Differential associations of combined versus isolated cannabis and nicotine on brain resting state networks
F. Filbey, S. Gohel, S. Prashad, B. Biswal
Brain Structure and Function June 7, 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1690-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 137 |
| Population | Adult cannabis users, nicotine users, concomitant nicotine and cannabis users, and non-users |
| Interventions | Cannabis Nicotine |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Non-users and concomitant cannabis and nicotine users showed greater resting-state functional connectivity than isolated cannabis or nicotine users across 12 networks, with no significant differences between non-users and combined users or between the two single-substance groups. The authors argue this pattern indicates an interaction between cannabis and nicotine use on brain network connectivity. |
Abstract
Concomitant cannabis and nicotine use is more prevalent than cannabis use alone; however, to date, most of the literature has focused on associations of isolated cannabis and nicotine use limiting the generalizability of existing research. To determine differential associations of concomitant use of cannabis and nicotine, isolated cannabis use and isolated nicotine use on brain network connectivity, we examined systems-level neural functioning via independent components analysis (ICA) on resting state networks (RSNs) in cannabis users (CAN, n = 53), nicotine users (NIC, n = 28), concomitant nicotine and cannabis users (NIC + CAN, n = 26), and non-users (CTRL, n = 30). Our results indicated that the CTRL group and NIC + CAN users had the greatest functional connectivity relative to CAN users and NIC users in 12 RSNs: anterior default mode network (DMN), posterior DMN, left frontal parietal network, lingual gyrus, salience network, right frontal parietal network, higher visual network, insular cortex, cuneus/precuneus, posterior cingulate gyrus/middle temporal gyrus, dorsal attention network, and basal ganglia network. Post hoc tests showed no significant differences between (1) CTRL and NIC + CAN and (2) NIC and CAN users. These findings of differential associations of isolated vs. combined nicotine and cannabis use demonstrate an interaction between cannabis and nicotine use on RSNs. These unique and combined mechanisms through which cannabis and nicotine influence cortical network functional connectivity are important to consider when evaluating the neurobiological pathways associated with cannabis and nicotine use.
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
Cited by 8
- Cannabis-induced altered states of consciousness are associated with specific dynamic brain connectivity states Journal of Psychopharmacology June 3, 2019
- Psychedelics and substance use disorder treatment. International review of neurobiology 2025
- Wpływ marihuany na aktywność elektryczną mózgu Kosmos April 11, 2020
- Chronic cannabis use is associated with alterations in resting-state cerebellar-cortical connectivity. Psychopharmacology December 12, 2025
- Is resting-state functional connectivity altered in regular cannabis users? A systematic review of the literature. Psychopharmacology May 2022
and 3 more in the library
Cites 9
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- Combined effects of marijuana and nicotine on memory performance and hippocampal volume. Behavioural Brain Research October 15, 2015
- Tobacco may mask poorer episodic memory among young adult cannabis users. Neuropsychology September 2015
- Cannabis, cigarettes, and their co-occurring use: disentangling differences in default mode network functional connectivity Drug and Alcohol Dependence June 10, 2015
- Long-term effects of marijuana use on the brain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 25, 2014
and 4 more in the library