EEG-based network dynamics in cannabis and polydrug use: a directed transfer function approach.
Alicja Anna Binkowska, Anna Kaszyńska, Maciej Kamiński, Katarzyna Blinowska, Jakub Czarny, Michał Raczkowski, Aneta Brzezicka
Psychopharmacology October 20, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-025-06933-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional observational study Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 86 |
| Population | Individuals with cannabis-only use, polydrug use, and non-drug-using controls |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Directed functional connectivity Polydrug use Resting-State EEG |
| Key findings | Cannabis-only use was associated with localized changes in frontal neural propagation within theta, beta, and gamma bands, while alpha-band activity remained stable. Polydrug use was associated with more widespread connectivity alterations, including reduced alpha activity and increased frontal and prefrontal engagement, suggesting heightened excitation and possible compensatory mechanisms. |
Abstract
Cannabis is often consumed in polysubstance contexts, yet research comparing its isolated use to polydrug use is limited. Such comparisons are essential for understanding substance-specific versus interactive effects on brain activity. This study investigates how cannabis-only and polydrug use relate to alterations in resting-state EEG functional connectivity, using the Directed Transfer Function (DTF) to assess frequency-specific information flow in the brain. Three age- and sex-matched groups were studied: individuals with cannabis-only use (n=27), polydrug use (n=29), and non-drug-using controls (n=30). Resting-state EEG was recorded under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. DTF was applied to quantify directed connectivity and frequency-dependent propagation of neural signals across brain regions. Individuals with cannabis-only use exhibited localized changes in neural propagation, particularly in frontal areas and within theta, beta, and gamma bands, while alpha-band activity remained relatively stable. In contrast, individuals with polydrug use showed more widespread and complex alterations in connectivity, including reduced alpha activity and increased frontal and prefrontal engagement, suggesting heightened excitation and possible compensatory mechanisms. This study is the first to characterize frequency-specific EEG connectivity patterns associated with cannabis and polydrug use. The findings highlight the importance of studying substance use patterns and considering cannabis within a polysubstance context. A longitudinal study is needed to assess the effects of use duration, frequency, and dosage.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning 104 chronic cannabis users (49 early-onset before age 15, 55 late-onset after age 15)... | 2011 | Observational cross-sectional study | n = 148 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
| Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey Online survey respondents | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| User perceptions of the benefits and harms of hallucinogenic drug use: A web-based questionnaire study Users of hallucinogenic drugs who completed a web-based questionnaire | 2010 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 600 |
| Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... | 2012 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 337 |
Citations in the library
Cites 17
- Cannabis and cocaine decrease cognitive impulse control and functional corticostriatal connectivity in drug users with low activity DBH genotypes Brain Imaging and Behavior December 14, 2015
- Reduced responsiveness of the reward system is associated with tolerance to cannabis impairment in chronic users Addiction Biology December 22, 2019
- Functional brain connectomes reflect acute and chronic cannabis use Scientific Reports February 14, 2022
- MDMA and brain activity during neurocognitive performance: An overview of neuroimaging studies with abstinent ‘Ecstasy’ users Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews August 8, 2017
- Individual and combined effects of cannabidiol and Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol on striato-cortical connectivity in the human brain Journal of Psychopharmacology May 20, 2022
and 12 more in the library