“Both types of cannabinoid receptors – CB₁ and CB₂ – regulate brain functions relating to addictive drug-induced reward and relapse. CB₁ receptor antagonists and CB₂ receptor agonists have anti-addiction efficacy, in animal models, against a broad range of addictive drugs.

Δ⁹ -Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ⁹ -THCV) – a cannabis constituent – acts as a CB₁ antagonist and a CB₂ agonist. Δ⁸ -Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ⁸ -THCV) is a Δ⁹ -THCV analogue with similar combined CB₁ antagonist/CB₂agonist properties.

KEY RESULTS:

Δ⁸ -THCV significantly attenuated intravenous nicotine self-administration, and both cue-induced and nicotine-induced relapse to nicotine-seeking behavior in rats. Δ⁸ -THCV also significantly attenuated nicotine-induced conditioned place preference and nicotine withdrawal in mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:

We conclude that Δ⁸ -THCV may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of nicotine dependence. We also suggest that tetrahydrocannabivarins should be tested for possible anti-addiction efficacy in a broader range of preclinical animal models, against other addictive drugs, and eventually in humans.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31454413

https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bph.14844