Previously, CD8+ T cells were found to be a sensitive target for suppression by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in a murine model of influenza infection. To study the effect of Δ9-THC on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), an allogeneic model of MHC I mismatch was used to elicit CTL. In addition, to determine the requirement for the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) in Δ9-THC-mediated CTL response modulation, mice null for both receptors were used (CB1
−/−CB2
−/−). Δ9-THC suppressed CTL function independent of CB1 and CB2 as evidenced by reduction of 51Cr release by CTL generated from CB1
−/−CB2
−/− mice. Furthermore, viability in CD4+ and CD8+ cells was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner with Δ9-THC, independent of CB1 and CB2, but no effect of Δ9-THC on proliferation was observed, suggesting that Δ9-THC decreases the number of T cells initially activated. Δ9-THC increased expression of the activation markers, CD69 in CD8+ cells and CD25 in CD4+ cells in a concentration-dependent manner in cells derived from WT and CB1
−/−CB2
−/− mice. Furthermore, Δ9-THC synergized with the calcium ionophore, ionomycin, to increase CD69 expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ cells. In addition, without stimulation, Δ9-THC increased CD69 expression in CD8+ cells from CB1
−/−CB2
−/− and WT mice. Overall, these results suggest that CB1 and CB2 are dispensable for Δ9-THC-mediated suppression and that perturbation of Ca2+ signals during Tcell activation plays an important role in the mechanism by which Δ9-THC suppresses CTL function.