The pharmacological activity of inhalation exposure to marijuana smoke in mice.
Aron H Lichtman, Justin L. Poklis, Alphonse Poklis, D M Wilson, B R Martin
Drug and Alcohol Dependence July 1, 2001 DOI: 10.1016/s0376-8716(00)00205-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Laboratory animal experiment Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Mice |
| Interventions | Marijuana smoke ethanol-extracted placebo smoke SR 141716A |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Inhaled marijuana produced dose-related antinociception and catalepsy in mice, with ED50 Delta9-THC doses of 2.4 and 3.8 mg/kg; the CB1 antagonist SR 141716A blocked antinociception (AD50 = 0.6 mg/kg) but not hypothermia or locomotor depression, which also followed placebo smoke. The authors conclude marijuana-induced antinociception is CB1-mediated and mainly due to Delta9-THC. |
Abstract
Although the majority of cannabinoid users smoke marijuana, the preponderance of laboratory animal research is based on administration of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) or other cannabinoid agents via injection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of inhaling marijuana, or ethanol-extracted placebo smoke in the mouse model of cannabinoid activity by assessing inhibition of spontaneous activity, antinociception, catalepsy, and body temperature. In order to determine dosimetry, blood levels of Delta9-THC were obtained following either marijuana exposure or intravenous injection of Delta(9)-THC. Inhalation exposure to marijuana produced dose-related increases in antinociception and catalepsy, with estimated ED50 doses of Delta9-THC of 2.4 and 3.8 mg/kg, respectively. However, hypothermia and locomotor depression occurred in both the placebo- and marijuana-exposed mice. The CB1 receptor antagonist, SR 141716A antagonized the antinociceptive effects of marijuana (AD50 = 0.6 mg/kg), but only slightly decreased marijuana-induced catalepsy, and failed to alter either the hypothermic or locomotor depressive effects. In contrast, SR 141716A antagonized the antinociceptive, cataleptic, and hypothermic effects of intravenously administered Delta9-THC in mice that were exposed to air alone, though all subjects exhibited locomotor depression, possibly related to the restraint. In accordance with reports of others, these data suggest that exposure to smoke alone has pharmacological consequences. Our findings also indicate that marijuana-induced antinociception is mediated through a CB1-receptor mechanism of action and are consistent with the notion that Delta9-THC is mainly responsible for this effect.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on cannabis, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Effects of inhaled cannabis high in Δ9-THC or CBD on the aging brain: A translational MRI and behavioral study Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience February 1, 2023
- 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
- Tolerance, physical dependence, and Δ9-THC-like interoceptive effects of cannabinol in mice. Drug and Alcohol Dependence September 1, 2026
- Effects of Δ9-THC and cannabidiol vapor inhalation in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology September 2018
- Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Neuropsychopharmacology January 2018
and 5 more in the library
Cites 3
- Comparative effects of alcohol and marijuana on mood, memory, and performance. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior September 1, 1997
- Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol impairs spatial memory through a cannabinoid receptor mechanism. Psychopharmacology July 1996
- Acute effects of smoking marijuana on hormones, subjective effects and performance in male human subjects. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior June 1986