoxication is dose-, route-, and individual-dependent: onset 5–10 min (inhaled) or 30–120 min (oral), peak 15 min–3 h, duration 2–12 h depending on route. It is distinguished from "psychoactivity" (any CNS effect) and "impairment" (objectively measurable deficit). Frequent users develop partial tolerance (Ramaekers 2016); adolescents and infrequent users are more susceptible (Spindle 2018). Citations: American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022; NASEM 2017; Spindle TR et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2018;1(7):e184841.