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Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Danko G, Mendoza LA, Fisher HN. Latent Trajectories of Persistence of Cannabis Use Across Four Decades in 329 Men From the San Diego Prospective Study. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2024; 85:555-564. [PMID: 38411197 PMCID: PMC11289867 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.23-00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE These analyses use data from a 40-year prospective study to extend information into the sixth and seventh decades of life regarding latent trajectory classes of cannabis use and predictors of those classes. METHOD Data from the San Diego Prospective Study were analyzed for 329 men of European and Hispanic ethnicity who had used cannabis at about age 23 at study entry (Time 1) and who were interviewed about every 5 years through about age 60 to 70. Latent classes of cannabis use trajectories were evaluated using latent class growth analyses, baseline predictors of class membership were determined, and significant predictors of each class were established using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Four latent classes were identified ranging from 12.5% with cannabis use at every follow-up to 25.8% with no use after Time 1. Eight of 14 Time 1 predictors differed significantly across the trajectory classes, including five (age, marital status, religious identity, intensity of cannabis use, and sensation seeking) that significantly contributed to regression analyses when all significant predictors were considered together. DISCUSSION Forty-two percent of participants continued using cannabis long-term, including one in eight who used it at every follow-up. Predictors of continued use and identification of those most likely to stop required gathering information on a range of demographic, prior substance use, and personality characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Considering the potential enhanced dangers of cannabis use in later life, the high rate of continued use over four decades implies that clinicians should ask all older patients about recent cannabis use, especially if they had used it in their 20s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A. Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD Medical School, La Jolla, California
| | - Tom L. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD Medical School, La Jolla, California
| | - George Danko
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD Medical School, La Jolla, California
| | - Lee Anne Mendoza
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD Medical School, La Jolla, California
| | - Hannah N. Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD Medical School, La Jolla, California
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Brown T, Ackerman RA, Kroon E, Kuhns L, Cousijn J, Filbey FM. The role of sleep in the link between cannabis use and memory function: evidence from a cross-sectional study. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38917114 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2362832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Background: It is known that cannabis use affects memory and sleep problems independently. However, to date, how memory and sleep problems may interact as a result of cannabis use remains unknown.Objectives: We performed a secondary analysis of existing data to determine whether sleep quality mediates the association between cannabis use and memory and whether sex moderated these effects.Methods: A total of 141 adults with cannabis use disorder (CUD) (83 men) and 87 without CUD (39 men) participated in this study. Outcome measures included self-reported sleep problems from the past 7 days (Marijuana Withdrawal Checklist), learning and memory performance via the short visual object learning task (sVOLT), short visual object learning task delayed (sVOLTd), and verbal memory via the N-back. Bootstrapped mediation and moderated mediation analyses were run to test if sleep quality mediated the association between cannabis use and memory outcomes and whether sex moderated these effects, respectively.Results: Sleep quality mediated the effect of group (i.e. adults with and without CUD) on sVOLT efficiency scores (indirect effect ß = -.08, 95% CI [-0.14, -0.04]) and sVOLTd efficiency scores (indirect effect ß = -.09, 95% CI [-0.14, -0.04]), where greater sleep difficulties was associated with poorer memory performance (decreased efficiency scores). Sex did not moderate these relationships.Conclusion: These initial findings of a mediating role of sleep in the association between CUD and visual learning memory highlight potential critical downstream effects of disrupted sleep in those with CUD and suggest the importance of investigating sleep in CUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Brown
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - R A Ackerman
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - E Kroon
- Neuroscience of Addiction (NofA) Lab, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Kuhns
- Neuroscience of Addiction (NofA) Lab, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Cousijn
- Neuroscience of Addiction (NofA) Lab, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F M Filbey
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Cooke JT, Schmidt AT, Garos S, Littlefield AK. The Relations Between an Inventory-Based Measure of Executive Function and Impulsivity Factors in Alcohol- and Cannabis-Relevant Outcomes. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:1068-1081. [PMID: 37001549 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While the lack of relation between performance- and inventory-based executive function (EF) measures is well documented, there remains ambiguity between self-report EFs and closely related constructs (e.g., impulsivity) assessed via the same method. The degree of convergence between purported EF measures with similar yet distinct constructs contain important theoretical implications for available EF assessment strategies and their construct validity. A newer measure of EF, the Behavior Regulation Inventory of Executive Functions-Adult (BRIEF-A), allows for more direct comparisons to self-reported measures of impulsivity, such as the commonly used Urgency, Planning, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking-Positive Urgency (UPPS-P) assessment. METHOD The present study used factor analysis and hierarchical regression to explore the associations between the BRIEF-A and UPPS-P, using alcohol and cannabis consumption across various outcomes (i.e., quantity-frequency and consequences) as an external criterion. Participants were 339 undergraduate students (Mage = 19.35; Female = 63%) from a large southwestern university. RESULTS The BRIEF-A and UPPS-P demonstrated strong correlations at both higher- and lower order facets. While the BRIEF-A was a significant correlate to many substance use outcomes, these relations were generally weaker than those seen with the UPPS-P. Hierarchical regression suggested limited contributions of the BRIEF-A over and above the UPPS-P. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study suggested substantial overlap between impulsigenic factors and EFs when measured by self-report, and limited utility of EF measures to account for unique variance with substance use outcomes in this sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Cooke
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Box 42051, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Adam T Schmidt
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Box 42051, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Sheila Garos
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Box 42051, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Andrew K Littlefield
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Box 42051, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
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Nouh RA, Kamal A, Abdelnaser A. Cannabinoids and Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Analysis of Therapeutic Potentials and Safety Concerns. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041151. [PMID: 37111637 PMCID: PMC10146800 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated condition in which the immune system attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS), destroying both myelin and axons to varying degrees. Several environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors influence the risk of developing the disease and how well it responds to treatment. Cannabinoids have recently sparked renewed interest in their therapeutic applications, with growing evidence for their role in symptom control in MS. Cannabinoids exert their roles through the endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system, with some reports shedding light on the molecular biology of this system and lending credence to some anecdotal medical claims. The double nature of cannabinoids, which cause both positive and negative effects, comes from their actions on the same receptor. Several mechanisms have been adopted to evade this effect. However, there are still numerous limitations to using cannabinoids to treat MS patients. In this review, we will explore and discuss the molecular effect of cannabinoids on the ECB system, the various factors that affect the response to cannabinoids in the body, including the role of gene polymorphism and its relation to dosage, assessing the positive over the adverse effects of cannabinoids in MS, and finally, exploring the possible functional mechanism of cannabinoids in MS and the current and future progress of cannabinoid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua A. Nouh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, P.O. Box 43518, Suez 43533, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Abstract
Cannabis exerts an indirect effect on dopamine (DA) output in the mesolimbic projection, a circuit implicated in reward processing and effort expenditure, and thus may be associated with aberrant effort-based decision making. The "amotivation syndrome" hypothesis suggests that regular cannabis use results in impaired capacity for goal-directed behavior. However, investigations of this hypothesis have used divergent methodology and have not controlled for key confounding variables. The present study extends these findings by examining the relation between cannabis use and effort-related decision making in a sample of college students. Cannabis using (n = 25; 68% meeting criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder) and noncannabis using (n = 22) students completed the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT). In generalized estimating equation models, reward magnitude, reward probability, and expected value predicted greater likelihood of selecting a high-effort trial. Furthermore, past-month cannabis days and cannabis use disorder symptoms predicted the likelihood of selecting a high-effort trial, such that greater levels of both cannabis use days and symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood after controlling for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, distress tolerance, income, and delay discounting. The results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that college students who use cannabis are more likely to expend effort to obtain reward, even after controlling for the magnitude of the reward and the probability of reward receipt. Thus, these results do not support the amotivational syndrome hypothesis. Future research with a larger sample is required to evaluate possible associations between cannabis use and patterns of real-world effortful behavior over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Niloy N, Hediyal TA, Vichitra C, Sonali S, Chidambaram SB, Gorantla VR, Mahalakshmi AM. Effect of Cannabis on Memory Consolidation, Learning and Retrieval and Its Current Legal Status in India: A Review. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010162. [PMID: 36671547 PMCID: PMC9855787 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the oldest crops grown, traditionally held religious attachments in various cultures for its medicinal use much before its introduction to Western medicine. Multiple preclinical and clinical investigations have explored the beneficial effects of cannabis in various neurocognitive and neurodegenerative diseases affecting the cognitive domains. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component, is responsible for cognition-related deficits, while cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, has been shown to elicit neuroprotective activity. In the present integrative review, the authors focus on the effects of cannabis on the different cognitive domains, including learning, consolidation, and retrieval. The present study is the first attempt in which significant focus has been imparted on all three aspects of cognition, thus linking to its usage. Furthermore, the investigators have also depicted the current legal position of cannabis in India and the requirement for reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandi Niloy
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Tousif Ahmed Hediyal
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrasekaran Vichitra
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharma Sonali
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Vasavi Rakesh Gorantla
- Department of Anatomical Science, St. George’s University, University Centre, St. Georges FZ818, Grenada
- Correspondence: (V.R.G.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Arehally M. Mahalakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence: (V.R.G.); (A.M.M.)
