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Lack of tolerance to the effect of two tetrahydrocannabinols on aggressiveness

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Abstract

Experimental animals develop tolerance to the effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in most experimental situations. In this study the effect of chronic treatment with δ 8- and δ 9-THC on the aggressiveness of isolated mice and Chinese hamsters was investigated. Both compounds still suppressed the aggressiveness after thirty daily administrations. After the period of treatment the aggressiveness of the treated animals was equal to that of control animals. It is therefore concluded that mice and Chinese hamsters do not develop tolerance for the aggression-suppressing effect of THC. The tolerance found by other investigators to other effects can be explained by assuming activity of THC-metabolites in causing these effects and activity of THC itself in causing the inhibition of aggression.

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ten Ham, M., van Noordwijk, J. Lack of tolerance to the effect of two tetrahydrocannabinols on aggressiveness. Psychopharmacologia 29, 171–176 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422649

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422649

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