Lack of effect of cannabinoids on carbonic anhydrase

Cannabinoids have significant anticonvulsant effects, the mechanism of which is obscure. In addition, these agents reduce intraocular pressure. Inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase also share these two pharmacological actions. In order to investigate whether these actions of cannabinoids are mediated through inhibition of carbonic anhydrase (CA), commercial solutions of the enzyme were exposed to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. No inhibition was observed at concentrations of 10(-7)--10(-5) M.