Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabivarin, a compound related to cannabis, significantly reduced nicotine self-administration, relapse behavior, and withdrawal symptoms across seven different rodent models of nicotine dependence.
Addiction researchers, pharmacologists, and smokers interested in cessation.
Effective across all 7 nicotine dependence models
What the researchers found
Delta-8-THCV (which acts as a CB1 antagonist and CB2 agonist) significantly reduced nicotine self-administration in rats, blocked both cue-induced and nicotine-induced relapse to nicotine-seeking, attenuated nicotine-induced conditioned place preference, and reduced nicotine withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, somatic signs, and pain hypersensitivity in mice.
Why it matters
Nicotine addiction is among the hardest to treat. A cannabis-related compound that addresses multiple aspects of nicotine dependence (self-administration, relapse, and withdrawal) could represent a novel therapeutic approach.
The numbers in context
Tested across 7 rodent models. Delta-8-THCV acts as CB1 antagonist and CB2 agonist. Significantly attenuated all measured nicotine dependence outcomes.
How the study worked
Seven rodent models: nicotine self-administration, cue-triggered seeking after abstinence, nicotine-triggered reinstatement, conditioned place preference, withdrawal-induced anxiety, somatic withdrawal signs, and withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia.
What this study cannot tell us
Rodent studies only. Effects may not translate to humans. Doses used may not be achievable or safe in humans. No human pharmacokinetic data for delta-8-THCV.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive preclinical evaluation across multiple models, but entirely rodent data.
When this study was published
2019 preclinical study.
The bigger picture
The dual CB1 antagonist/CB2 agonist profile is theoretically ideal for addiction treatment, and THCV variants occur naturally in cannabis, potentially opening a path from natural compounds to therapeutic development.
Questions still open
- Would delta-8-THCV help with other substance addictions beyond nicotine? Can therapeutic doses be achieved safely in humans?
Common questions
Can cannabis compounds help quit nicotine?
What is THCV?
Read the original research
Δ8 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin has potent anti-nicotine effects in several rodent models of nicotine dependence.
British journal of pharmacology, 176(24), 4773-4784
Citation
Xi, Zheng-Xiong; Muldoon, Pretal; Wang, Xiao-Fei; Bi, Guo-Hua; Damaj, M Imad; Lichtman, Aron H; Pertwee, Roger G; Gardner, Eliot L. (2019). Δ8 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin has potent anti-nicotine effects in several rodent models of nicotine dependence.. British journal of pharmacology, 176(24), 4773-4784. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14844
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