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Kayir H, Ruffolo J, McCunn P, Khokhar JY. The Relationship Between Cannabis, Cognition, and Schizophrenia: It's Complicated. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 63:437-461. [PMID: 36318403 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of cannabis use, especially in the context of schizophrenia, have gained increased importance with the legalization of cannabis in North America and across the globe. Cannabis use has multifaceted impacts on cognition in schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects. Healthy subjects, particularly those who initiated cannabis use at earlier ages and used high-potency cannabis for longer durations, exhibited poorer cognition mainly in working memory and attention. Cannabis use in schizophrenia has been associated with symptom exacerbation, longer and more frequent psychotic episodes, and poorer treatment outcomes. However, cannabis-using patients have better overall cognitive performance compared to patients who were not cannabis users. Interestingly, these effects were only apparent in lifetime cannabis users, but not in current (or within last 6 months) users. Moreover, higher frequency and earlier age of cannabis use initiation (i.e., before 17 years of age) were associated with better cognitive performance, although they had an earlier illness onset. Three possible hypotheses seem to come forward to explain this paradox. First, some components of cannabis may have antipsychotic or cognitive-enhancing properties. Secondly, chronic cannabis use may alter endocannabinoid signaling in the brain which could be a protective factor for developing psychosis or cognitive impairments. A third explanation could be their representation of a phenotypically distinct patient group with more intact cognitive functioning and less neurodevelopmental pathology. Multiple factors need to be considered to understand the complex relationship between cannabis, cognitive function, and schizophrenia. In short, age at initiation, duration and rate of cannabis use, abstinence duration, co-use of substances and alcohol, prescribed medications, relative cannabinoid composition and potency of cannabis, presence of genetic and environmental vulnerability factors are prominent contributors to the variability in outcomes. Animal studies support the disruptive effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration during adolescence on attention and memory performance. They provide insights about interaction of cannabinoid receptors with other neurotransmitter systems, such as GABA and glutamate, and other regulatory molecules, such as PSD95 and synaptophysin. Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, can improve cognitive deficits seen in neurodevelopmental and chemically-induced animal models of schizophrenia. Future studies focusing on bridging the translational gaps between human and animal studies, through the use of translationally relevant methods of exposure (e.g., vaping), consistent behavioral assessments, and congruent circuit interrogations (e.g., imaging) will help to further clarify this complex picture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Kayir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Ruffolo
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patrick McCunn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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Wiedmann M, Kuitunen-Paul S, Basedow LA, Wolff M, DiDonato N, Franzen J, Wagner W, Roessner V, Golub Y. DNA methylation changes associated with cannabis use and verbal learning performance in adolescents: an exploratory whole genome methylation study. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:317. [PMID: 35933470 PMCID: PMC9357061 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between extent of chronic cannabis use (CCU-extent) and cognitive impairment among adolescents has been the subject of controversial debate. Linking DNA methylation to CCU-extent could help to understand cannabis associated changes in cognitive performance. We analyzed cognitive task performances, CpG methylation in peripheral whole-blood samples and self-reported past-year CCU-extent of n = 18 adolescents (n = 9 psychiatric outpatients with chronic cannabis use (CCU), n = 9 without) who were matched for age, gender and psychiatric disorders. Patients with CCU were at least 24 h abstinent when cognitive tasks were performed. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify group differences in whole genome DNA methylation. Mediation analyses were performed between CCU-extent associated CpG sites and CCU-extent associated variables of cognitive tasks. PCA results indicated large differences in whole genome DNA methylation levels between the groups that did not reach statistical significance. Six CpG sites revealed reduced methylation associated with CCU-extent. Furthermore, CCU-extent was associated with lower scores in verbal learning. All six CpG sites mediated the effects between CCU-extent and verbal learning free recall. Our results indicate that CCU is associated with certain patterns in the methylome. Furthermore, CCU-extent associated impairments in memory function are mediated via differential methylation of the six CCU-associated CpG sits. Six identified CpG are located in genes previously described in the context of neurodegeneration, hippocampus-dependent learning and neurogenesis. However, these results have to be carefully interpreted due to a small sample size. Replication studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Wiedmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Sören Kuitunen-Paul
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany ,grid.6810.f0000 0001 2294 5505Technische Universität Chemnitz, Chair for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Lukas Andreas Basedow
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Max Wolff
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nataliya DiDonato
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital, Institute for Clinical Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Franzen
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XHelmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XHelmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Yulia Golub
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Hartmann SA, McLeish AC. Tolerance for specific negative affective states and coping-oriented cannabis use motives among college student cannabis users. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:911-917. [PMID: 32673174 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1781135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveThe current study examined the unique predictive ability of tolerance of specific negative affective states in relation to frequency of past-month cannabis use and coping-oriented cannabis use motives. Participants: 416 undergraduates who reported past 30 day cannabis use (65.1% female; Mage = 19.46, SD = 2.56). Methods: Participants completed self-report questionnaires for course credit. Results: After accounting for the effects of sex, negative affectivity, and tolerance of other specific negative affective states, lower levels of tolerance for sadness, but not any other negative affective states, significantly predicted more frequent cannabis use in the past 30 days (1.1% unique variance) and coping motives (1.1% unique variance). Conclusions: These findings suggest that cannabis users who have difficulty withstanding sad mood states use cannabis more frequently and are motivated to use cannabis to cope with this specific mood state and not necessarily negative affective states more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Hartmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Alison C McLeish
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Cannabis use and sexual risk among MSM who drink: Understanding why more frequent cannabis users may engage in higher rates of condomless sex. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 232:109282. [PMID: 35066459 PMCID: PMC8885905 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) is the major risk factor for HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM who are heavier cannabis users engage in CAI more frequently. However, little is known about the processes that may underlie this association. This study sought to understand the potential role of condom attitudes and condom-related planning in the association between cannabis use and CAI. METHODS This is a secondary data analysis of a study on alcohol use and sexual decision-making among MSM. Two hundred and fifty-eight MSM with moderate to heavy drinking were enrolled. Measures included CAI, cannabis use, attitudes about the influence of condoms on sexual pleasure, condom use planning, age, heavy episodic drinking, and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). RESULTS We conducted a negative binomial regression analysis controlling for age, PrEP, and heavy episodic drinking. Cannabis use frequency was a significant predictor of CAI (b =.333, p < .001). Indirect effects showed that while heavier cannabis users exhibited less condom-related planning (b = -0.106, p = 0.015) and more negative attitudes toward the impact of condom use on pleasure (b= -0.177, p = 0.004), cannabis use had a significant indirect effect on CAI only through attitude ratings. CONCLUSIONS MSM who are heavier cannabis users engage in more frequent CAI and exhibit an indirect effect on CAI through negative attitudes toward the impact of condoms on pleasure. These findings suggest the potential importance of addressing these condom attitudes in HIV-prevention interventions among MSM who use cannabis.
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Pacheco-Colón I, Lopez-Quintero C, Coxe S, Limia JM, Pulido W, Granja K, Paula DC, Gonzalez I, Ross JM, Duperrouzel JC, Hawes SW, Gonzalez R. Risky decision-making as an antecedent or consequence of adolescent cannabis use: findings from a 2-year longitudinal study. Addiction 2022; 117:392-410. [PMID: 34184776 PMCID: PMC8714869 DOI: 10.1111/add.15626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although poor decision-making (DM) has been correlated with problematic cannabis use (CU), cross-sectional designs make it difficult to determine whether poor DM represents an antecedent and/or consequence of CU. The current study measured bidirectional associations between CU and DM among adolescents over 2 years and compared these findings to those observed with episodic memory, which is consistently reported as a consequence of CU. We also measured the role of DM as a risk factor for cannabis use disorder (CUD) onset. DESIGN Two-year longitudinal study with five bi-annual assessments. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 401 adolescents aged 14-17 years at baseline. SETTING Miami, Florida, USA. MEASUREMENTS CU frequency and CUDs were assessed at each time-point through the Drug Use History Questionnaire and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, respectively. Neurocognition was assessed at odd time-points throughout the Iowa Gambling Task, Game of Dice Task and Cups Task [decision-making (DM)] and the Wechsler Memory Scale IV and California Verbal Learning Test II (episodic memory). We used latent growth curve modeling to examine bidirectional influences between CU and neurocognition over time. We applied discrete time survival analyses to determine whether baseline DM predicted CUD onset. FINDINGS Greater lifetime CU frequency was associated with poorer episodic memory at baseline (bs = -14.84, -16.44, Ps = 0.038, 0.021). Greater CU escalation predicted lesser gains in immediate episodic memory (b = -0.05, P = 0.020). Baseline DM did not predict CU escalation (b = 0.07, P = 0.421), nor did escalation in CU predict changes in DM (b = 0.02, P = 0.352). Baseline DM also did not predict CUD onset (adjusted OR = 1.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.98-1.06). CONCLUSIONS This study replicates findings that poorer episodic memory in adolescents appears to be a consequence of cannabis use, even among adolescents at earlier stages of use. Poor decision-making does not appear to be either a consequence of or a risk factor for escalating cannabis use or onset of cannabis use disorder among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Pacheco-Colón
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Catalina Lopez-Quintero
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stefany Coxe
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jorge M. Limia
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - William Pulido
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Karen Granja
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dayana C. Paula
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ingrid Gonzalez
- Department of Biostatistics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - J. Megan Ross
- Division of Addiction Sciences, Prevention and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Samuel W. Hawes
