Effects of Adolescent Cannabinoid Exposure on Nicotine Reward in Young Adult Rats

SMSU Event Center BC

A number of studies have demonstrated that adolescent exposure to nicotine alters the unconditioned response to cannabinoid agonists and the density of cannabinoid receptors. In a recent study it was found that adolescent nicotine exposure increased the conditioned rewarding effects of the cannabinoid agonist CP-55,940. Interestingly, there is evidence in the clinical literature suggesting reverse gateway, where cannabis use leads to greater nicotine use. This study investigated whether adolescent exposure to a synthetic cannabinoid CPP-55,940 alters the rewarding properties of nicotine.