116 - The Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol on Circadian Rhythmicity and the Response to Nicotine in Long-Evans Rats

The marijuana legalization trend promotes the notion that cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be safe and effective medications for conditions such as insomnia. Unfortunately, exposure to THC during development has been shown to impair cognition and motor behavior in humans and laboratory animals. The current study used VitalView software and cage-top infrared activity monitors to quantify the effects of a range of THC doses on activity and circadian rhythms in adult rats that were exposed to THC throughout adolescence. Rats were further administered acute nicotine drug challenges to determine if THC altered the development of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system. It is hoped that the results of this work in progress can be used to determine if THC presents a risk to adolescent brain development and predisposes an individual to future activity and sleep dysregulation.