Neurotoxic or Protective Cannabis Components: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol ( Δ9 THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)
Marilyn Helen Silva
Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology July 12, 2023 DOI: 10.14218/jerp.2023.00017 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis CBD |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Argues that Δ9THC exposure in utero or during development causes lasting detrimental effects on behavior, cognition, and locomotor activity, along with epigenetic changes, and urges caution with cannabis use. Contends that CBD shows efficacy and low toxicity as a candidate therapy for neurological, inflammatory, and mental diseases, while noting indications of adverse effects on neurodevelopment after in-utero exposure and on male reproduction, and calls for continued research. |
Abstract
Cannabis sativa contains phytocannabinoids that are psychoactive and neurotoxic (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9THC) or nonpsychoactive and presumptively neuroprotective (cannabidiol: CBD). Along with rising legalization, availability, and demand, the Δ9THC:CBD ratio also has increased. Cannabis legalization means that use will likely increase in pregnant or breastfeeding women, affecting all stages of brain and neurodevelopment of their offspring. Δ9THC exposure in utero or during development leads to lasting detrimental effects on behavior, cognition, locomotor activity, as well as epigenetic changes. Caution is urged with cannabis use. CBD is one of the most actively studied therapies for a broad spectrum of neurological, inflammatory, and mental diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia) because of its efficacy, low toxicity, and availability. While data indicate that the benefits of CBD may outweigh its risks, there are indications that it poses a risk for adverse effects on neurodevelopment from in-utero exposure as well as detrimental effects on male reproduction. Therefore, there is a clear need to continue researching the effects of Δ9THC exposure as well as the optimal CBD treatment related to disease management while stressing the need to further characterize possible adverse effects.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on CBD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 20
- Cannabis Use during Adolescent Development: Susceptibility to Psychiatric Illness Frontiers in Psychiatry 2013
- Effects of Cannabinoid Exposure during Neurodevelopment on Future Effects of Drugs of Abuse: A Preclinical Perspective International Journal of Molecular Sciences September 15, 2021
- Prenatal THC Exposure Induces Sex-Dependent Neuropsychiatric Endophenotypes in Offspring and Long-Term Disruptions in Fatty-Acid Signaling Pathways Directly in the Mesolimbic Circuitry. eNeuro 2022
- Pharmacokinetics and central accumulation of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its bioactive metabolites are influenced by route of administration and sex in rats. Scientific Reports December 14, 2021
- Adolescent exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol alters the transcriptional trajectory and dendritic architecture of prefrontal pyramidal neurons. Molecular Psychiatry April 2019
and 15 more in the library