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Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
Subjective and physiological effects after controlled Sativex and oral THC administration
E L Karschner1, W D Darwin, R P McMahon
1Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|February 4, 2011
Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD) in Sativex did not significantly alter the effects of THC. Both Sativex and oral THC showed comparable safety profiles with minimal adverse events compared to smoked cannabis.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Research
- Drug Safety
Background:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) is suggested to mitigate adverse effects of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- Sativex, a cannabis extract, contains both THC and CBD in a near 1:1 ratio delivered via oromucosal spray.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pharmacodynamic effects of oral THC and Sativex.
- To investigate if CBD in Sativex modulates THC-induced effects.
Main Methods:
- Nine cannabis smokers received placebo, oral synthetic THC (5 and 15 mg), or Sativex (low and high doses) in a randomized study.
- Pharmacodynamic effects were monitored over 10.5 hours.
Main Results:
- At therapeutic doses, CBD did not substantially modulate THC's effects.
- Oral THC and Sativex produced similar, clinically insignificant increases in heart rate and anxiety.
- No serious adverse events were reported for oral THC or Sativex.
Conclusions:
- Sativex demonstrates a pharmacodynamic safety profile comparable to oral THC at low, therapeutic doses.
- Oral and oromucosal THC exhibit slower absorption and fewer adverse events than smoked cannabis.
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