Pharmacokinetics of Orally Applied Cannabinoids and Medical Marijuana Extracts in Mouse Nervous Tissue and Plasma: Relevance for Pain Treatment

This study investigates how the body processes (pharmacokinetics) oral doses of THC and CBD, the main active compounds in cannabis, and medical marijuana extracts. The research focuses on measuring THC and its metabolites in the blood, brain, and spinal cord of mice after they consumed either pure THC, THC-rich extract, or THC-depleted extract. Surprisingly, the study found that only orally applied CBD, but not THC, relieved mechanical pain in a mouse model of nerve injury, suggesting CBD as a better option for pain relief with fewer psychoactive effects.

• 1
  Δ9-THC levels were higher in mice receiving the THC-rich extract compared to pure THC, suggesting improved bioavailability from the extract.
• 2
  Oral administration of a THC+ extract led to a faster rise in THC levels in plasma and brain tissue compared to pure THC.
• 3
  CBD showed a 2.8- and 1.7-fold higher absorption rate compared with THC absorbance in the brain and spinal cord, respectively, suggesting a better uptake of CBD in nervous tissue.