The principal psycho-active constituent of cannabis, ∆-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆-THC) has bronchodilator activity in man, both in normal subjects (Vachon, Fitzgerald, Solliday, Gould & Gaensler, 1973; Tashkin, Shapiro & Frank, 1973) and in asthmatic patients (Tashkin, Shapiro & Frank, 1974). It may be given orally, but in order to achieve significant effects, doses in excess of 10 mg must be used and patients then experience psychic disturbance. A dose of 200 ug, is an effective bronchodilator when delivered by inhalation from a pressurized aerosol, and no measurable systemic absorption takes place (Williams, Hartley & Graham, 1976). Higher doses frequently cause transient coughing and chest discomfort in...

Asthma represents a public health problem and traditionally is classified as an atopic disease, where the allergen can induce clinical airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible obstruction of airways. Studies have demonstrated the presence of T-helper 2 lymphocytes in the lung of patients with asthma.These cells are involved in cytokine production that regulates immunoglobulin synthesis. Recognizing that T cell interaction with antigens/allergens is key to the development of inflammatory diseases, the aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in this setting. Asthma was induced in 8-week-old Wistar rats by ovalbumin (OVA). In the last 2 days of OVA...