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Binkowska AA, Jakubowska N, Krystecka K, Galant N, Piotrowska-Cyplik A, Brzezicka A. Theta and Alpha Oscillatory Activity During Working Memory Maintenance in Long-Term Cannabis Users: The Importance of the Polydrug Use Context. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:740277. [PMID: 34733146 PMCID: PMC8558244 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.740277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Impairments in various subdomains of memory have been associated with chronic cannabis use, but less is known about their neural underpinnings, especially in the domain of the brain's oscillatory activity. Aims: To investigate neural oscillatory activity supporting working memory (WM) in regular cannabis users and non-using controls. We focused our analyses on frontal midline theta and posterior alpha asymmetry as oscillatory fingerprints for the WM's maintenance process. Methods: 30 non-using controls (CG) and 57 regular cannabis users-27 exclusive cannabis users (CU) and 30 polydrug cannabis users (PU) completed a Sternberg modified WM task with a concurrent electroencephalography recording. Theta, alpha and beta frequency bands were examined during WM maintenance. Results: When compared to non-using controls, the PU group displayed increased frontal midline theta (FMT) power during WM maintenance, which was positively correlated with RT. The posterior alpha asymmetry during the maintenance phase, on the other hand, was negatively correlated with RT in the CU group. WM performance did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Both groups of cannabis users (CU and PU), when compared to the control group, displayed differences in oscillatory activity during WM maintenance, unique for each group (in CU posterior alpha and in PU FMT correlated with performance). We interpret those differences as a reflection of compensatory strategies, as there were no differences between groups in task performance. Understanding the psychophysiological processes in regular cannabis users may provide insight on how chronic use may affect neural networks underlying cognitive processes, however, a polydrug use context (i.e., combining cannabis with other illegal substances) seems to be an important factor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Jakubowska
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland.,Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Aneta Brzezicka
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Selamoglu A, Langley C, Crean R, Savulich G, Cormack F, Sahakian BJ, Mason B. Neuropsychological performance in young adults with cannabis use disorder. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1349-1355. [PMID: 34694178 PMCID: PMC8600580 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211050548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cannabis is a commonly used recreational drug in young adults. The worldwide prevalence in 18- to 25-year-olds is approximately 35%. Significant differences in cognitive performance have been reported previously for groups of cannabis users. However, the groups are often heterogeneous in terms of cannabis use. Here, we study daily cannabis users with a confirmed diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) to examine cognitive performance on measures of memory, executive function and risky decision-making. METHODS Forty young adult daily cannabis users with diagnosed CUD and 20 healthy controls matched for sex and premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) were included. The neuropsychological battery implemented was designed to measure multiple modes of memory (visual, episodic and working memory), risky decision-making and other domains of executive function using subtests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). RESULTS Our results showed that young adult daily cannabis users with CUD perform significantly poorer on tasks of visual and episodic memory compared with healthy controls. In addition, executive functioning was associated with the age of onset. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to determine whether worse performance in cognition results in cannabis use or is a consequence of cannabis use. Chronic heavy cannabis use during a critical period of brain development may have a particularly negative impact on cognition. Research into the persistence of cognitive differences and how they relate to functional outcomes such as academic/career performance is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Selamoglu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christelle Langley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience
Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Christelle Langley, Department of
Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, The Herchel Smith Building for Brain and
Mind Sciences, Forvie Site Robinsons Way, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK.
| | - Rebecca Crean
- The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and
Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research
Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - George Savulich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience
Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience
Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Barbara Mason
- The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and
Addiction Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research
Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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14
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Initiation of Moderately Frequent Cannabis use in Adolescence and Young Adulthood is Associated with Declines in Verbal Learning and Memory: A Longitudinal Comparison of Pre- versus Post-Initiation Cognitive Performance. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2021; 27:621-636. [PMID: 34261549 PMCID: PMC8486043 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617721000631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cannabis use is associated with relative cognitive weaknesses as observed by cross-sectional as well as longitudinal research. Longitudinal studies, controlling for relevant confounds, are necessary to differentiate premorbid from post-initiation contributions to these effects. METHODS We followed a sample of adolescents and young adults across ten years. Participants provided neurocognitive data and substance use information at two-year intervals. Participants who initiated cannabis and/or alcohol use were identified (n = 86) and split into alcohol-only initiators (n = 39) and infrequent (n = 29) and moderately frequent (n = 18) cannabis initiators. Participants completed the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task (RAVLT) and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Group differences before and after substance use initiation and the extent to which alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use frequencies contributed to cognitive functions over time were examined. RESULTS After controlling for parental education, RAVLT new learning was worse in moderately frequent cannabis users prior to use initiation. RAVLT total learning and delayed recall showed significant declines from pre- to post-initiation in moderately frequent cannabis users. Regression analyses confirmed that frequencies of cannabis, but not alcohol, use contributed to post-initiation variations. Nicotine use showed an independent negative association with delayed memory. Findings for the IGT were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Verbal learning and memory may be disrupted following the initiation of moderately frequent cannabis use while decreased new learning may represent a premorbid liability. Our use of a control group of alcohol-only users adds interpretive clarity to the findings and suggests that future studies should carefully control for comorbid substance use.
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15
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Hernandez CM, Orsini CA, Blaes SL, Bizon JL, Febo M, Bruijnzeel AW, Setlow B. Effects of repeated adolescent exposure to cannabis smoke on cognitive outcomes in adulthood. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:848-863. [PMID: 33295231 PMCID: PMC8187454 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120965931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis (marijuana) is the most widely used illicit drug in the USA, and consumption among adolescents is rising. Some animal studies show that adolescent exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic cannabinoid receptor 1 agonists causes alterations in affect and cognition that can persist into adulthood. It is less clear, however, whether similar alterations result from exposure to cannabis via smoke inhalation, which remains the most frequent route of administration in humans. AIMS To begin to address these questions, a rat model was used to determine how cannabis smoke exposure during adolescence affects behavioral and cognitive outcomes in adulthood. METHODS Adolescent male Long-Evans rats were assigned to clean air, placebo smoke, or cannabis smoke groups. Clean air or smoke exposure sessions were conducted daily during adolescence (from P29-P49 days of age ) for a total of 21 days, and behavioral testing began on P70. RESULTS Compared to clean air and placebo smoke conditions, cannabis smoke significantly attenuated the normal developmental increase in body weight, but had no effects on several measures of either affect/motivation (open field activity, elevated plus maze, instrumental responding under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement) or cognition (set shifting, reversal learning, intertemporal choice). Surprisingly, however, in comparison to clean air controls rats exposed to either cannabis or placebo smoke in adolescence exhibited enhanced performance on a delayed response working memory task. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence for limited long-term adverse cognitive and affective consequences of adolescent exposure to relatively low levels of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caesar M Hernandez
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Caitlin A Orsini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Shelby L Blaes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Adriaan W Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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16
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Bechtel S, Lazar V, Albuisson E, Schwan R, Laprévote V, Bernardin F, Schwitzer T. Assessment of neuropsychological impairments in regular cannabis users. Encephale 2021; 48:132-138. [PMID: 34092379 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. It is responsible for cognitive dysfunction of memory, speed of information processing, attention, and executive functions. Cognitive performance depends on the level of study, tolerance, and duration of abstinence from cannabis use. This study analyses cognitive function in a large population of regular cannabis consumers taking into account level of education. METHODS A battery of neuropsychological tests using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery was performed on a population of 58 cannabis users categorized into two groups according to their level of education with a threshold of 12 years of study, and 25 non-users. RESULTS In Attention Switching Task percent correct trials, significant differences were found between the group of cannabis smokers with less than 12 years of study and the non-smoker group (P=0.022), and between the cannabis users with more than 12 years of study and the non-smoker group (P=0.008). A significantly lower performance in the Rapid Visual Information Processing (Mean latency, Probability of hit, Total hits, Total misses, Correct rejections) was found in the cannabis users with less than 12 years of study compared with the non-user group. CONCLUSION In our population, chronic cannabis users presented divided and sustained attention and working memory disorders. Rapid Visual Information Processing performance may be influenced by education level in cannabis smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bechtel
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue du Docteur Archambault, 54521 Laxou, France
| | - V Lazar
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue du Docteur Archambault, 54521 Laxou, France
| | - E Albuisson
- Unité de méthodologie, DRCI, BIOBASE, département MPI, data management et statistique UMDS, CHRU-Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, Département du Grand Est de Recherche en Soins Primaires : DEGERESP, 54000 Nancy, France; CNRS, IECL, université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - R Schwan
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue du Docteur Archambault, 54521 Laxou, France; Maison des addictions, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France; IADI, U1254, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Nancy, France
| | - V Laprévote
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue du Docteur Archambault, 54521 Laxou, France; Inserm U1114, fédération de médecine translationnelle de Strasbourg, département de psychiatrie, centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - F Bernardin
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue du Docteur Archambault, 54521 Laxou, France; Inserm U1114, fédération de médecine translationnelle de Strasbourg, département de psychiatrie, centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - T Schwitzer
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue du Docteur Archambault, 54521 Laxou, France; IADI, U1254, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Nancy, France.
