Synergy between cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol in the regulation of emesis in the Suncus murinus (house musk shrew)

Behav Neurosci. 2015 Jun;129(3):368-70. doi: 10.1037/bne0000057.

Abstract

Smoked marijuana contains over 100 different cannabinoids, including the psychoactive compound Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC, CBD, and its acidic precursor, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), have all been shown to have antiemetic properties in the Suncus murinus (S. murinus; house musk shrew). Here we show that when subthreshold antiemetic doses of CBD (2.5 mg/kg ip) or CBDA (0.05 mg/kg ip) are combined with a subthreshold antiemetic dose of THC (1 mg/kg ip) in the S. murinus, both lithium-chloride-induced vomiting and abdominal retching are dramatically suppressed. These results suggest that combined effects of these compounds may lead to better control of vomiting with fewer side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiemetics / pharmacology*
  • Cannabidiol / pharmacology*
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Lithium Chloride
  • Male
  • Shrews
  • Vomiting / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antiemetics
  • Cannabinoids
  • Cannabidiol
  • Dronabinol
  • cannabidiolic acid
  • Lithium Chloride