A comparison of the ocular and central effects of
delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol

B K Colasanti
Affiliations
PMID: 1965836 DOI: 10.1089/jop.1990.6.259
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J Ocul Pharmacol
1
Abstract
Both delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) and cannabigerol, two naturally occurring marihuana
cannabinoids, produced only a modest fall in intraocular pressure after acute topical application to
the eyes of cats. After chronic administration unilaterally to the cornea via Alzet osmotic minipumps
and connecting extraocular cannulas, however, a considerable fall in ocular tension amounting to 4 to
7 mm Hg occurred. After systemic administration of delta 9-THC to rats, polyspike discharges
appeared in the cortical electroencephalogram initially during wakefulness and behavioral depression.
These polyspikes subsequently became evident within rapid eye movement sleep episodes.
Cannabigerol was devoid of this effect. After removal of either sympathetic or parasympathetic input
to the eyes of cats, the intraocular pressure lowering effect of delta 9-THC was not changed. Neither
delta 9-THC nor cannabigerol altered the rate of formation of aqueous humor. On the other hand,
both cannabinoids produced a two-to three-fold increase in aqueous outflow facility. These results
suggest that cannabigerol and related cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential for the treatment
of glaucoma.
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