University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Cannabis sativa (Hemp) is a wind pollinated crop known to produce volatile terpenes as well as cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Many terpenes found in cannabis oils have shown great insecticidal abilities as well as synergistic effects with cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are known to cause behavioral effects in animals including humans and these effects haven been well studied. However, while insects are known to not have the same cannabinoid receptors as mammals, the effects of cannabinoids on the toxicity of essential oils and insect behavior have not been greatly explored. As a first step to performing behavioral analyses, it is necessary to determine relative levels of toxicity. A dose response curve was constructed using Bombus impatiens and three Cannabis oils containing varying levels of CBD and THC. Oils that contained less CBD were found to be highly toxic compared to oils with higher levels of CBD and control. Based on the dose-response curve, a sublethal dose was also found and used to evaluate the amount of movement B. impatiens exhibited an hour after being dosed with oils or control. No significant results were obtained indicating that a sublethal dose of the cannabis oils tested may not have an effect on the bee’s movement. Further research on the toxicity and effects of cannabis oils on other insects is needed to determine if there are potential practical applications of cannabis oils in pest management or they may pose a threat to pollinators when grown in large scale field production.
