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.

KEYWORDS:

• Cannabis
• brain
• morphology
• endocannabinoid
• tetrahydrocannabinol
• cannabidiol
• medical marijuana
• cognition

Disclosure Statement

The authors have no interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

Supported in part by the Thomas P. and Katherine K Pike Chair in Addiction studies (EDL), UCLA Training Program in the Translational Neuroscience of Drug Abuse [T32 DA024635-11] (AS), a NIDA K01 DA034728 award (AB), and an endowment from the Marjorie Greene Trust.