Chronic Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Induces Monoamine Release but Not Conditioned Place Preference

THC is the primary psychoactive compound of Cannabis sativa and while the human abuse potential of THC is well recognised, knowledge of its reinforcing and dependence-producing effects is limited. In addition to euphoric properties, cannabinoids are known to attenuate learning and memory in both humans and animals but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The present study investigated the effects of chronic THC treatment on CB1 receptor-mediated reward. In addition, DA and 5HT and their metabolites DOPAC, HVA and 5HIAA were measured in the striatum and hippocampus. Chronic THC (0.5, 2.0 and 5.0mg/Kg ip, 21 days) had no significant effect on conditioned place preference while DA content of the striatum was increased by chronic THC in a dose-dependant manner.