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17
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Marazziti D, Avella MT, Ivaldi T, Palermo S, Massa L, Vecchia AD, Basile L, Mucci F. Neuroenhancement: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:137-169. [PMID: 34909030 PMCID: PMC8629054 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological neuroenhancement refers to the non-medical use of prescription drugs, alcohol, illegal drugs, or the so-called soft enhancers for the purpose of improving cognition, mood, pro-social behavior, or work and academic performance. This phenomenon is undoubtedly more frequent than previously supposed especially amongst university students. The aim of the present paper was to carefully review and comment on the available literature on neuroenhancement, according to Prisma guidelines. The results showed a great use of all prescribed drugs (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, nootropic compounds, and especially stimulants) as neuroenhancers amongst healthy subjects, although probably the real prevalence is underestimated. The use of illicit drugs and soft enhancers is similarly quite common. Data on the improvement of cognition by other compounds, such as oxytocin and pheromones, or non-pharmacological techniques, specifically deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, are still limited. In any case, if it is true that human beings are embedded by the desire to overcome the limits of their intrinsic nature, neuroenhancement practices put into question the concept of authenticity. Therefore, the problem appears quite complex and requires to be deepened and analyzed with no prejudice, although within an ethical conceptual frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Avella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Tea Ivaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Massa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Basile
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy
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18
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Rangel-Pacheco A, Lew BJ, Schantell MD, Frenzel MR, Eastman JA, Wiesman AI, Wilson TW. Altered fronto-occipital connectivity during visual selective attention in regular cannabis users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1351-1361. [PMID: 33241479 PMCID: PMC8068572 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Cognitive processing impairments have been associated with acute cannabis use, but there is mixed evidence regarding the cognitive effects of chronic cannabis use. Several neuroimaging studies have noted selective-attention processing differences in those who chronically use cannabis, but the neural dynamics governing the altered processing is unclear. METHODS Twenty-four adults reporting at least weekly cannabis use in the past 6 months on the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised were compared to 24 demographically matched controls who reported no prior cannabis use. All participants completed a visual selective attention processing task while undergoing magnetoencephalography. Time-frequency windows of interest were identified using a data-driven method, and spectrally specific neural activity was imaged using a beamforming approach. RESULTS All participants performed within normal range on the cognitive task. Regular cannabis users displayed an aberrant cognitive interference effect in the theta (4-8 Hz) frequency range shortly after stimulus onset (i.e., 0-250 ms) in the right occipital cortex. Cannabis users also exhibited altered functional connectivity between the right prefrontal cortex and right occipital cortices in comparison to controls. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with a history of regular cannabis use exhibited abnormal theta interference activity in the occipital cortices, as well as altered prefrontal-occipital functional connectivity in the theta range during a visual selective attention task. Such differences may reflect compensatory processing, as these participants performed within normal range on the task. Understanding the neural dynamics in chronic, regular cannabis users may provide insight on how long-term and/or frequent use may affect neural networks underlying cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abril Rangel-Pacheco
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Brandon J. Lew
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mikki D. Schantell
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michaela R. Frenzel
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Jacob A. Eastman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Alex I. Wiesman
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA,Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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19
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Díaz Batanero C, Sanchez-Garcia M, Fernández-Calderón F, Lozano OM. Decision making in substance use disorder patients: Reliability, convergent validity and sensitivity to change of a new behavioral measure. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2020; 42:998-1009. [PMID: 33153371 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2020.1840519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and the Delay Discounting Test (DDT) are two of the most widely used decision-making tests within the field of addiction research. The IGT creates a context of uncertainty where immediate rewards or long-term benefits are chosen, whilst the DDT measures the change in value of a reward as the time taken to obtain it increases. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of a new task: Deciding about your health (DAYH), which integrates both components. METHOD Longitudinal observational study. The sample was composed of 97 patients being treated for cocaine use disorder. The DAYH, IGT, DDT and other instruments for measuring dependence severity were administered. Relapse was evaluated within 3 and 6 months after the baseline assessment. RESULTS Reliability was indicated by an intraclass correlation coefficient (r) of. 80. DAYH scores showed significant relationships with IGT (r = -.237; p <.05), although not with DDT (r =.048) scores. A relationship was also found between DAYH and dependency severity (r = -.213; p <.05) and craving (r = -.231; p <.05). The DAYH scores showed sensitivity to change, and the capacity to predict relapse. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate the utility of DAYH for exploring decision-making in patients with substance use disorders. The relationships with IGT and DDT also indicate the need to further investigate how decisions are made in various contexts of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Díaz Batanero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain.,Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain
| | - M Sanchez-Garcia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain.,Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain
| | - Fermín Fernández-Calderón
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain.,Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain
| | - O M Lozano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain.,Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva , Huelva, Spain
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20
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Marijuana use and major depressive disorder are additively associated with reduced verbal learning and altered cortical thickness. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 19:1047-1058. [PMID: 30809764 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-019-00704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana (MJ) use and major depressive disorder (MDD) have both been associated with deficits in verbal learning and memory as well as structural brain abnormalities. It is not known if MJ use by those with MDD confers additional impairment. The goal of this study was to examine unique and combined effects of MDD and MJ use on verbal memory and brain structure. Young adults (n=141) aged 18-25 years with MJ use and no lifetime MDD (MJ, n=46), MDD and no MJ use (MDD, n=23), MJ use and lifetime MDD (MDD+MJ, n=24), and healthy controls without MDD or MJ use (CON, n=48) were enrolled. Participants completed the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II), a measure of verbal learning and memory. A sub-sample of 82 participants also underwent a structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Group differences in CVLT-II performance, cortical thickness, and hippocampal volume were assessed. We found an additive effect of MDD and MJ on memory recall. Only MDD, but not MJ, was associated with poorer initial learning, fewer words recalled, more intrusion errors, and lower percent retention. There was also an additive effect of MDD and MJ use on reduced cortical thickness in the middle temporal gyrus. Findings indicate that MJ use and MDD have additive adverse associations with verbal recall and cortical thickness in the middle temporal gyrus, suggesting that MJ use among those with MDD may be contraindicated. Prospective studies are warranted to determine whether this association may be causal.
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21
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Visuospatial Processing Decline Due to Cannabis Consumption in Nondependent High School Students. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10648-020-09564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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22
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Torre P, Reed MB. Self-Reported Drug Use and Hearing Measures in Young Adults. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2020; 63:885-895. [PMID: 32163315 DOI: 10.1044/2019_jslhr-19-00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine marijuana or other substance use on pure-tone thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in young adults. Method Young adults (n = 243; 182 women, 61 men; M age = 20.9 years, SD = 2.7 years) participated in this study. Survey data included personal music system use, marijuana use, and misuse of prescription medications. Otoscopy, tympanometry, pure-tone audiometry, and DPOAEs were obtained. Pure tones from octave frequencies of 0.25 through 8 kHz were obtained, and DPOAEs were recorded between f2 frequencies of 1 and 6 kHz using two continuously presented stimulus tones swept in frequency. Results Those who reported marijuana or stimulant use had similar pure-tone averages (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) compared to those who reported never using marijuana or stimulants. Women who reported marijuana use in the past 30 days > two times had statistically significant higher mean DPOAEs compared to women who reported ≤ two times or no marijuana use in the past 30 days. Men, however, who reported marijuana use in the past 30 days > two times had lower, but not statistically significant, mean DPOAEs compared to men who reported ≤ two times or no marijuana use in the past 30 days. Women who reported ever using stimulants had statistically significant higher mean DPOAEs compared to women who reported never using stimulants; for men, mean DPOAEs were similar between those who reported ever using stimulants and those who never used stimulants. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate different and contradictory associations between marijuana use, stimulant use, and hearing outcomes as a function of sex. Future research is needed to explore these associations utilizing larger sample sizes while accounting for additional harmful exposures to other noise exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Torre
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, CA
| | - Mark B Reed
- College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, CA
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23
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Williams GC, Battista K, Leatherdale ST. An examination of how age of onset for alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco are associated with school outcomes in grade 12. Addict Behav 2020; 102:106215. [PMID: 31785476 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Youth substance use prevention is a key public health priority. There is evidence that delaying substance use can improve health outcomes. While substance use is associated with negative outcomes at school, the benefits of delaying substance use on these outcomes are less well understood. METHODS The current study examined the substance use behaviours and school outcomes of 35,221 grade 12 students in Canada. Students were asked to report when they began using alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco products as well as school outcomes including school connectedness, math and English grades, truancy, and post-secondary aspirations and expectations. Regression models were used to examine the relationship between of age of initiation of alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use and these outcomes. RESULTS Students who abstained from substance use throughout high school had higher school connectedness, lower truancy, and higher grades in grade 12 than students who did not. Earlier cannabis use was associated with increased truancy in grade 12. English grades were higher among students who did not use tobacco. Finally, post-secondary educational aspirations and expectations were higher among students who initiated substance use later. CONCLUSION Grade 12 school outcomes were the best among students who abstained from substance use throughout high school. However, among students who did engage in substance use, school connectedness, truancy, English grades, and educational aspirations and expectations were more favourable among those who initiated substance use at a later age.
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Casey JL, Cservenka A. Effects of frequent marijuana use on risky decision-making in young adult college students. Addict Behav Rep 2020; 11:100253. [PMID: 32467842 PMCID: PMC7244905 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent marijuana users (MJ+) and controls completed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). MJ+ made significantly less advantageous decisions on the IGT relative to controls. Findings suggest frequent marijuana use may impair adaptive decision-making skills.
