Recommendation to reconsider examining cannabis subtypes together due to opposing effects on brain, cognition and behavior
Kristine Rømer Thomsen, M. B. Callesen, S. W. F. Ewing
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews June 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.025 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key points | Argues that disaggregating THC from CBD and measuring cannabis potency are essential for understanding cannabis's effects on cognitive function and public health. |
Abstract
Cannabis use represents a major public health issue throughout the globe. Yet, we still lack the most fundamental knowledge on long-term effects of cannabis on neural, cognitive, and behavioral function. Part of this stems from how cannabis has been measured historically. To this end, most empirical examinations of cannabis have consolidated all types of cannabis collectively. However, this approach obscures differences in how cannabinoids operate. In this commentary, we address the contrasting properties of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and their opposing effects on cognitive function. In addition, we address the increase in cannabis potency throughout the past two decades and how that impacts generalizability of early data to evaluations of contemporary public health. We underscore the urgent need for future research to disaggregate examination of THC from CBD, along with the importance of measuring cannabis potency to more effectively unravel its influence on cognitive function and other health issues.