THE EFFECT OF CHRONIC Δ9-THC CONSUMPTION ON FLEXIBLE DECISION MAKING

Flexible decision making is critical for navigating and adapting to a changing environment. Many neuropsychiatric disorders including drug addiction are associated with maladaptive patterns of decision making, including an overreliance on habitual behavior and altered sensitivity to prediction errors. Evidence suggests that this behaviour can be influenced by consumption of Δ9-THC, the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis, however, there have been few studies conducted that demonstrate the differences between adult and adolescent consumption. In order to test this behaviour, I have had success training head-fixed mice to identify which of the two spouts positioned directly in front of them have a higher probability of delivering water reward. When the reward probabilities reverse every 20-40 trials, mice quickly adapt and perform above chance levels. I have tested a paradigm of oral Δ9-THC administration with preliminary, moderate effects on flexible decision-making patterns. I have also conducted a dose-response study to determine the effective dose and am now performing a chronic Δ9-THC administration study in a cohort of adolescent mice. I plan to test another cohort of adult mice to determine whether their decision-making processes are differently affected by Δ9-THC consumption. This work is critical for understanding the impact of cannabis exposure on decision-making processes, particularly in the most vulnerable populations.