March 14, 2013
Rats previously exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient in marijuana, found nicotine more rewarding than rats not exposed to THC, according to NIDA research published in Neuropsychopharmacology. Although the doses of THC used in this study were high, this research suggests that marijuana use may increase the risk for nicotine dependence, which – through the use of tobacco – is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
For a copy of the study abstract, go to www.nature.com/npp/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/npp201316a.html. For a copy of theNeuropsychopharmacology press release, go to www.nature.com/npp/press_releases/jan_13.pdf (PDF, 29KB). For related research being conducted at NIDA’s Intramural Research Program, go to irp.drugabuse.gov/Goldberg.php.
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.
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NIDA Press Office
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media@nida.nih.gov
About the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy and improve practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA home page at www.drugabuse.gov. To order publications in English or Spanish, call NIDA's new DrugPubs research dissemination center at 1-877-NIDA-NIH or 240-645-0228 (TDD) or fax or email requests to 240-645-0227 or drugpubs@nida.nih.gov. Online ordering is available at drugpubs.drugabuse.gov. NIDA's media guide can be found at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide, and its new easy-to-read website can be found at www.easyread.drugabuse.gov.
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