CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists induce acute respiratory depression in awake mice☆

Abstract Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoid agonists (i.e., “spice compounds”) that target the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) can cause acute respiratory failure in humans. However, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis, is not traditionally thought to interact with the brain respiratory system, based largely upon sparse labeling of CB1 receptors in the medulla and relative safety suggested by widespread human use. Here we used whole body plethysmography and RNAscope in situ hybridization in mice to reconcile this