Brain Function Outcomes of Recent and Lifetime Cannabis Use
Joshua L. Gowin, Jarrod M. Ellingson, Hollis C Karoly, Peter Manza, J. M. Ross, Matthew E. Sloan, Jody Tanabe, Nora D. Volkow
JAMA Network Open 2025 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.57069 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,003 |
| Population | Young adults |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Heavy lifetime cannabis use was associated with lower brain activation during a working memory task, and the association remained after removing individuals with recent cannabis use. The authors state the results were not explained by demographic variables, age at first cannabis use, alcohol use, or nicotine use, and suggest cannabis use is associated with short- and long-term brain function outcomes. |
Abstract
Key Points Question Are recent cannabis use and lifetime cannabis use associated with differences in brain function during cognitive tasks? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 1003 young adults, heavy lifetime cannabis use was associated with lower brain activation during a working memory task; this association remained after removing individuals with recent cannabis use. These results were not explained by differences in demographic variables, age at first cannabis use, alcohol use, or nicotine use. Meaning These findings suggest that cannabis use is associated with short- and long-term brain function outcomes, especially during working memory tasks.
Citations in the library
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- Beyond symptom change: a qualitative descriptive study of reported quality of life experiences among adults prescribed medicinal cannabis for anxiety disorders International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy June 9, 2026
- PET imaging of FAAH in chronic Cannabis users: longitudinal assessment during short-term abstinence. Neuropsychopharmacology May 9, 2026
- Cannabis use by people with HIV is associated with an anti-inflammatory immunometabolic phenotype in monocyte-derived macrophages. Journal of Neuroinflammation April 17, 2026
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Cites 10
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- Sex, THC, and hormones: Effects on density and sensitivity of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in rats. Drug and Alcohol Dependence January 1, 2019
and 5 more in the library