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Functional connectivity alterations in brain networks relevant to self-awareness in chronic cannabis users.

Jesus Pujol, Laura Blanco‐Hinojo, Albert Batalla, Marina López-solà, Ben J. Harrison, Carles Soriano-Mas, José A. Crippa, Ana B. Fagundo, Joan Deus, Rafael de la Torre, Santiago Nogué, Magí Farré, Marta Torrens, Rocío Martín‐Santos

Journal of Psychiatric Research April 2014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.12.008 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational case-control study with repeated measures Peer reviewed
Sample size 57
Population 28 heavy cannabis users and 29 control subjects
Intervention Cannabis
Duration One month of controlled abstinence
Topics Anxiety Cannabis
Keywords Memory Resting state Self-awareness FMRI
Key findings Heavy cannabis users showed increased functional connectivity in the core of the Default and Insula networks and enhanced anticorrelation between them, with reduced connectivity in areas overlapping other networks. These alterations were associated with reduced anxiety scores and interference with memory performance, related to the amount of cannabis used, and partially persisted after one month of abstinence. The authors suggest these changes may reflect mechanisms by which recreational drugs interfere with higher-order network interactions generating conscious experience.

Abstract

Recreational drugs are generally used to intentionally alter conscious experience. Long-lasting cannabis users frequently seek this effect as a means to relieve negative affect states. As with conventional anxiolytic drugs, however, changes in subjective feelings may be associated with memory impairment. We have tested whether the use of cannabis, as a psychoactive compound, is associated with alterations in spontaneous activity in brain networks relevant to self-awareness, and whether such potential changes are related to perceived anxiety and memory performance. Functional connectivity was assessed in the Default and Insula networks during resting state using fMRI in 28 heavy cannabis users and 29 control subjects. Imaging assessments were conducted during cannabis use in the unintoxicated state and repeated after one month of controlled abstinence. Cannabis users showed increased functional connectivity in the core of the Default and Insula networks and selective enhancement of functional anticorrelation between both. Reduced functional connectivity was observed in areas overlapping with other brain networks. Observed alterations were associated with behavioral measurements in a direction suggesting anxiety score reduction and interference with memory performance. Alterations were also related to the amount of cannabis used and partially persisted after one month of abstinence. Chronic cannabis use was associated with significant effects on the tuning and coupling of brain networks relevant to self-awareness, which in turn are integrated into brain systems supporting the storage of personal experience and motivated behavior. The results suggest potential mechanisms for recreational drugs to interfere with higher-order network interactions generating conscious experience.

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on cannabis for anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Former chronic methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) users report mild depressive symptoms Former chronic ecstasy users 2001 Observational cohort n = 29
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Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption. Adults with no prior exposure to ayahuasca participating in neo-shamanic ayahuasca... 2025 Prospective cohort study n = 66
Naturalistic use of psychedelics is associated with longitudinal improvements in anxiety and depression during global crisis times. Citizen science cohort recruited agnostically to an interest in drug use 2025 Observational cohort n = 242,260

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