Marijuana (MJ) is the most widely used illicit substance among adolescents and young adults. Frequent MJ use has been associated with impairments in cognitive flexibility and inhibition, both of which play important roles in decision-making. However, the impact of frequent MJ use on decision-making performance is mixed and not well understood. The current study examined the influence of frequent MJ use on risky decision-making in college students, 18–22 years old. Methods: From 2017 to 2019, data was collected from young adult college students (n = 65) consisting of 32 healthy controls (HC) and 33 frequent marijuana users (MJ+). Participants completed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), a measure of risky decision-making, and net IGT scores (advantageous-disadvantageous decisions) were used as a measure of optimal decision-making. Results: The main finding indicated there was a significant effect of group on net IGT scores (p = 0.018), which remained significant when sex was included in the model (p = 0.006), such that MJ+ had lower net IGT scores than HC. Conclusions: These findings highlight potential differences in risky decision-making between MJ+ and HC, but it is uncertain whether these differences are pre-existing and increase vulnerability for frequent MJ use or if they are related to the effects of frequent MJ use on decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorie L Casey
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Anita Cservenka
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Figueiredo PR, Tolomeo S, Steele JD, Baldacchino A. Neurocognitive consequences of chronic cannabis use: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:358-369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Sampedro-Piquero P, Ladrón de Guevara-Miranda D, Pavón FJ, Serrano A, Suárez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Santín LJ, Castilla-Ortega E. Neuroplastic and cognitive impairment in substance use disorders: a therapeutic potential of cognitive stimulation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 106:23-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Burggren AC, Shirazi A, Ginder N, London ED. Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:563-579. [PMID: 31365275 PMCID: PMC7027431 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1634086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, and legalization for recreational and medical purposes has substantially increased its availability and use in the United States.Objectives: Decades of research have suggested that recreational cannabis use confers risk for cognitive impairment across various domains, and structural and functional differences in the brain have been linked to early and heavy cannabis use.Methods: With substantial evidence for the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural development and understanding that brain development continues into early adulthood, the rising use of cannabis in adolescents and young adults raises major concerns. Yet some formulations of cannabinoid compounds are FDA-approved for medical uses, including applications in children.Results: Potential effects on the trajectory of brain morphology and cognition, therefore, should be considered. The goal of this review is to update and consolidate relevant findings in order to inform attitudes and public policy regarding the recreational and medical use of cannabis and cannabinoid compounds.Conclusions: The findings point to considerations for age limits and guidelines for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C Burggren
- Robert and Beverly Lewis Center for Neuroimaging, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Anaheed Shirazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nathaniel Ginder
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edythe D. London
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, and the Brain Research Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Terry-McElrath YM, O’Malley PM, Johnston LD, Schulenberg JE. Young adult longitudinal patterns of marijuana use among US National samples of 12th grade frequent marijuana users: a repeated-measures latent class analysis. Addiction 2019; 114:1035-1048. [PMID: 30614105 PMCID: PMC6510630 DOI: 10.1111/add.14548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Long-term frequent marijuana use is associated with significant negative outcomes, yet little is known about the longitudinal course of marijuana use among those who start frequent use during adolescence. Objectives are (a) to identify latent patterns of within-person marijuana use from ages 19-30 years among 12th graders reporting frequent marijuana use, (b) to examine if membership in identified patterns has changed across historical time and (c) to examine if key covariates differentiate class membership. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Longitudinal, national US panel data from 4423 individuals [53.4% of the eligible sample; 2744 (62%) males] who reported frequent marijuana use in 12th grade (modal age 18 years; senior year cohorts 1976-2006) followed biennially from ages 19/20 to 29/30. MEASUREMENTS Self-reported past 30-day marijuana use (frequent use defined as use on 20+ occasions), demographics, college graduation, marriage and parenthood. FINDINGS Repeated-measures latent class analysis (RMLCA) identified five latent classes of past 30-day marijuana use from ages 19/20 to 29/30: continued frequent users (estimated membership 23.4%); frequent to non-frequent users (15.5%); consistent non-frequent users (18.4%); non-frequent users to discontinuers (19.5%); and discontinuers (23.2%). In multivariable models, membership in the highest-risk latent class (continued frequent users) versus one or more of the lower-risk latent classes was more likely for recent cohorts (P = 0.038 to <0.001), as well as those who did not marry (P = 0.039 to < 0.001) or become parents (P = 0.001) by modal age 29/30. CONCLUSIONS Nearly one in four 12th grade (modal age 18 years) frequent marijuana users in the US continues to report high frequency use to age 30; the proportion continuing high frequency use across young adulthood has increased among more recent cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne M. Terry-McElrath
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI,Corresponding author: Yvonne Terry-McElrath, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248. Telephone: 734-647-9142. Fax: 734-936-0043.
| | | | - Lloyd D. Johnston
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Laspada N, Delker E, Blanco E, Encina P, Caballero G, Delva J, Burrows R, Lozoff B, Gahagan S. Marijuana use associated with worse verbal learning and delayed recall in a sample of young adults. Rev Med Chil 2019; 147:206-211. [PMID: 31095169 DOI: 10.4067/s0034-98872019000200206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is concern about the cognitive consequences of marijuana consumption. AIM To assess the influence of current and past marijuana use and frequency on verbal learning and memory in a sample of adults aged 21 years old. MATERIAL AND METHODS Marijuana use was assessed using a clinician administered interview in 654 participants (56% females), who reported frequency of use, age of first use and whether its use led to problems in their lives. The CogState International Shopping List was administered to assess learning and memory. RESULTS Seventy percent reported ever using marijuana, 46% consuming during the past year and 27% during the past 30 days. The latter scored significantly lower on delayed recall. Current and frequent use were significantly associated with lower accuracy in verbal learning and memory. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of adults aged 21 years old, marijuana use was prevalent and related to worse verbal memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Laspada
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Development and Community Health, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erin Delker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Development and Community Health, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Estela Blanco
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Development and Community Health, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pamela Encina
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Unversidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Caballero
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Unversidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Delva
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raquel Burrows
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Unversidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Betsy Lozoff
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sheila Gahagan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Development and Community Health, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
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O'Leary DS, Langbehn DR, Kramer JR, Kuperman S, Fuhrmeister LA, Vaidya JG. Personality traits and negative consequences associated with binge drinking and marijuana use in college students. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:400-409. [PMID: 31042417 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1601200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Binge drinking is common in college students, and many drink in quantities greater than the standard definition of bingeing. Combined use of additional substances, particularly marijuana, is also common. Objectives: Increased impulsivity and sensation seeking are risk factors for bingeing, and this study was designed to characterize their association with extreme compared to standard bingeing, as well as with combined bingeing and marijuana use. Negative consequences of alcohol use were also investigated. Methods: Self-report personality measures and a measure of the negative consequences of alcohol use were given to a sample of 221 college students (109 females) sorted into a control and 4 binge groups based upon their patterns of bingeing and marijuana use. Narrowly defined, non-overlapping measures of impulsivity and sensation seeking were analyzed to assess the association of these personality measures with substance-use patterns and negative consequences of bingeing. Results: Standard bingers did not differ from non-bingeing controls on either impulsivity or sensation seeking, whereas extreme bingers had significantly higher impulsivity and sensation seeking scores than controls and also significantly higher sensation seeking than standard bingers. Exploratory analyses of a broader set of personality scales showed that a disinhibition scale was also significant predictor of substance use group. A number of personality traits significantly predicted substance use patterns as well as specific negative consequences of bingeing. Conclusions: Impulsivity, sensation seeking and disinhibition are significant associates of substance use patterns and the negative consequences of use in college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S O'Leary
- a Psychiatry Department , University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
| | | | - John R Kramer
- a Psychiatry Department , University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
| | - Samuel Kuperman
- a Psychiatry Department , University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
| | | | - Jatin G Vaidya
- a Psychiatry Department , University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
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Zehra A, Burns J, Liu CK, Manza P, Wiers CE, Volkow ND, Wang GJ. Cannabis Addiction and the Brain: a Review. FOCUS: JOURNAL OF LIFE LONG LEARNING IN PSYCHIATRY 2019; 17:169-182. [PMID: 32021587 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.17204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
(©Zehra A, Liuck, Manza P, Wiers CE, Volkow ND Wergh J, 2018. Reprinted with permission from Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology (2018) 13:438-452).
