CBD blocked THC-induced nausea in rats through serotonin receptors

CBD prevented THC-induced nausea and stress hormone elevation in rats, with the anti-nausea effect working through 5-HT1A serotonin receptors.

DeVuono, Marieka V et al.·Cannabis and cannabinoid research·2022·Preliminary EvidenceAnimal StudyAnimal Study
RTHC-03804Animal StudyPreliminary Evidence2022RETHINKTHC RESEARCH DATABASErethinkthc.com/research

Quick Facts

Study Type
Animal Study
Evidence
Preliminary Evidence
Sample
Not reported

What This Study Found

CBD (5 mg/kg) blocked the establishment of THC-induced conditioned gaping (a measure of nausea) in rats, and this effect was reversed by a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (WAY-100635). CBD also reversed the THC-induced increase in corticosterone (stress hormone).

Key Numbers

CBD at 5 mg/kg blocked THC-induced gaping (p=0.007). THC at 10 mg/kg significantly increased corticosterone (p=0.04). CBD reversed the corticosterone elevation.

How They Did This

Animal study using conditioned gaping paradigm in rats to measure nausea. Tested CBD pretreatment against THC-induced nausea and used receptor antagonists to identify the mechanism. Serum corticosterone measured to assess stress response.

Why This Research Matters

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) involves intense nausea from high-dose THC use. Understanding how CBD counteracts THC-induced nausea could inform CHS treatment strategies.

The Bigger Picture

This suggests CBD may counteract some of the adverse effects of THC through serotonin pathways, providing a biological rationale for balanced THC:CBD cannabis products.

What This Study Doesn't Tell Us

Animal study using rats, which cannot vomit. Conditioned gaping is a proxy for nausea. Doses and pharmacokinetics may not translate directly to humans.

Questions This Raises

  • ?Would CBD help manage cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in humans?
  • ?What CBD:THC ratios would be needed to prevent nausea in regular users?

Trust & Context

Key Stat:
CBD blocked THC-induced nausea via 5-HT1A receptors (p=0.007)
Evidence Grade:
Well-controlled animal study with clear mechanism identification, but findings need human validation.
Study Age:
Published in 2022.
Original Title:
Cannabidiol Interferes with Establishment of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Nausea Through a 5-HT1A Mechanism.
Published In:
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(1), 58-64 (2022)
Database ID:
RTHC-03804

Evidence Hierarchy

Meta-Analysis / Systematic Review
Randomized Controlled Trial
Cohort / Case-Control
Cross-Sectional / Observational
Case Report / Animal StudyOne case or non-human subjects
This study

Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.

What do these levels mean? →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

CHS is a condition characterized by intense nausea and vomiting caused by regular, high-dose THC use. It has been linked to a dysregulated stress response.

How did CBD prevent the nausea?

CBD acted through 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. When researchers blocked those receptors with an antagonist drug, CBD's anti-nausea effect was eliminated.

Read More on RethinkTHC

Cite This Study

RTHC-03804·https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03804

APA

DeVuono, Marieka V; La Caprara, Olivia; Petrie, Gavin N; Limebeer, Cheryl L; Rock, Erin M; Hill, Matthew N; Parker, Linda A. (2022). Cannabidiol Interferes with Establishment of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Nausea Through a 5-HT1A Mechanism.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(1), 58-64. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0083

MLA

DeVuono, Marieka V, et al. "Cannabidiol Interferes with Establishment of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Nausea Through a 5-HT1A Mechanism.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0083

RethinkTHC

RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabidiol Interferes with Establishment of Δ9-Tetrahydroca..." RTHC-03804. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/devuono-2022-cannabidiol-interferes-with-establishment

Access the Original Study

Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.