The idea of a “high” rat may seem unusual, but it represents a genuine biological phenomenon explored in scientific research. Rats, like many mammals, can be affected by the psychoactive compounds found in cannabis. This reality forms the basis for significant research into how these substances interact with the brain. Understanding what happens when a rat is exposed to a compound like THC offers insights into fundamental neurobiology.
The Biological Basis for Intoxication
The reason rats can get high is due to a shared biological system with humans called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This network of receptors is found throughout the body and brain of mammals. One of the primary components of the ECS is the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor, which is particularly abundant in the brain. These receptors are involved in regulating a variety of functions, including mood, memory, and appetite.
When a rat is exposed to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, the THC molecule binds to these CB1 receptors. This binding action disrupts the normal communication between nerve cells. The brain’s natural chemical signals are either mimicked or blocked, leading to the state of intoxication.
The interaction between THC and CB1 receptors triggers a cascade of changes in brain activity. In regions rich with these receptors, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, functions like learning and decision-making are altered. Studies monitoring neural activity show distinct changes in brainwave patterns, often consistent with a state of drowsiness or sedation.
Observable Behaviors in High Rats
When a rat is under the influence of THC, it displays a specific set of behaviors termed the “cannabinoid tetrad.” The first effect is hypoactivity, a significant reduction in movement. The rat will appear lethargic, moving far less than usual and showing a suppression of exploratory actions like rearing up on its hind legs.
Another component of this tetrad is catalepsy, a peculiar, trance-like state. A rat experiencing catalepsy will remain motionless, often in an unusual posture, for an extended period. The animal is not paralyzed but seems to have lost the impulse to move, which is a sign of THC’s effect on the brain’s motor centers.
The third sign is hypothermia, a measurable decrease in the animal’s core body temperature, which is a consistent physiological indicator of THC intoxication. The final element of the tetrad is analgesia, or pain suppression. A rat exposed to THC will show a reduced response to painful stimuli, an effect that is also leveraged in medical studies.
Risks of Accidental Exposure
For rats outside of a laboratory, the most common route to intoxication is accidental ingestion of cannabis products. Edibles, which are often sweet and food-like, can be particularly attractive to rodents foraging for a meal. As the potency of commercial cannabis has increased, a rat consuming even a small portion of an edible can ingest a dose far exceeding what is used in controlled studies, increasing the risk of severe intoxication.
The intoxicated state poses significant indirect dangers. A rat exhibiting hypoactivity and catalepsy is extremely vulnerable, making it an easy target for predators. Even in a home, an immobile rat is at risk of dehydration, starvation, or injury from falls it cannot properly react to.
A drop in body temperature might not be immediately life-threatening, but prolonged hypothermia can strain the animal’s system. The primary concern following accidental ingestion is the dose’s severity relative to the rat’s small body size. Pet rat owners who suspect their animal has consumed a cannabis product should seek veterinary assistance immediately to manage the symptoms and prevent serious harm.