delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol: antiaggressive effects in mice, rats, and squirrel monkeys

delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, the most active constituent of marihuana, decreased species-specific attack behavior in mice, rats, and squirrel monkeys at doses (0.25 to 2.0 milligram per kilogram of body weight) that have no effects on other elements of the behavioral repertoire. Aggressive behavior was engendered in all three species by confronting a resident animal with an intruder conspecific. The present results contrast with the widely held belief that marihuana increases aggressive behavior.