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Andorko ND, Rakhshan-Rouhakhtar P, Hinkle C, Mittal VA, McAllister M, DeVylder J, Schiffman J. Assessing validity of retrospective recall of physical activity in individuals with psychosis-like experiences. Psychiatry Res 2019; 273:211-217. [PMID: 30658204 PMCID: PMC7535082 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Psychosis-like experiences are present in the general population and may indicate risk for more severe forms of psychosis. They are associated with cognitive impairments, potentially impacting ability to accurately complete certain self-report measures. This study investigated whether the presence of psychosis-like experiences was associated with impairments in retrospective reports of physical activity, a measure salient to this population, by comparing post-study questionnaire data on activity level with reports of activity contemporaneously collected through ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Participants (n = 39) were 18-25 years of age and recruited via stratified sampling to maximize representation of a full psychosis-like experience spectrum. Mobile questionnaires were sent six times a day for one week, and included questions probing amount and intensity of activity. Upon completion of the EMA week, participants completed a retrospective recall of the past week's activity. High levels of psychosis-like experiences were associated with poorer recall for past sedentary behavior as evidenced by the moderating effect of psychosis-like experiences on the relation between retrospective and in vivo measured sedentary activity (interaction effect: b = -0.26, t(1) = -2.04, p = 0.05, f2 = 0.08). Findings call into question the validity of retrospective self-reporting of activity level for those experiencing psychosis-like experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D. Andorko
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Maryland, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Pamela Rakhshan-Rouhakhtar
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Maryland, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Caroline Hinkle
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Maryland, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Vijay A. Mittal
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Illinois. Swift Hall 102, 2029 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Maureen McAllister
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Maryland, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Jordan DeVylder
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, 113W 60th, St., New York, NY 10023, USA
| | - Jason Schiffman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Maryland, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
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Aerobic Fitness Level Moderates the Association Between Cannabis Use and Executive Functioning and Psychomotor Speed Following Abstinence in Adolescents and Young Adults. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2019; 25:134-145. [PMID: 30474579 PMCID: PMC6374167 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617718000966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The high rate of cannabis (CAN) use in emerging adults is concerning given prior research suggesting neurocognitive deficits associated with CAN use in youth. Regular CAN use downregulates endocannabinoid activity, while aerobic exercise upregulates cannabinoid receptor 1 activity and releases endocannabinoids. Here we investigate the influence of regular CAN use on neuropsychological performance, and whether aerobic fitness moderates these effects. METHODS Seventy-nine young adults (37 CAN users) aged 16-26 participated. Groups were balanced for aerobic fitness level. Exclusion criteria included: left-handedness, past-year independent Axis-I disorders, major medical/neurologic disorders, prenatal issues, or prenatal alcohol/illicit drug exposure. After 3 weeks of abstinence, participants completed a neuropsychological battery and a maximal oxygen consumption test (VO2 max). Multiple regressions tested whether past-year CAN use, VO2 max, and CAN*VO2 max interaction predicted neuropsychological performance, controlling for past-year alcohol use, cotinine, gender, and depression symptoms. RESULTS Increased CAN use was associated with decreased performance on working memory and psychomotor tasks. High aerobic fitness level was related to better performance on visual memory, verbal fluency, and sequencing ability. CAN*VO2 max predicted performance of psychomotor speed, visual memory, and sequencing ability. CONCLUSIONS Following monitored abstinence, increased CAN use was associated with poorer performance in working memory and psychomotor speed. Higher aerobic fitness level moderated the impact of CAN on visual memory, executive function and psychomotor speed, as more aerobically fit CAN users demonstrated better performance relative to low-fit users. Therefore, aerobic fitness may present an affordable and efficacious method to improve cognitive functioning in CAN users. (JINS, 2019, 25, 134-145).
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Camchong J, Collins PF, Becker MP, Lim KO, Luciana M. Longitudinal Alterations in Prefrontal Resting Brain Connectivity in Non-Treatment-Seeking Young Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:514. [PMID: 31404267 PMCID: PMC6670783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabis is increasingly perceived as a harmless drug by recreational users, yet chronic use may impact brain changes into adulthood. Repeated cannabis exposure has been associated with enduring synaptic changes in executive control and reward networks. It is important to determine whether there are brain functional alterations within these networks in individuals that do not seek treatment for chronic cannabis abuse. Methods: This longitudinal study compared resting-state functional connectivity changes in executive control and reward networks between 23 non-treatment-seeking young adults with cannabis use disorder (6 females; baseline age M = 19.3 ± 1.18) and 21 age-matched controls (10 females; baseline age M = 19.4 ± 0.65) to determine group differences in the temporal trajectories of resting-state functional connectivity across a 2-year span. Results: Results showed i) significant increases in resting-state functional connectivity between the caudal anterior cingulate cortex and precentral and parietal regions over time in the control group, but not in the cannabis use disorder group, and ii) sustained lower resting-state functional connectivity of anterior cingulate cortex seeds with frontal and thalamic regions in the cannabis use disorder group vs. the age-matched controls. Resting-state functional connectivity strength was correlated with cannabis use patterns in the cannabis use disorder sample. Conclusion: Longitudinal alterations in intrinsic functional organization of executive control networks found in non-treatment-seeking young adults with cannabis use disorder (when compared to age-matched controls) may impact regulatory control over substance use behavior. Current findings were limited to examining executive control and reward networks seeded in ACC and NAcc, respectively. Future studies with larger sample sizes and enough power are needed to conduct exploratory analyses examining rsFC of other networks beyond those within the scope of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin Camchong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul F Collins
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mary P Becker
- Department of Psychiatry, Hennepin Healthcare, Richfield, MN, United States
| | - Kelvin O Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Monica Luciana
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Neugebauer RT, Parnes JE, Prince MA, Conner BT. Protective Behavioral Strategies Mediate the Relation Between Sensation Seeking and Marijuana-Related Consequences. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:973-979. [PMID: 30648462 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1555256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greater levels of sensation seeking are associated with experiencing more marijuana-related consequences (MRC). Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) use is associated with both the lower frequency of marijuana use and fewer marijuana-related consequences. However, research has not examined whether PBS use mediates the relation between sensation seeking and MRC. METHODS The current study is a secondary data analysis of the initial Marijuana Outcomes Study Team data collection. A path analysis was conducted to assess for indirect effects from both risk and experience seeking (facets of sensation seeking) to MRC via frequency of PBS use, controlling for marijuana use frequency. RESULTS We found negative relations between both experience seeking and PBS and MRC, and a positive relation between risk seeking and MRC. Furthermore, PBS mediated the relation between both risk and experience seeking and MRC. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that PBS is a mediator of the sensation seeking-MRC relationship. Discussions about selecting and implementing PBS use may be particularly useful for treatment of clients high in risk seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Neugebauer
- a Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA
| | - Jamie E Parnes
- a Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA
| | - Mark A Prince
- a Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA
| | - Bradley T Conner
- a Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA
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- a Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA
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Zehra A, Burns J, Liu CK, Manza P, Wiers CE, Volkow ND, Wang GJ. Cannabis Addiction and the Brain: a Review. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2018; 13:438-452. [PMID: 29556883 PMCID: PMC6223748 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-018-9782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used substance of abuse in the United States after alcohol and tobacco. With a recent increase in the rates of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and a decrease in the perceived risk of cannabis use, it is imperative to assess the addictive potential of cannabis. Here we evaluate cannabis use through the neurobiological model of addiction proposed by Koob and Volkow. The model proposes that repeated substance abuse drives neurobiological changes in the brain that can be separated into three distinct stages, each of which perpetuates the cycle of addiction. Here we review previous research on the acute and long-term effects of cannabis use on the brain and behavior, and find that the three-stage framework of addiction applies to CUD in a manner similar to other drugs of abuse, albeit with some slight differences. These findings highlight the urgent need to conduct research that elucidates specific neurobiological changes associated with CUD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Zehra
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive 31, Room B2L124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jamie Burns
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive 31, Room B2L124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Christopher Kure Liu
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive 31, Room B2L124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Peter Manza
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive 31, Room B2L124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Corinde E Wiers
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive 31, Room B2L124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive 31, Room B2L124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Gene-Jack Wang
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive 31, Room B2L124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Terry-McElrath YM, Patrick ME, O’Malley PM, Johnston LD. The end of convergence in developmental patterns of frequent marijuana use from ages 18 to 30: An analysis of cohort change from 1976-2016. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 191:203-209. [PMID: 30138792 PMCID: PMC6458596 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the extent to which the developmental pattern of frequent marijuana use prevalence from ages 18 to 30 (overall and by gender) has varied across historical time (cohort groups) using data from a national sample of US young adults. METHODS Self-reported data on frequent marijuana use (use on 20+ occasions in the past 30 days) from modal ages 18 to 30 were obtained from 58,059 individuals from 29 sequential cohorts (graduating high school classes of 1976-2004) participating in the Monitoring the Future study. Time-varying effect modeling was used to model cohort group differences in developmental patterns of frequent use overall and by gender. RESULTS Developmental patterns of frequent marijuana use prevalence varied meaningfully across cohort groups. Frequent use at age 18 differed significantly across cohort groups as expected based on national data. Among earlier cohort groups (reaching age 30 during 1987-2008), developmental patterns converged by age 30 to relatively low frequent marijuana use prevalence. In contrast, among cohort groups reaching age 30 during 2008-2016, frequent marijuana use at age 30 was significantly higher than all previous cohort groups. Observed cohort differences did not vary significantly by gender. CONCLUSIONS Cross-cohort convergence in developmental patterns of frequent marijuana use prevalence by age 30 was not observed among recent cohort groups, among whom age 30 frequent marijuana use prevalence was at the highest levels observed since the study began. Higher frequent marijuana use prevalence in late young adulthood has meaningful health risk and service provision implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne M. Terry-McElrath
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Megan E. Patrick
- Institute for Translational Research in Children’s Mental Health, Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, 1100 Washington Ave S., Suite 101, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Patrick M. O’Malley
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA
| | - Lloyd D. Johnston
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA
