Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Differentially Alters Cannabidiol Efficacy in Recovery of Phonology and Syntax Following Damage to a Songbird Cortical-Like Brain Region

Introduction: There are few vocal learning animals that are suitable for laboratory study, and so songbirds have unique utility for evaluating drug effects on behavior learned during a critical period of development. We previously found that purified botanically-derived cannabidiol (CBD, ≥98%) mitigates effects of partial ablation of zebra finch HVC, a pre-vocal motor cortical region. Here we expand prior work to determine ability of the euphorigenic cannabis constituent, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to modulate CBD efficacy. Evidence suggests relative abundance of phytocannabinoids within cannabis extracts is an important determinant of activity, with CBD:THC of particular significance. As CBD-enriched extracts have become increasingly available both by prescription and over the counter, differential efficacy associated with distinct phytocannabinoid combinations and relative CBD:THC amounts is of increasing concern.

Methods and Results: To evaluate THC modulation of CBD efficacy in mitigating the effects of partial ablation of zebra finch HVC, we have tested 3 mg/kg of purified botanically derived CBD (≥98%) containing 0.02, 0.08, 1, 3 and 5% THC. Results demonstrate differential efficacy on phonology and syntax, consistent with complex, hormetic dose-responses. On phonology, CBD with the lowest THC content (3% CBD + 0.02% THC) improved recovery while that with the highest THC content (3% CBD+5% THC) slowed it. In terms of syntax, all THC concentrations improved recovery time with the higher 3 mg/kg+3% THC being distinctly effective in returning behavior to pre-injury levels, and the highest 3 mg/kg CBD+5% THC for reducing the acute magnitude of syntax disruption. Differential phonology and syntax effects likely involve distinct neural circuits that control vocal learning and production. Understanding these systems-level effects will inform mechanisms underlying both phytocannabinoid action, and learning-dependent vocal recovery.

Conclusions: Overall, we have found that efficacy of purified botanically derived CBD (≥98%) to influence vocal recovery varies with THC content in complex ways. This adds to evidence of differential efficacy with phytocannabinoid combinations and ratios thereof and underscores the importance of careful control over cannabis preparations used therapeutically.