1
|
Schoeler T, Ferris J, Winstock AR. Rates and correlates of cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms in over 230,000 people who use cannabis. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:369. [PMID: 36068202 PMCID: PMC9448725 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis, a widely used psychoactive substance, can trigger acute cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms (CAPS) in people who use cannabis (PWUC). To assess rates and correlates of CAPS requiring emergency medical treatment, we analyzed data from an international sample of PWUC (n = 233,475). We found that 0.47% (95%CI 0.42; 0.52) PWUC reported lifetime occurrence of CAPS, defined as the occurrence of hallucinations and/or paranoia requiring emergency medical treatment following the use of cannabis. A range of factors correlated with risk of CAPS in the last year: higher rates were observed in young individuals [risk ratio (RR) 2.66, compared to older PWUC] and those residing in Denmark (RR 3.01, compared to PWUC from other countries). Furthermore, risk was elevated in those using predominantly high-potency resin (RR 2.11, compared to PWUC using herbal cannabis), those mixing cannabis with tobacco (RR 2.15, compared to PWUC not mixing with tobacco) and those with a diagnosis of psychosis (RR 14.01), bipolar (RR 4.30), anxiety (RR 2.92) and depression (RR 2.68), compared to individuals without a mental health diagnosis. Taken together, acute self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the context of cannabis use may occur in about 1 in 200 PWUC's lifetime. Some individuals could be particularly sensitive to the adverse psychological effects of cannabis, such as young individuals or those with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities. In light of the movements towards legalization of recreational cannabis, more research should focus on the potential harms related to cannabis use, to educate PWUC and the public about risks related to its use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tabea Schoeler
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Jason Ferris
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Adam R. Winstock
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK ,Global Drug Survey, GDS, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ferretjans R, de Souza RP, Panizzutti B, Ferrari P, Mantovani L, de Campos-Carli SM, Santos RR, Guimarães FC, Teixeira AL, Gama CS, Salgado JV. Cannabinoid receptor gene polymorphisms and cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia and controls. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:26-34. [PMID: 34190825 PMCID: PMC8827365 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-1650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To test the hypothesis that genetic variations of cannabinoid receptors contribute to the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Methods: In this genetic association case-control study, cannabinoid receptor polymorphisms CNR1 rs12720071 and CNR2 rs2229579 were tested for association with neurocognitive performance in 69 patients with schizophrenia and 45 healthy controls. Neurocognition was assessed by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Results: We found a consistent association between CNR1 rs12720071 polymorphism and the cognitive performance of patients in several cognitive domains. Patients with C/C polymorphism presented significantly worse performance in motor speed, verbal fluency, attention/processing speed and reasoning/problem solving. Conclusion: Although limited, our data support the hypothesis that CNR1 variations may be associated with the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ferretjans
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renan P de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna Panizzutti
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Pâmela Ferrari
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento (PPGPSIQ), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Mantovani
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Salvina M de Campos-Carli
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael R Santos
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Guimarães
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio L Teixeira
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Santa Casa BH, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Neuropsychiatry Program, UTHealth Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clarissa S Gama
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento (PPGPSIQ), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - João V Salgado
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thorpe HHA, Talhat MA, Khokhar JY. High genes: Genetic underpinnings of cannabis use phenotypes. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110164. [PMID: 33152387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most widely used substances across the globe and its use has a substantial heritable component. However, the heritability of cannabis use varies according to substance use phenotype, suggesting that a unique profile of gene variants may contribute to the different stages of use, such as age of use onset, lifetime use, cannabis use disorder, and withdrawal and craving during abstinence. Herein, we review a subset of genes identified by candidate gene, family-based linkage, and genome-wide association studies related to these cannabis use phenotypes. We also describe their relationships with other substances, and their functions at the neurobiological, cognitive, and behavioral levels to hypothesize the role of these genes in cannabis use risk. Delineating genetic risk factors in the various stages of cannabis use will provide insight into the biological mechanisms related to cannabis use and highlight points of intervention prior to and following the development of dependence, as well as identify targets to aid drug development for treating problematic cannabis use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley H A Thorpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Krebs MO, Kebir O, Jay TM. Exposure to cannabinoids can lead to persistent cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Eur J Pain 2019; 23:1225-1233. [PMID: 30793421 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids are proposed in a wide array of medical indications. Yet, the evaluation of adverse effects in controlled clinical studies, following the evidence-based model, has partly been bypassed. On the other hand, studies on the consequences of