J Clin Psychol. 1978 Oct; 34(4): 982-7.

Voluntary heart rate changes and the marihuana "high".

Pihl RO, Shea D.

Investigated the interaction of psychological and physiological measures of the marihuana intoxicated state. The subjective measure of intoxication was the "How High" Scale, a rating of percentage of the S's usual "high." The objective measure was pulse rate, which has been found to be the most consistent physiological indicator of marihuana intoxication. By means of biofeedback techniques, Ss in the experimental group were taught to increase voluntarily pulse rate when intoxicated. A control group attended to feedback, but did not manipulate pulse rate. Group comparisons of the dependent measures demonstrated that while both groups experienced a similar subjective "high", the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher pulse rate. This discrepancy between objective and subjective measures demonstrates the complexity of the intoxicated state.