Fluorinated cannabidiol derivatives: Enhancement of activity in mice models predictive of anxiolytic, antidepressant and antipsychotic effects

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major Cannabis sativa constituent, which does not cause the typical marijuana psychoactivity. However, it has been shown to be active in a numerous pharmacological assays, including mice tests for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and schizophrenia. In human trials the doses of CBD needed to achieve effects in anxiety and schizophrenia are high. We report now the synthesis of 3 fluorinated CBD derivatives, one of which, 4'-F-CBD (HUF-101) (1), is considerably more potent than CBD in behavioral assays in mice predictive of anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic and anticompulsive activity. Similar to CBD, the anti-compulsive effects of HUF-101 depend on cannabinoid receptors.