recreational use of cannabis and experimental studies bring some insights on the potential long-term consequences of cannabinoids use. RESULTS Epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that cannabis use is associated with a risk of persistent cognitive deficits and increased risk of schizophrenia-like psychoses. These risks are modulated by the dose and duration of use, on top of age of use and genetic factors, including partially shared genetic predisposition with schizophrenia. Experimental studies in healthy humans showed that cannabis and its principal psychoactive component, the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), could produce transient, dose-dependent, psychotic symptoms as well as cognitive effects, which can be attenuated by cannabidiol (CBD). Studies in rodents have confirmed these effects and shown that adolescent exposure results in structural changes and impaired synaptic plasticity, impacting fronto-limbic systems that are critically involved in higher brain functions. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in brain maturation. Its over-activation by cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonists (e.g., THC) during adolescence and the resulting changes in neuroplasticity could alter brain maturation and cause long-lasting changes that persist in the adult brain. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to cannabinoids can have long-term impact on the brain, with an inter-individual variability that could be conveyed by personal and family history of psychiatric disorders and genetic background. Adolescence and early adulthood are critical periods of vulnerability. SIGNIFICANCE The assessment of benefice-risk balance of medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids needs to carefully explore populations that could be more at-risk of psychiatric and cognitive complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Odile Krebs
- Inserm, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S1266 Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie (CNRS GDR 3557), Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Oussama Kebir
- Inserm, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S1266 Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie (CNRS GDR 3557), Paris, France.,Service d'Addictologie «Moreau de Tours», Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - Therese M Jay
- Inserm, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S1266 Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie (CNRS GDR 3557), Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rodríguez-Rodríguez IA, Fernandez-Quiroga KA, Morales-San Claudio PD, Balderas-Rentería I, González-Santiago O. No association between G1359A CB1 polymorphisms and pain in young northeastern Mexicans. Pharmacogenomics 2018; 19:1251-1258. [PMID: 30371142 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2018-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Recent studies show an association between the endocannabinoid system and pain. In this study, we analyzed the association between two CNR1 gene polymorphisms and pain perception in a northeast Mexican population. METHODS Genotypic and allelic frequencies were obtained for both polymorphisms. Pain threshold, tolerance and perception were measured using the cold pressor task. RESULTS No significant association between the polymorphisms and pain perception was found (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Genotypic and allelic frequencies for both polymorphisms were reported for the first time in a Mexican population; however, our results suggest that there is not a significant association between these and pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael A Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, CP 66455, Mexico
| | - Karla A Fernandez-Quiroga
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, CP 66455, Mexico
| | - Pilar Dc Morales-San Claudio
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, CP 66455, Mexico
| | - Isaías Balderas-Rentería
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, CP 66455, Mexico
| | - Omar González-Santiago
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Pedro de Alba S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, CP 66455, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gouvêa ES, Santos AF, Ota VK, Mrad V, Gadelha A, Bressan RA, Cordeiro Q, Belangero SI. The role of the CNR1 gene in schizophrenia: a systematic review including unpublished data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 39:160-171. [PMID: 28099629 PMCID: PMC7111446 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2016-1969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder. It is known that a combination of extensive multiple common alleles may be involved in its etiology, each contributing with a small to moderate effect, and, possibly, some rare alleles with a much larger effect size. We aimed to perform a systematic review of association studies between schizophrenia (and its subphenotypes) and polymorphisms in the CNR1 gene, which encodes cannabinoid receptors classically implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology, as well as to present unpublished results of an association study in a Brazilian population. Methods: Two reviewers independently searched for eligible studies and extracted outcome data using a structured form. Papers were retrieved from PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge using the search term schizophrenia in combination with CNR1 or CB1 or cannabinoid receptor. Twenty-four articles met our inclusion criteria. We additionally present data from a study of our own comparing 182 patients with schizophrenia and 244 healthy controls. Results: No consistent evidence is demonstrated. Conclusion: Some seemingly positive association studies stress the need for further investigations of the possible role of endocannabinoid genetics in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo S Gouvêa
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Psiquiatria, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Airton F Santos
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa K Ota
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Mrad
- Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ary Gadelha
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Bressan
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Quirino Cordeiro
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Psiquiatria, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sintia I Belangero
