The Effects of Cannabinoids on Executive Functions: Evidence from Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids—A Systematic Review
Brain Sciences February 27, 2018 Koby Cohen, Aviv Weinstein
Repeated use of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids is associated with short- and long-term adverse effects, with synthetic cannabinoids causing more severe and long-lasting impairments. A literature review of 37 preclinical and 44 human studies found that both acute and repeated consumption of synthetic cannabinoids are linked to executive-function impairment, including deficits in attention, short-term memory, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. The severity of these deficits varies by drug type, dose, quantity, age of onset, and duration of use. Understanding these impairments is important given the rising use of synthetic cannabinoids.