Using the genetically unique tetrahydrocannabinol-seizure susceptible (THC-SS) rabbit, the behavioral effect of 14 cannabinoids or related structures were determined and compared to the effects of 11 previously tested cannabinoids. Relative potencies of the cannabinoid-induced convulsions in THC-SS rabbits were generally comparable to reported relative potencies of cannabinoid-produced psychoactivity in humans and other behavioral activity in monkeys or other species. These data suggest that the THC-SS rabbit may represent an experimentally convenient and reliable animal model for studies of structure--psychoactivity relationships of marijuana-like compounds.

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Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, causes nonfatal convulsions in rabbits of a closed colony of New Zealand White rabbits (Uaz: NZW). The convulsive phenotype appears to be associated with homozygous expression of a single autosomal recessive gene with full penetrance. We propose the symbol thc for the gene responsible for this condition. We also propose that this closed colony of New Zealand White rabbits at the University of Arizona, in which the thc gene is segragating, be designated Uaz:NZW-thc.

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