Anticonvulsant effects of the (-) and (+)isomers of cannabidiol and their dimethylheptyl homologs.

The anticonvulsant actions of the (-) and (+)isomers of cannabidiol and dimethylheptyl-cannabidiol were studied with the maximal electroconvulsive shock model in mice. The ratio of the times for hindlimb extension and fore limb flexion was recorded as an anticonvulsant index. All the cannabinoids were anticonvulsant. They also potentiated pentobarbitone sleeping time. The (+)isomer was more active than the (-)isomer. Possible mechanisms of actions on receptors or membranes are discussed.