Inhibition of naloxone-induced withdrawal in morphine dependent mice by 1-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

The effects of various doses of 1-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) on naloxone-induced withdrawal were studied in mice rendered dependent on morphine by the pellet implantation procedure. When administered i.p., 30 min prior to naloxone, delta9-THC, inhibited the naloxone-induced withdrawal jumping response. Two other signs of morphine withdrawal (defecation and rearing behavior) were also suppressed by deltapTHC. It is suggested that delta9-THC or some of its derivatives may have potential use in narcotic detoxification.