Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives

Abstract

Background-Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, and legalization for recreational and medical purposes has substantially increased its availability and use in the United States. Objectives-Decades of research have suggested that recreational cannabis use confers risk for cognitive impairment across various domains, and structural and functional differences in the brain have been linked to early and heavy cannabis use. Methods-With substantial evidence for the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural development and understanding that brain development continues into early adulthood, the rising use of cannabis in adolescents and young adults raises major concerns. Yet some formulations of cannabinoid compounds are FDA-approved for medical uses, including applications in children. Results-Potential effects on the trajectory of brain morphology and cognition, therefore, should be considered. The goal of this review is to update and consolidate relevant findings in order to inform attitudes and public policy regarding the recreational and medical use of cannabis and cannabinoid compounds. Conclusions-The findings point to considerations for age limits and guidelines for use.

Factores asociados al consumo frecuente de marihuana en jóvenes antes de su ingreso a centros juveniles de diagnóstico y rehabilitación en Perú

“…Además, la dependencia al cannabis es responsable de una menor participación en actividades y relaciones académicas, menores ingresos, embarazos no planificados, enfermedades mentales, mayores tasas de desempleo y participación en otras conductas de riesgo (Khalsa y Baler, 2019; Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito, 2018). No obstante, el cannabis se ha asociado con algunos efectos beneficiosos; las afecciones más comunes por las que los médicos recomiendan el consumo de marihuana son dolor, náuseas y vómitos persistentes, mejora del sueño y ansiedad (Burggren, Shirazi, Ginder y London, 2019;Fiz, Durán, Capella, Carbonell y Farré, 2011).…”

Implications of Medical and Recreational Marijuana Laws for Neuroscience Research: a Review

“…Behaviors such as use and misuse of illicit substances often cluster empirically within the externalizing domain of psychopathology [78][79][80][81], typically with early onset, common etiology, and traits including sensation-seeking and impulsivity [82][83][84]. People who are recreational cannabis users seeking the sensation of feeling high are likely to differ from people who are medical patients [85,86] seeking marijuana for relief of pain or other symptoms and who are not typically characterized by externalizing traits [87,88]. People who are medical marijuana users may therefore differ in numerous ways from people who are recreational users in whom cognitive effects have mainly been studied to date, including later onset of use and complicating medical problems.…”

Naturalistic exploratory study of the associations of substance use on ADHD outcomes and function

“…Interestingly, a meta-analysis investigating whether these brain function altercations persist on fMRI with abstinence, showed that these altercations clearly persist past 25 days abstinence in adolescent users – despite no detectable THC in urine [ 18 ]. Since the endocannabinoid system plays a role in neuroplasticity [ 19 , 20 ], and neuromaturation is prevalent during adolescence [ 21 ], it is plausible that exogenous cannabinoids alters the neurodevelopmental maturation during this period – suggesting a period of vulnerability [ 8 ].…”