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Pharmacological interaction between cannabinol and δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

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Abstract

The pharmacological activities of δ9-THC [(−)-δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol], CBN (Cannabinol) and mixtures of δ9-THC + CBN were studied in rabbits, rats and mice.

CBN, although in general less active, mimicked the effects of δ9-THC in several pharmacological tests: corneal arreflexia in rabbits; climbing rope, open-field, irritability and aggressiveness after REM sleep deprivation in rats; catatonia, analgesia and sleeping time in mice.

When the mixture δ9-THC + CBN was used, a synergistic effect occurred on most of the depressant effects. On the other hand CBN did not interfere with or slightly inhibited the excitatory effects of δ9-THC. In the one peripheral test used, CBN did not alter the δ9-THC effect.

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With a fellowship from FundaÇÃo de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de S. Paulo.

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Takahashi, R.N., Karniol, I.G. Pharmacological interaction between cannabinol and δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Psychopharmacologia 41, 277–284 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428937

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