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.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Heavy repeated cannabis use, particularly during adolescence, is associated with adverse effects on neurocognitive systems that increase the risk of addiction and psychosis.
Synthesized
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Reviews human neuroimaging evidence that cannabis and THC acutely affect executive, emotional, reward, and memory systems, and notes that CBD may offset some of these acute effects.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substance-Induced Psychoses: An Updated Literature Review General (substance-induced psychosis) | 2021 | Narrative review | |
| New psychoactive substances of natural origin: A brief review | 2017 | Review | |
| New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – a Challenge for the Addiction Treatment Services | 2017 | Review | |
| Classic Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment: The Case for Psilocybin in Tobacco Smoking Cessation | 2022 | Review | |
| Policy in focus: Is psilocybin the next cannabis? | 2021 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 51
- Cannabis increases susceptibility to false memory Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences February 10, 2020
- Effects of inhaled cannabis high in Δ9-THC or CBD on the aging brain: A translational MRI and behavioral study Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience February 1, 2023
- Cannabis use and nonuse in patients with first-episode psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing neurocognitive functioning European Psychiatry 2020
- Individual and combined effects of cannabidiol and Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol on striato-cortical connectivity in the human brain Journal of Psychopharmacology May 20, 2022
- Evidence That Cannabis Exposure, Abuse, and Dependence Are Related to Glutamate Metabolism and Glial Function in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex: A 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study Frontiers in Psychiatry August 20, 2020
and 46 more in the library
Cites 93
- High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis The British Journal of Psychiatry November 30, 2009
- Cannabidiol inhibits THC-elicited paranoid symptoms and hippocampal-dependent memory impairment Journal of Psychopharmacology October 5, 2012
- Distinct Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Neural Activation During Emotional Processing Archives of General Psychiatry 2009
- Cannabis-induced psychosis and subsequent schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: follow-up study of 535 incident cases The British Journal of Psychiatry November 30, 2005
- Modulation of Mediotemporal and Ventrostriatal Function in Humans by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Archives of General Psychiatry April 1, 2009
and 88 more in the library