Long-lasting behavioral, molecular and functional connectivity alterations after chronic THC exposure during adolescence in mice.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry July 13, 2025 Laura Gómez-Acero, Federico Varriano, Nuria Sánchez-Fernández et al.
Adolescent mice treated with THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, later showed impaired social interaction and sensorimotor gating deficits similar to those seen in heavy human cannabis users. The exposure caused long-term disruption of connectivity between the cortex and striatum, which correlated with social problems in adulthood. Molecular changes in the striatum altered the balance among dopamine D2, adenosine A2A, and cannabinoid CB1 receptors, key regulators of the brain's reward system. These results help explain how heavy adolescent cannabis use may increase the risk of psychosis.