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Effects of chronic, heavy cannabis use on executive functions.

Rebecca D Crean, Susan F Tapert, Arpi Minassian, Kai Macdonald, Natania A. Crane, Barbara J Mason

Journal of Addiction Medicine March 2011 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0b013e31820cdd57 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Case study Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 1
Population A cannabis-dependent individual entering a 12-week abstinence-based research program
Duration 12-week abstinence-based research program; assessments at 24 hours, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks of abstinence
Topics Cannabis
Keywords Cognitive impairment Executive functions Neuropsychological assessment
Key findings The case illustrates the effects of chronic, heavy cannabis use on executive functions at 24 hours, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks of abstinence, with the authors noting that executive functions play a vital role in treatment participation and in sustaining recovery. The abstract does not state the direction or magnitude of any observed changes.

Abstract

This case describes the clinical course of a cannabis-dependent individual entering a 12-week abstinence-based research program. The case illustrates the effects of chronic, heavy cannabis use on executive functions at three time points: 1) 24 hours of abstinence; 2) 4 weeks of abstinence; and 3) 12 weeks of abstinence. It is followed by discussions by two clinical psychologists and a psychiatrist. The findings described here have important clinical implications, as executive functions have a vital role in treatment participation and in sustaining recovery. It should be of particular interest to clinicians who work with people with cannabis use disorders.

Comparable studies

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Study Year Design Participants
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder after psilocybin consumption: a case study 18-year-old man with HPPD after mixed psilocybin and cannabis intoxication 2005 Case study n = 1
Cannabis‐induced Koro in Americans American men aged 22-26 with years of cannabis experience who reported negative... 2001 Case series n = 3
“Hallucinations” Following Acute Cannabis Dosing: A Case Report and Comparison to Other Hallucinogenic Drugs Healthy 30-year-old male 2018 Case study n = 1
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: A literature review and three case reports Patients with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder 2018 Case series n = 3
Cannabis Psychosis in Young Psychiatric Inpatients Consecutive psychiatric hospital admissions of patients aged 35 and under 1986 Case study n = 25

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