Study: THCV Reduces Cravings from Nicotine
According to a new study titled Δ8 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin has potent anti-nicotine effects in multiple rodent models of nicotine dependence, the administration of the cannabis compound THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) reduces nicotine cravings and use in rodents.
The study was published by the British Journal of Pharmacology, as well as the U.S. National Institute of Health
For the study researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University, the Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (China), and the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) assessed the influence of delta-8 THCV in seven different rodent models relevant to nicotine dependence. They reported that the compound significantly “attenuated intravenous nicotine self-administration, and both cue-induced and nicotine-induced relapse to nicotine-seeking behavior in rats [and] also significantly attenuated nicotine-induced conditioned place preference and nicotine withdrawal in mice.”
The study concludes by stating that “Δ8 -THCV may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of nicotine dependence. We also suggest that tetrahydrocannabivarins should be tested for possible anti-addiction efficacy in a broader range of preclinical animal models, against other addictive drugs, and eventually in humans.”
The study’s full abstract can be found below:
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Both types of cannabinoid receptors – CB1 and CB2 – regulate brain functions relating to addictive drug-induced reward and relapse. CB1 receptor antagonists and CB2 receptor agonists have anti-addiction efficacy, in animal models, against a broad range of addictive drugs. Δ9 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9 -THCV) – a cannabis constituent – acts as a CB1 antagonist and a CB2 agonist. Δ8 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ8 -THCV) is a Δ9 -THCV analog with similar combined CB1 antagonist/CB2 agonist properties.
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH:
We tested Δ8 -THCV in seven different rodent models relevant to nicotine dependence – nicotine self-administration, cue-triggered nicotine-seeking behavior following forced abstinence, nicotine-triggered reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior, acquisition of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference, anxiety-like behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal, somatic withdrawal signs induced by nicotine withdrawal, and hyperalgesia induced by nicotine withdrawal.
KEY RESULTS:
Δ8 -THCV significantly attenuated intravenous nicotine self-administration and both cue-induced and nicotine-induced relapse to nicotine-seeking behavior in rats. Δ8 -THCV also significantly attenuated nicotine-induced conditioned place preference and nicotine withdrawal in mice.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
We conclude that Δ8 -THCV may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of nicotine dependence. We also suggest that tetrahydrocannabivarins should be tested for possible anti-addiction efficacy in a broader range of preclinical animal models, against other addictive drugs, and eventually in humans.
You can find more information on this study by “clicking here“