Vaping Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in liquid forms: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and regulatory implications.
Ashleigh C Block, Danielle M Smith, Maciej L Goniewicz
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology 2026 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2026.2630756 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Behavioral pharmacology Cannabis regulation Pharmacodynamics Pharmacokinetics Public health Vaping Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol |
| Key findings | Argues that no human studies have yet characterized the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vaped liquid Δ9-THC, and proposes that although vaped liquids are more potent than smoked cannabis, their profile may be similar because consumer use behaviors modulate Δ9-THC delivery. The authors contend that health effects of high-potency vaped products need careful study and that research restrictions on Δ9-THC hinder progress. |
Abstract
Little is known about the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) when vaped in liquid formulations. As the prevalence of vaping Δ9-THC in liquid forms grows, understanding the factors that influence PK/PD profiles is critical to guide future research and cannabis regulation. Currently, no human studies have elucidated the PK/PD profile of Δ9-THC from vaped liquids, as confirmed by searches of PubMed and Embase. Using existing research on smoked cannabis and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, this review examines the potential influence of product potency, vaporization efficiency, consumer use behaviors, aerosol bioavailability, and other constituents on the PK/PD profile of Δ9-THC vaped in liquid forms. Further, we hypothesize whether PK/PD of Δ9-THC in liquid forms may differ from smoked cannabis and address potential regulatory implications (United States-focused) of novel vaping products. While more potent than smoked cannabis, vaped liquid formulations with Δ9-THC may have a similar PK/PD profile through modulation of Δ9-THC delivery by consumer use behaviors. Potential health effects of high-potency vaping products with Δ9-THC in liquid form need to be carefully studied. Lastly, researchers should continue to think creatively about how this important work can progress, while restrictions on Δ9-THC continue to hinder research.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 12
- Delta-8, Delta-10, HHC, THC-O, THCP, and THCV: What Should We Call These Products? Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs May 1, 2023
- Cannabidiol Increases Psychotropic Effects and Plasma Concentrations of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Without Improving Its Analgesic Properties. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics November 1, 2024
- Influence of Carrier Oil, Sex, and Age on Pharmacokinetic and Acute Behavioral Effects of Vaporized Cannabis Extract in Mice. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research December 1, 2025
- The Individual and Interactive Effects of Alpha-Pinene and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Healthy Adults Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids June 25, 2025
- Convergence of Cannabis and Psychosis on the Dopamine System JAMA Psychiatry April 9, 2025
and 7 more in the library