Fig. 1.

The process of aversive memory formation, extinction, and reconsolidation. Immediately after an emotionally relevant experience, the acquired memory undergoes the gradual process of consolidation. Upon retrieval, a brief but sufficient conditioned stimulus exposure event induces memory reactivation or destabilization. In other words, the stable memory trace becomes labile again and, thus, its emotional content is modifiable until the reconsolidation stage is ended. Based on this, drugs aiming at interfering with reconsolidation can be administered after memory reactivation. After a prolonged or repeated period of memory retrieval, the extinction process is triggered, leading to the formation of a new memory trace that competes and inhibits the original aversive memory, reducing fear responses. Drugs that potentiate/facilitate memory extinction are usually administered before extinction learning. Other phases (e.g., consolidation) of memory extinction can also be targeted, although it has scarcely been explored. As reviewed here, low doses of THC attenuate aversive memory expression through anxiety reduction, extinction facilitation, and reconsolidation impairment (currently shown in laboratory animals only)