title: Acute and subacute bronchial effects of oral cannabinoids.
abstract: The bronchodilating activity of oral cannabinoids was evaluated in three double-blind experiments that involved the study of dose-response and interactive relationships and the potential development of tolerance. Data indicated that delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8-THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD) in maximal doses of 75 mg, 1200 mg, and 1200 mg, respectively, did not induce significant dose-related physiologic effects in experienced marijuana smokers. delta 8-THC (75 mg) was, however, associated with bronchodilation, tachycardia, and peak highs less than that after delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC). The combinations of CBN and CBD with low-dose delta 9-THC (5 mg) did not induce significant bronchodilation but did exert interactive effects on heart rate and "high." A 20-day study of daily delta 9-THC (20 mg), CBN (600 mg), and CBD (1200 mg) did not indicate tolerance or reverse tolerance to any drug. We conclude that delta 9-THC and, to a lesser extent, delta 8-THC, have acute bronchodilator activity but that CBN, CBD, and their combinations do not provide effective bronchodilation. The daily use of delta 9-THC was not associated with clinical tolerance.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005059:Euphoria / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002186:Cannabinoids; D003975:Diazepam