Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives
A. Burggren, Anaheed Shirazi, N. Ginder, E. London
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse July 31, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1634086 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | The authors argue that recreational cannabis use confers risk for cognitive impairment and is linked to structural and functional brain differences, particularly with early and heavy use, and that rising adolescent and young adult use is concerning because brain development continues into early adulthood. They propose that these findings should inform public policy, age limits, and guidelines for cannabis and cannabinoid use. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, and legalization for recreational and medical purposes has substantially increased its availability and use in the United States.Objectives: Decades of research have suggested that recreational cannabis use confers risk for cognitive impairment across various domains, and structural and functional differences in the brain have been linked to early and heavy cannabis use.Methods: With substantial evidence for the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural development and understanding that brain development continues into early adulthood, the rising use of cannabis in adolescents and young adults raises major concerns. Yet some formulations of cannabinoid compounds are FDA-approved for medical uses, including applications in children.Results: Potential effects on the trajectory of brain morphology and cognition, therefore, should be considered. The goal of this review is to update and consolidate relevant findings in order to inform attitudes and public policy regarding the recreational and medical use of cannabis and cannabinoid compounds.Conclusions: The findings point to considerations for age limits and guidelines for use.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Acute cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and their mixture (THC:CBD) exert differential effects on brain activity and blood flow in rats: A translational neuroimaging study. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2026
- Psychoactive substances: novel molecular insights and therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease. Translational neurodegeneration July 25, 2025
- Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alters Limbic and Frontal Functional Brain Connectomes Among Young Adult Cannabis Users. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging May 1, 2026
- Associations Between Youth Marijuana and Alcohol Use, Neurocognitive Performance, and Triple-Network Resting-State Connectivity. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging August 2026
- Sex-specific vulnerabilities in cannabis-induced psychosis: A scoping review. Asian Journal of Psychiatry July 8, 2026
and 6 more in the library
Cites 45
- Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning The British Journal of Psychiatry May 31, 2011
- The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies Pharmacology & Therapeutics October 20, 2018
- Are adolescents more vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis than adults? A placebo-controlled study in human males Translational Psychiatry November 29, 2016
- Grey Matter Volume Differences Associated with Extremely Low Levels of Cannabis Use in Adolescence Journal of Neuroscience January 14, 2019
- Subcortical Local Functional Hyperconnectivity in Cannabis Dependence Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging November 23, 2017
and 40 more in the library