CB₁ cannabinoid receptor agonists induce acute respiratory depression in awake mice.

ABSTRACT: Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoid agonists (i.e., "spice compounds") that target the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB₁) can cause acute respiratory failure in humans. However, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), the major psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis, is not traditionally thought to interact with the brain respiratory system, based largely upon sparse labeling of CB₁ receptors in the medulla and relative safety suggested by widespread human use. Here we used whole body plethysmography and RNAscope in situ hybridization in mice to reconcile this conflict between conventional wisdom and human data. We examined the respiratory effects of the synthetic CB₁ full agonist CP55,940 and Δ⁹-THC in male and female mic

SUBMITTER: Watkins J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12057448 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature