Some biochemical factors of the iris-ciliary body of the rabbit have been examined for effects induced by water-soluble marihuana-derived material (MDM). Adenylate cyclase activity and sensitivity toβ-adrenergic agonists were unchanged, as measured 4 hours after MDM administration in vivo. Magnesium-dependent and anion-sensitive, but not sodium-potassium, ATPase activities were inhibited 6 hours after MDM administration in vivo, although they were unaffected by in vitro incubation. Topical administration of a potent substance P antagonist had no effect on the time course or magnitude of intravenous MDM-induced ocular effects in rabbit. Intravenously administered sugars antagonized the effects of MDM on intraocular pressure. A variety of drugs which display a range of biochemical effects varying from beta-adrenergic receptor agonism, to alteration of glycoprotein residues were employed. None of the agents employed, ranging from cAMP modifiers to protein synthesis blockers, had any effect on the MDM-induced response. It is apparent that the mechanism underlying the ocular hypotensive effect of MDM does not reside in mediation through adenylate cyclase, ATPase or substance P, but rather through a mechanism mediated by terminal sugar moieties on the molecule. The data suggest that modification of the surface membrane glycoprotein residues on the ciliary epithelium can induce marked alterations in aqueous humor flow rate.