Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in a Nationally Representative U.S. sample
D. Rubin-Kahana, Kevin Butler, A. Hassan, Marcos Sanches, Bernard Le Foll
Substance Use & Misuse April 25, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2340975 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 36,309 |
| Population | US adults who participated in the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III), categorized as current, former, or never cannabis users |
| Measures | Executive Function Index scales |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Current and former cannabis users reported poorer cognition than never users, with former users' self-reported cognition falling between current and never users. Several cannabis use characteristics were associated with worse self-reported cognition in current and former users. The authors suggest cannabis use is linked to worse cognition, with possibly limited recovery after cessation, though prospective studies are needed to confirm. |
Abstract
Abstract Background With increases in cannabis use and potency, there is a need to improve our understanding of the impact of use on cognitive function. Previous research indicates long-term cannabis use may have a negative effect on executive function. Few studies have examined persistence of it in protracted abstinence, and there is limited evidence of predictors of worse cognitive function in current and former users. In this study, we aim to evaluate the associations between cannabis use status (current, former, and never use) and self-report cognition. Further, we investigate if cannabis use characteristics predict self-report cognitive function.
Methods: Cross-sectional cannabis use data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III), a national survey (N = 36,309) conducted in the USA between 2012 and 2013 were used alongside the Executive Function Index scales. The data were analyzed by using Ordinary Least Squares regression.
Results: Current (N = 3,681, Female = 37.7%) and former users (N = 7,448, Female = 45.4%) reported poorer cognition than never users (N = 24,956, Female = 56.6%). Self-reported cognition of former users was in-between that of current and never users. Several cannabis use characteristics were associated with self-reported cognition in current and former users.
Conclusion: While prospective studies are required to confirm, findings suggest cannabis use is linked to worse cognition. There may be some limited recovery of cognition in former users and some cannabis use characteristics predict impairment. These findings add to our understanding of the cognitive impact of cannabis use. As worse cognitive function may impact relapse, findings have implications for personalization of cannabis use disorder treatment.