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Bolbecker AR, Apthorp D, Martin AS, Tahayori B, Moravec L, Gomez KL, O’Donnell BF, Newman SD, Hetrick WP. Disturbances of postural sway components in cannabis users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 190:54-61. [PMID: 29983392 PMCID: PMC7185833 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A prominent effect of acute cannabis use is impaired motor coordination and driving performance. However, few studies have evaluated balance in chronic cannabis users, even though density of the CB1 receptor, which mediates the psychoactive effects of cannabis, is extremely high in brain regions critically involved in this fundamental behavior. The present study measured postural sway in regular cannabis users and used rambling and trembling analysis to quantify the integrity of central and peripheral nervous system contributions to the sway signal. METHODS Postural sway was measured in 42 regular cannabis users (CB group) and 36 non-cannabis users (N-CB group) by asking participants to stand as still as possible on a force platform in the presence and absence of motor and sensory challenges. Center of pressure (COP) path length was measured, and the COP signal was decomposed into rambling and trembling components. Exploratory correlational analyses were conducted between sway variables, cannabis use history, and neurocognitive function. RESULTS The CB group had significantly increased path length and increased trembling in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction. Exploratory correlational analyses suggested that AP rambling was significantly inversely associated with visuo-motor processing speed. DISCUSSION Regular cannabis use is associated with increased postural sway, and this appears to be predominantly due to the trembling component, which is believed to reflect the peripheral nervous system's contribution to the sway signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R. Bolbecker
- Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States,Dept. of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, United States,School of Psychology and Behavioural Science, University of New England, NSW, Australia,Corresponding author at: Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E. Tenth St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States. (A.R. Bolbecker)
| | - Deborah Apthorp
- School of Psychology and Behavioural Science, University of New England, NSW, Australia,Research School of Computer Science, Australian National University, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Behdad Tahayori
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Leah Moravec
- Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Karen L. Gomez
- Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Brian F. O’Donnell
- Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States,Dept. of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sharlene D. Newman
- Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - William P. Hetrick
- Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States,Dept. of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Scott JC, Slomiak ST, Jones JD, Rosen AFG, Moore TM, Gur RC. Association of Cannabis With Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2018; 75:585-595. [PMID: 29710074 PMCID: PMC6137521 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Substantial shifts in perception and policy regarding cannabis have recently occurred, with use of cannabis increasing while its perceived harm decreases. One possible risk of increased cannabis use is poorer cognitive functioning, especially in youth. OBJECTIVE To provide the first quantitative synthesis of the literature examining cannabis and cognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults (with a mean age of 26 years and younger). DATA SOURCES PubMed, PsycInfo, Academic Search Premier, Scopus, and bibliographies of relevant reviews were searched for peer-reviewed, English-language studies from the date the databases began through May 2017. STUDY SELECTION Consensus criteria were used to determine study inclusion through abstract and manuscript review. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS This study followed Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Effect size estimates were calculated using multivariate mixed-effects models for cognitive functioning outcomes classified into 10 domains. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Results from neurocognitive tests administered in cross-sectional studies were primary outcomes, and we examined the influence of a priori explanatory variables on variability in effect size. RESULTS Sixty-nine studies of 2152 cannabis users (mean [SD] age, 20.6 [2.8] years; 1472 [68.4%] male) and 6575 comparison participants with minimal cannabis exposure were included (mean [SD] age, 20.8 [3.4]; 3669 [55.8%] male). Results indicated a small overall effect size (presented as mean d) for reduced cognitive functioning associated with frequent or heavy cannabis use (d, -0.25; 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.17; P < .001). The magnitude of effect sizes did not vary by sample age or age at cannabis use onset. However, studies requiring an abstinence period longer than 72 hours (15 studies; n = 928) had an overall effect size (d, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.22 to 0.07) that was not significantly different from 0 and smaller than studies with less stringent abstinence criteria (54 studies; n = 7799; d, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.22; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Associations between cannabis use and cognitive functioning in cross-sectional studies of adolescents and young adults are small and may be of questionable clinical importance for most individuals. Furthermore, abstinence of longer than 72 hours diminishes cognitive deficits associated with cannabis use. Although other outcomes (eg, psychosis) were not examined in the included studies, results indicate that previous studies of cannabis in youth may have overstated the magnitude and persistence of cognitive deficits associated with use. Reported deficits may reflect residual effects from acute use or withdrawal. Future studies should examine individual differences in susceptibility to cannabis-associated cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samantha T. Slomiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Jason D. Jones
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adon F. G. Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Tyler M. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Ruben C. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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40
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Sagar KA, Gruber SA. Marijuana matters: reviewing the impact of marijuana on cognition, brain structure and function, & exploring policy implications and barriers to research. Int Rev Psychiatry 2018; 30:251-267. [PMID: 29966459 PMCID: PMC6455965 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1460334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The neurobiologic effects of cannabis, commonly referred to as 'marijuana' (MJ), have been studied for decades. The impact of recreational MJ use on cognition and measures of brain function and structure is outlined, and variables influencing study results are discussed, including age of the consumer, patterns of MJ use, variations in MJ potency, and the presence of additional cannabinoids. Although evidence suggests that chronic, heavy recreational MJ use is related to cognitive decrements and neural changes, particularly when use begins in adolescence, findings from studies of recreational MJ users may not be applicable to medical marijuana (MMJ) patients given differences in demographic variables, product selection, and reasons for use. Although additional research is needed to fully understand the impact of MJ and individual cannabinoids on the brain, current findings are beginning to inform public policy, including considerations for age limits, potential limits for some cannabinoids, and guidelines for use. However, barriers continue to impede researchers' ability to conduct studies that will guide policy change and provide vital information to consumers and patients regarding best practices and safest methods for use. The need for information is critical, as legalization of MJ for medical and recreational use is increasingly widespread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Sagar
- McLean Hospital, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA, 02478,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02115,Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St Boston, MA, 02118
| | - Staci A. Gruber
- McLean Hospital, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA, 02478,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02115,Corresponding Author Information Address: McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, Telephone: 617-855-2762, Fax: 617-855-3713,
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41
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The effect of interactions between genetics and cannabis use on neurocognition. A review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:95-106. [PMID: 29191570 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is one of the most widely-used drugs in industrialized countries. It is now well established that cannabis use impacts neurocognition. In the intoxication period time episodic memory, working memory and attention are impacted and impulsivity is increased. The long-term effects of cannabis use tend to be similar. Various internal factors, such as sex differences, modulate this impact. It is unclear whether genetic variations can also influence the impact of cannabis on neurocognition. We set out to examine the impact of genetic variations on neurocognition in cannabis users. METHOD We conducted a search via the PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases to identify studies measuring neurocognition and assessing genotypes in the context of cannabis use. RESULTS We included 13 articles. We found that working memory, verbal and visual memory and sustained attention are more impacted during intoxication in subjects with the Val COMT allele. COMT gene could also modulate sustained attention in regular use. The CNR1, AKT1, DBH and 5-HTT/SLC6A4 genes may also modulate effects. CONCLUSION Most of these genes are linked to schizophrenia. A fuller understanding of their impact on the effects of cannabis on neurocognition would thus help elucidate the mechanisms linking cannabis and psychosis. However, evidence is still scant, and more research is needed.
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Levar N, Francis AN, Smith MJ, Ho WC, Gilman JM. Verbal Memory Performance and Reduced Cortical Thickness of Brain Regions Along the Uncinate Fasciculus in Young Adult Cannabis Users. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2018; 3:56-65. [PMID: 29607411 PMCID: PMC5870060 DOI: 10.1089/can.2017.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Memory impairment is one of the most commonly reported effects of cannabis use, especially among those who initiate use earlier, perhaps due to the effects of delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol on cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the brain. Studies have increasingly investigated whether cannabis use is associated with impairments in verbal memory, and with alterations in brain structures underlying verbal memory. The uncinate fasciculus (UF), a long-range white matter tract, connects regions with densely localized CB1 receptors that are important in verbal memory. This study investigated the impact of cannabis use on UF structures and its association with memory performance in young adult cannabis users (CU) and non-using controls (CON). Materials and Methods: Nineteen CU and 22 CON completed a verbal memory task and a neuroimaging protocol, in which diffusion tensor imaging and structural scans were collected. We compared memory performance, diffusion and tractography measures of the UF, and cortical thickness of regions connected by the UF, between CU and CON. In regions showing a significant group effect, we also examined associations between verbal memory performance, cortical thickness, and age of onset of cannabis use. Results: Compared to non-users, CU had worse memory performance, decreased fiber bundle length in the UF, and decreased cortical thickness of brain regions along the UF such as the entorhinal cortex and fusiform gyrus. Verbal memory performance was significantly associated with age of onset of cannabis use, indicating that those who initiated cannabis use at an earlier age performed worse. Cortical thickness of the entorhinal cortex was significantly correlated with age of first use and memory performance. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that cannabis use, especially when initiated at a young age, may be associated with worse verbal memory and altered neural development along the UF. Reductions in cortical thickness in regions implicated in memory processes may underlie weaknesses in verbal memory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Levar
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alan N Francis
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew J Smith
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Wilson C Ho
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jodi M Gilman
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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43
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Gruber SA, Sagar KA, Dahlgren MK, Gonenc A, Smith RT, Lambros AM, Cabrera KB, Lukas SE. The Grass Might Be Greener: Medical Marijuana Patients Exhibit Altered Brain Activity and Improved Executive Function after 3 Months of Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2018; 8:983. [PMID: 29387010 PMCID: PMC5776082 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of states have enacted full or partial medical marijuana (MMJ) programs, causing the number of patients seeking certification for MMJ use to increase dramatically in recent years. Despite increased use of MMJ across the nation, no studies thus far have examined the specific impact of MMJ on cognitive function and related brain activation. In the present study, MMJ patients seeking treatment for a variety of documented medical conditions were assessed prior to initiating MMJ treatment and after 3 months of treatment as part of a larger longitudinal study. In order to examine the effect of MMJ treatment on task-related brain activation, MMJ patients completed the Multi-Source Interference Test (MSIT) while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We also collected data regarding conventional medication use, clinical state, and health-related measures at each visit. Following 3 months of treatment, MMJ patients demonstrated improved task performance accompanied by changes in brain activation patterns within the cingulate cortex and frontal regions. Interestingly, after MMJ treatment, brain activation patterns appeared more similar to those exhibited by healthy controls from previous studies than at pre-treatment, suggestive of a potential normalization of brain function relative to baseline. These findings suggest that MMJ use may result in different effects relative to recreational marijuana (MJ) use, as recreational consumers have been shown to exhibit decrements in task performance accompanied by altered brain activation. Moreover, patients in the current study also reported improvements in clinical state and health-related measures as well as notable decreases in prescription medication use, particularly opioids and benzodiapezines after 3 months of treatment. Further research is needed to clarify the specific neurobiologic impact, clinical efficacy, and unique effects of MMJ for a range of indications and how it compares to recreational MJ use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staci A Gruber
