Allen W. Chan

2 papers in the library · 38 citations · publishing 2024-2025

Papers

Alterations in brain network connectivity and subjective experience induced by psychedelics: a scoping review

Frontiers in Psychiatry May 14, 2024 Zijia Yu, Lisa Burback, Olga Winkler et al. 38 citations

A scoping review of 24 articles found that four psychedelic drugs—ayahuasca, psilocybin, LSD, and the entactogen MDMA—consistently alter brain functional connectivity in healthy individuals. The drugs decreased connectivity within the default mode network and increased sensory and thalamocortical connectivity. These neurophysiological changes correlated with subjective experiences such as altered consciousness, mood elevation, and mystical experiences, suggesting a brain network basis for the drugs' psychological effects. The review provides a potential neural mechanism for psychedelics' subjective effects but notes that direct clinical evidence is needed to advance therapeutic outcomes.

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1386321 Functional connectivity Psychology Neuroscience Medicine

Effects of different methods of cannabis use on cognition and blood THC: A systematic review.

Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry May 1, 2025 D. Behzad, S. Patel, R. Besa et al.

Inhaled cannabis routes (smoking, vaping) produce higher peak blood THC levels, while edible cannabis has a longer duration of action. Few differences between methods were found for cognitive performance, though two studies indicated worse attention after vaping versus edibles or smoking, and one study found worse memory with high-potency flower containing cannabidiol compared to concentrates. One study reported an inverse correlation between blood THC and cognition. Because THC levels are used to detect impairment, detection may be more challenging with edibles.

DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2025.111399 Medicine Psychology