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bogdan R, Winstone JMA, Agrawal A. Genetic and Environmental Factors Associated with Cannabis Involvement. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2016; 3:199-213. [PMID: 27642547 PMCID: PMC5019486 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-016-0103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 50-70% of the variation in cannabis use and use disorders can be attributed to heritable factors. For cannabis use, the remaining variance can be parsed in to familial and person-specific environmental factors while for use disorders, only the latter contribute. While numerous candidate gene studies have identified the role of common variation influencing liability to cannabis involvement, replication has been elusive. To date, no genomewide association study has been sufficiently powered to identify significant loci. Despite this, studies adopting polygenic techniques and integrating genetic variation with neural phenotypes and measures of environmental risk, such as childhood adversity, are providing promising new leads. It is likely that the small effect sizes associated with variants related to cannabis involvement will only be robustly identified in substantially larger samples. Results of such large-scale efforts will provide valuable single variant targets for translational research in neurogenetic, pharmacogenetic and non-human animal models as well as polygenic risk indices that can be used to explore a host of other genetic hypotheses related to cannabis use and misuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Bogdan
- BRAIN lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Jonathan MA Winstone
- BRAIN lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alpár A, Di Marzo V, Harkany T. At the Tip of an Iceberg: Prenatal Marijuana and Its Possible Relation to Neuropsychiatric Outcome in the Offspring. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:e33-45. [PMID: 26549491 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids regulate brain development via modulating neural proliferation, migration, and the differentiation of lineage-committed cells. In the fetal nervous system, (endo)cannabinoid-sensing receptors and the enzymatic machinery of endocannabinoid metabolism exhibit a cellular distribution map different from that in the adult, implying distinct functions. Notably, cannabinoid receptors serve as molecular targets for the psychotropic plant-derived cannabis constituent Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannainol, as well as synthetic derivatives (designer drugs). Over 180 million people use cannabis for recreational or medical purposes globally. Recreational cannabis is recognized as a niche drug for adolescents and young adults. This review combines data from human and experimental studies to show that long-term and heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can impair brain maturation and predispose the offspring to neurodevelopmental disorders. By discussing the mechanisms of cannabinoid receptor-mediated signaling events at critical stages of fetal brain development, we organize histopathologic, biochemical, molecular, and behavioral findings into a logical hypothesis predicting neuronal vulnerability to and attenuated adaptation toward environmental challenges (stress, drug exposure, medication) in children affected by in utero cannabinoid exposure. Conversely, we suggest that endocannabinoid signaling can be an appealing druggable target to dampen neuronal activity if pre-existing pathologies associate with circuit hyperexcitability. Yet, we warn that the lack of critical data from longitudinal follow-up studies precludes valid conclusions on possible delayed and adverse side effects. Overall, our conclusion weighs in on the ongoing public debate on cannabis legalization, particularly in medical contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alán Alpár
- MTA-SE NAP B Research Group of Experimental Neuroanatomy and Developmental Biology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Instituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Division of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Krebs MO. Thérèse Lempérière : ses travaux sur les psychotropes et perspectives actuelles. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
10
|
Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
11
|
Renard J, Krebs MO, Le Pen G, Jay TM. Long-term consequences of adolescent cannabinoid exposure in adult psychopathology. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:361. [PMID: 25426017 PMCID: PMC4226229 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among adolescents and young adults. Unique cognitive, emotional, and social changes occur during this critical period of development from childhood into adulthood. The adolescent brain is in a state of transition and differs from the adult brain with respect to both anatomy (e.g., neuronal connections and morphology) and neurochemistry (e.g., dopamine, GABA, and glutamate). These changes are thought to support the emergence of adult cerebral processes and behaviors. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in development by acting on synaptic plasticity, neuronal cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Delta-9-tetrahydrocanabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component in marijuana, acts as a partial agonist of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). Thus, over-activation of the endocannabinoid system by chronic exposure to CB1R agonists (e.g., THC, CP-55,940, and WIN55,212-2) during adolescence can dramatically alter brain maturation and cause long-lasting neurobiological changes that ultimately affect the function and behavior of the adult brain. Indeed, emerging evidence from both human and animal studies demonstrates that early-onset marijuana use has long-lasting consequences on cognition; moreover, in humans, this use is associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Here, we review the relationship between cannabinoid exposure during adolescence and the increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on both clinical and animal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Renard
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Marie-Odile Krebs
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Gwenaëlle Le Pen
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Thérèse M Jay
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, UMR_S894 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Paris, France ; Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|