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kelly A Sagar
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mary K Dahlgren
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Atilla Gonenc
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rosemary T Smith
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Ashley M Lambros
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Korine B Cabrera
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Scott E Lukas
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
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Becker MP, Collins PF, Schultz A, Urošević S, Schmaling B, Luciana M. Longitudinal changes in cognition in young adult cannabis users. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2017; 40:529-543. [PMID: 29058519 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2017.1385729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent cannabis use (CU) is associated with impaired attention, executive function, and verbal learning/memory. These associations are generally observed in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies of cannabis users are lacking. METHOD The present study examines associations between CU and cognition over time in chronic daily adolescent-onset CUs, as compared to nonusing controls. Both groups completed a neuropsychological battery at study intake and again 2 years later. RESULTS Baseline group differences have been published and indicated deficits in verbal learning and memory, motivated decision-making, planning, and working memory in CUs. In this follow-up report, the longitudinal performance of users is compared to that of sustained nonusers using the same battery. At follow-up, the majority of CUs continued to report regular and heavy cannabis use. Relative impairments in the domains of working memory, planning and verbal memory remained stable, suggesting that these are enduring vulnerabilities associated with continued CU during young adulthood. Improvements in motivated decision-making were evident in both groups. In addition, CUs demonstrated relatively better performance on short-duration speeded tasks. An earlier age of CU onset was associated with poorer verbal learning and memory and planning performance over time. CONCLUSIONS Verbal learning and memory and planning processes, as well as their neural correlates, merit further scrutiny within etiological models of cannabis-induced cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Becker
- a Department of Psychology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Paul F Collins
- a Department of Psychology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Ashley Schultz
- a Department of Psychology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Snežana Urošević
- a Department of Psychology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Brittany Schmaling
- a Department of Psychology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Monica Luciana
- a Department of Psychology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
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45
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Fishbein DH, Novak SP, Ridenour TA, Thornburg V, Hammond J, Brown J. Neurocognitive Characteristics of Early Marijuana Use Initiation in Adolescents: A Signature Mapping Analysis. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2017; 77:431-40. [PMID: 27172575 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2016.77.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior studies of the association between neurocognitive functions and marijuana use among adolescents are mostly cross-sectional and conducted in adolescents who have already initiated marijuana use. The current study used a longitudinal design on a preadolescent, substance-naive sample. We sought to identify demographic factors associated with neurocognitive functions and the complement of neurocognitive function characteristics that predict marijuana initiation in adolescents. METHOD Substance-naive adolescents (n = 465) ages 10-12 years (51% male) were recruited from a community with high levels of adolescent marijuana use and prospectively followed to ages 12-15. Tasks measuring neurocognitive functions were administered and audio-assisted interviews were conducted. Two types of models were estimated for each outcome: forced-entry models and another using stepwise selection via bidirectional elimination with varying tolerance levels to account for selection misspecification. RESULTS About 10% (n = 49) initiated marijuana use over the study period. Child's age, academic achievement, and parental education were associated with baseline neurocognitive functions; namely, positive emotion attributions and lower impulsivity. Facial recognition-particularly misattribution of sad faces-was the strongest predictor of marijuana initiation, including in the stepwise model (partial OR = 1.3, 95% CI [1.03, 1.63], p < .05) that resulted in the best-fitting model. CONCLUSIONS Prediction of marijuana initiation was improved in stepwise models compared with forced-entry models. Emotion perception appears to be an early developmental risk factor that is prospectively associated with marijuana initiation; as expected, other neurocognitive functions did not play an interactive role. Future studies of the interrelationships between emotion perception and the myriad other factors implicated in marijuana initiation, including neurocognitive functions not measured here, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of risk for marijuana initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana H Fishbein
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott P Novak
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Ty A Ridenour
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Jane Hammond
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jaki Brown
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Kirschmann EK, McCalley DM, Edwards CM, Torregrossa MM. Consequences of Adolescent Exposure to the Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist WIN55,212-2 on Working Memory in Female Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:137. [PMID: 28785210 PMCID: PMC5519521 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is a prevalent illicit substance used by adolescents, and several studies have indicated that adolescent use can lead to long-term cognitive deficits including problems with attention and memory. However, preclinical animal studies that observe cognitive deficits after cannabinoid exposure during adolescence utilize experimenter administration of doses of cannabinoids that may exceed what an organism would choose to take, suggesting that contingency and dose are critical factors that need to be addressed in translational models of consequences of cannabinoid exposure. Indeed, we recently developed an adolescent cannabinoid self-administration paradigm in male rats, and found that prior adolescent self-administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) resulted in improved working memory performance in adulthood. In addition, the doses self-administered were not as high as those that are found to produce memory deficits. However, given known sex differences in both drug self-administration and learning and memory processes, it is possible that cannabinoid self-administration could have different cognitive consequences in females. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effects of self-administered vs. experimenter-administered WIN in adolescent female rats on adult cognitive function. Female rats were trained to self-administer WIN daily throughout adolescence (postnatal day 34–59). A control group self-administered vehicle solution. The acute effects of adolescent WIN self-administration on memory were determined using a short-term spatial memory test 24 h after final SA session; and the long-term effects on cognitive performance were assessed during protracted abstinence in adulthood using a delayed-match-to-sample working memory task. In a separate experiment, females were given daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of a low or high dose of WIN, corresponding to self-administered and typical experimenter-administered doses, respectively, or its vehicle during adolescence and working memory was assessed under drug-free conditions in adulthood. While self-administration of WIN in adolescence had no significant effects on short-term spatial memory or adult working memory, experimenter administration of WIN resulted in improved adult working memory performance that was more pronounced in the low dose group. Thus, low-dose adolescent WIN exposure, whether self-administered or experimenter-administered, results in either improvements or no change in adult working memory performance in female rats, similar to previous results found in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Kirschmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Daniel M McCalley
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Caitlyn M Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA, United States.,Center for Neuroscience, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA, United States.,Center for Neuroscience, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA, United States
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Melchior M, Bolze C, Fombonne E, Surkan PJ, Pryor L, Jauffret-Roustide M. Early cannabis initiation and educational attainment: is the association causal? Data from the French TEMPO study. Int J Epidemiol 2017; 46:1641-1650. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Melchior
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Paris, France
| | - Camille Bolze
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Paris, France
| | - Eric Fombonne
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura Pryor
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Paris, France
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48
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Nader DA, Sanchez ZM. Effects of regular cannabis use on neurocognition, brain structure, and function: a systematic review of findings in adults. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2017; 44:4-18. [DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2017.1306746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo A. Nader
- Departmento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zila M. Sanchez
- Departmento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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49
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Effects of Adolescent Cannabinoid Self-Administration in Rats on Addiction-Related Behaviors and Working Memory. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:989-1000. [PMID: 27582345 PMCID: PMC5506802 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Use of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) often begins in adolescence, and heavy adolescent marijuana use is often associated with impaired cognitive function in adulthood. However, clinical reports of long-lasting cognitive deficits, particularly in subjects who discontinue use in adulthood, are mixed. Moreover, dissociating innate differences in cognitive function from cannabis-induced deficits is challenging. Therefore, the current study sought to develop a rodent model of adolescent cannabinoid self-administration (SA), using the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN), in order to assess measures of relapse/reinstatement of drug seeking and long-term effects on cognitive function assessed in a delay-match-to-sample working memory task and a spatial recognition task. Adolescent male rats readily self-administered WIN in 2-h or 6-h sessions/day, but did not demonstrate an escalation of intake with 6-h access. Rats exhibited significant cue-induced reinstatement of WIN seeking that increased with 21 days of abstinence (ie, 'incubation of craving'). Cognitive testing occurred in adulthood under drug-free conditions. Both 2-h and 6-h adolescent WIN SA groups exhibited significantly better working memory performance in adulthood relative to sucrose SA controls, and performance was associated with altered expression of proteins regulating GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling in the prefrontal cortex. Self-administered WIN did not produce either acute or chronic effects on short-term memory, but experimenter administration of WIN in adolescence, at doses previously reported in the literature, produced acute deficits in short-term memory that recovered with abstinence. Thus, SA of a rewarding cannabinoid in adolescence does not produce long-term cognitive dysfunction.
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Gruber SA, Sagar KA. Marijuana on the Mind? The Impact of Marijuana on Cognition, Brain Structure, and Brain Function, and Related Public Policy Implications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/2372732216684851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although marijuana (MJ) has been used for thousands of years, the public’s opinion of MJ has shifted drastically over the past century, leaving many wondering about its potential risks and benefits. This article summarizes research detailing the impact of recreational MJ and related variables (frequency, magnitude, potency, and mode of MJ use) on cognition, brain structure, and brain function. MJ use, particularly at young ages, has been reported to undermine cognition, as well as alter brain structure and function. Furthermore, we discuss how data from recreational MJ studies, as well as more recent medical marijuana (MMJ) research findings, relate to legalization efforts. Considerations for policymakers, such as age limits, guidelines for safe use, and the therapeutic potential of certain constituents of MJ (i.e., cannabidiol), are also outlined. In recent years, policy has outpaced science; important areas in need of further research are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staci A. Gruber
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelly A. Sagar
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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