Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
THC exposure during adolescence does not modify nicotine reinforcing effects and relapse in adult male mice
África Flores1,2, Rafael Maldonado3, Fernando Berrendero4,5
1Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, C/ Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
Rationale:
Cannabis use is typically initiated during adolescence, and different studies suggest that adolescent cannabinoid exposure may increase the risk for drug addiction in adulthood.
Objectives:
This study investigated the effects of adolescent exposure to the main psychoactive component of cannabis, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in the reinforcing properties of nicotine in adult male mice. Possible alterations in relapse to nicotine-seeking behaviour in adult animals due to THC adolescent exposure were also evaluated.
Methods:
Adolescent mice were exposed to escalating doses of THC from PND35 to PND49. When mice reached adulthood (PND70), surgical procedures were applied for further behavioural evaluation. Nicotine self-administration sessions were conducted consecutively for 10 days. Following extinction, mice were tested for cue- and stress-induced reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behaviour.
Results:
Adolescent THC treatment did not modify acquisition and extinction of nicotine self-administration in adulthood. Moreover, THC exposure did not alter relapse to nicotine seeking induced by stress or nicotine-associated cues.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that a history of exposure to THC during adolescence under these particular conditions does not modify the reinforcing effects and seeking behaviour of nicotine in the adult period.
