Cannabis use and cognitive dysfunction
Amresh Shrivastava, Megan Johnston, Ming T. Tsuang
Indian Journal of Psychiatry 2011 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.86796 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Citations | 69 |
| Key findings | The review reports that while many studies suggest cannabis causes cognitive decline, particularly with long-term use, some research does not support this. The most commonly and consistently affected neuropsychological parameters are response time, prolongation of word viewing time, basic oculomotor deficit, and residual verbal memory and executive functioning. The authors focus on pathways to cognitive dysfunction, including the CNS cannabinoid system. |
Abstract
This review considers the effects of cannabis on cognitive functioning, in both short and long term. Although the general impression supported by many studies is that cannabis causes cognitive decline, particularly with long-term usage, some research suggests that this may not be the case. Nevertheless, certain specific neuropsychological parameters have been found to be affected. Most commonly and consistently reported are response time, prolongation of word viewing time, basic oculomotor deficit, residual verbal memory and executive functioning. The pathways to cognitive dysfunction are given particular focus, including the role of the central nervous system (CNS) cannabinoid system.
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 5
- The Relationship Between Cannabis, Cognition, and Schizophrenia: It’s Complicated Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2022
- Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alters Limbic and Frontal Functional Brain Connectomes Among Young Adult Cannabis Users. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging May 1, 2026
- Beneficial and adverse effects of THC on cognition in the HIV-1 transgenic rat model: Importance of exploring task- and sex-dependent outcomes. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity April 1, 2025
- The Pharmacology of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) The Science of Marijuana 2019
- Peripheral and Central Effects of THC The Science of Marijuana 2019
Cites 15
- Cannabis use and cognition in schizophrenia Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2009
- Subjective Effects of Cannabis Before the First Psychotic Episode Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry December 1, 2009
- Adolescent brain maturation, the endogenous cannabinoid system and the neurobiology of cannabis-induced schizophrenia. Progress in Neurobiology November 2010
- Adolescent cannabis use and psychosis: epidemiology and neurodevelopmental models British Journal of Pharmacology June 1, 2010
- Cannabis Use Disorders in Schizophrenia: Effects on Cognition and Symptoms Schizophrenia Research May 18, 2010
and 10 more in the library