Cannabis products labeled indica and sativa had different effects on cognitive effort in rats

Both cannabis products (matched for THC and CBD content) slowed response times at higher doses, but only the indica-labeled oil at 10 mg/kg THC reduced the proportion of trials where rats chose high-effort/high-reward options. Ex vivo analysis confirmed comparable brain THC levels between the two products, suggesting minor cannabinoids or terpenes drove the behavioral difference.

Male Long-Evans rats received acute oral administration of two commercially available cannabis extracts (marketed as C. indica or C. sativa, matched for THC and CBD content) at multiple doses. Cognitive effort was measured using a task where rats chose between low-effort/low-reward and high-effort/high-reward options.

The indica/sativa distinction is often dismissed as marketing, but this controlled study shows that products with identical THC and CBD levels can produce different cognitive effects, suggesting other plant compounds matter.

This research supports the idea that cannabis effects cannot be predicted from THC and CBD content alone, reinforcing calls for more comprehensive chemical profiling of cannabis products.

Only two commercial products tested. Male rats only. Oral administration may not reflect smoked or vaporized use. Product composition beyond THC/CBD was not fully characterized.