Cross self-administration of delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol and D-amphetamine in rats

ABSTRACT

1. Schedule-induced intravenous self-injection of delta9 - tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9 -THC) and d-amphetamine was investigated in the same animals. 2. /rats self-injected significantly more amphetamine than delta9 -THC. However, the results suggested that delta9 -THC did not play a predisposing role to the increased amphetamine intake. When delta 9 -THC was reinstated after amphetamine response rates were drastically reduced. 3. It is conclued that the reinforcing effects of delta- -THC may be unrelated to its stimulant effects. The small number of responses for delta9 -THC is in agreement with reports of the poor reinforcing capability of cannabis compounds in rats