Young Adult Cannabis Use and Circulating Endocannabinoid Concentrations on Cognitive Performance.
Alexander L. Wallace, Rachel E. Baca, Gianna Andrade, Cecilia J. Hillard, Joseph P Happer, Natasha E Wade, Kelly E Courtney, Margie Hernandez Mejia, Joanna Jacobus
Frontiers in adolescent medicine 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fradm.2025.1538448 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 87 |
| Population | Young adults aged 18-20 (63% female) who use cannabis |
| Measures | Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task (RAVLT) |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Heavy cannabis use was associated with worse verbal memory. Among heavy users, higher 2-AG concentrations correlated with better verbal learning and memory, while higher AEA concentrations correlated with worse verbal learning. Men with heavy use and high 2-AG showed better verbal learning than men with lower 2-AG. The authors propose circulating endocannabinoid profiles may serve as a biomarker for cannabis-related cognitive deficits. |
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a regulatory mechanism that helps to maintain homeostasis in the brain. Cannabis use and circulating eCB disruptions have been linked with altered memory; however, this work has largely been done in animal models with minimal investigation into these relationships by sex. We aim to investigate how circulating eCB concentrations in cannabis using young adults are associated verbal memory. We hypothesize that greater amounts of self-reported cannabis use and lower eCB circulating concentrations will be associated with worse learning and memory. Sex as a potential moderator was explored. Eighty-seven participants between the ages of 18-20 (63% female) completed measures on past 30-day cannabis use, verbal learning and memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task; RAVLT), and a blood draw. Serum sample analysis from blood draws assessed concentrations of the eCBs 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA). Linear regressions examining cannabis group status based on past 30 day cannabis use (no use, light use (<8 use days), and heavy cannabis use (≥8 use days)), eCB concentrations, and their interaction on RAVLT learning and memory scores. Three-way sex by cannabis status by eCB concentrations interactions were also explored. Heavy cannabis use was associated with worse verbal memory performance. Significant interactions between 2-AG and heavy cannabis use were observed, revealing that individuals with elevated 2-AG concentrations and heavy cannabis use showed better performance on verbal learning and memory tasks. In contrast, heavy cannabis use with higher AEA concentrations performed worse on verbal learning tasks. There was a significant three-way interaction with sex, cannabis use group, and 2-AG concentrations on verbal learning where men with heavy cannabis use and high 2-AG concentrations had better verbal learning compared to men with lower 2-AG concentrations. Distinct patterns emerged between 2-AG and AEA concentrations and memory performance among individuals with heavy cannabis. Higher 2-AG concentrations and lower AEA concentrations correlated with improved memory performance in the heavy cannabis use group, suggesting that circulating eCB profiles may serve as a biomarker for cannabis-related cognitive deficits. More work is needed to disentangle the complex relationships between circulating eCB concentrations, cannabis use, and neurocognitive functioning.
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 13
- Cannabis in Adolescence: Lasting Cognitive Alterations and Underlying Mechanisms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research February 2023
- THC and CBD: Similarities and differences between siblings. Neuron February 1, 2023
- Sex Differences in the Neuropsychiatric Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol: A Scoping Review. Biomolecules October 12, 2022
- Endocannabinoid system contributions to sex-specific adolescent neurodevelopment. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry March 8, 2022
- Evidence on the acute and residual neurocognitive effects of cannabis use in adolescents and adults: a systematic meta-review of meta-analyses. Addiction January 19, 2022
and 8 more in the library