Cannabis aversion in mice increases at higher doses of THC
How much is too much when it comes to marijuana use? While marijuana in small doses can be rewarding, high doses could lead to anxiety and paranoia.
Although anecdotally documented in humans, mice studies have found inconsistencies in the rewarding versus aversive (unpleasant) properties of cannabis.
This review untangles the dose-dependent effects of THC in mice studies that use a place conditioning paradigm to determine the rewarding and aversive potential of marijuana.
Do Mice Find Marijuana Rewarding?
Using conditioned place preference and aversion tests determine whether mice find a certain stimulus – in this case marijuana – rewarding or aversive.
Unsurprisingly, this review finds that mice given higher doses of THC found the THC aversive as opposed to rewarding. Priming mice with a low dose of THC a day or two before testing on the conditioned place paradigm seemed to increase the likelihood that mice would find THC rewarding.
Interestingly, at smaller doses, mice were just as likely to have no preference for cannabis as they were to find it rewarding. Given the reported rewarding properties of cannabis among humans, perhaps these mice studies should be taken with a grain of salt.
Worried About Anxiety or Paranoia from Cannabis?
To learn if cannabis is right for you or how to avoid high doses, book an appointment with our medical cannabis doctors through our virtual booking link or by giving us a call (617-500-3595).
Dr. Caplan and his team at The CED Clinic in Chestnut Hill, MA are available to guide and support you!
Social Media Post
Aversion to THC in mice increases at higher doses. A comprehensive review of THC’s rewarding or aversive effects in mice shows that mice given higher doses of THC found the THC aversive as opposed to rewarding. Priming mice with a low dose of THC a day or two before testing their preference for THC increases the likelihood that mice will find THC rewarding. Interestingly, even at smaller doses of THC, mice were just as likely to have no preference for cannabis as they were to find it rewarding. Given reported rewarding properties of cannabis among humans, perhaps these mice studies should be taken with a grain of salt.
Tweet
A review shows that mice do not always find THC rewarding – even at small doses, but do find it aversive at high doses.
The exploration of cannabis in holistic health practices here is fascinating. It’s about integrating it into a larger wellness plan.