The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies
Michael Bloomfield, Chandni Hindocha, Sebastian F Green, Matthew B. Wall, Rachel Lees, Kat Petrilli, Harry Costello, Olabisi Ogunbiyi, Matthijs G. Bossong, Tom P. Freeman
Pharmacology & Therapeutics October 20, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.10.006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Cannabis CBD |
| Keywords | Neuropsychopharmacology Endocannabinoid system Cannabinoid receptor Psychosis Effects of cannabis Neurocognitive Glutamatergic Schizophrenia object-oriented programming Synthetic cannabinoids Cognition Agonist Glutamate receptor |
| Citations | 236 |
| Key findings | Cannabis and THC acutely affect neurocognitive systems via endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter interactions, with heavy adolescent use linked to increased risk of addiction and psychosis. |
Abstract
receptor. Acutely, cannabis and THC produce a range of effects on several neurocognitive and pharmacological systems. These include effects on executive, emotional, reward and memory processing via direct interactions with the endocannabinoid system and indirect effects on the glutamatergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic systems. Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in some forms of cannabis, may offset some of these acute effects. Heavy repeated cannabis use, particularly during adolescence, has been associated with adverse effects on these systems, which increase the risk of mental illnesses including addiction and psychosis. Here, we provide a comprehensive state of the art review on the acute and chronic neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis by synthesizing the available neuroimaging research in humans. We describe the effects of drug exposure during development, implications for understanding psychosis and cannabis use disorder, and methodological considerations. Greater understanding of the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabis may also give rise to new treatment targets.