A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research examined the residual neurocognitive effects of cannabis consumption. In particular, the Suez Canal University research team investigated whether the duration of cannabis use influences cognitive function before abstinence and how individuals assess their functioning in their occupational and social lives.
Previous studies have explored how cannabis affects the development of the cerebral cortex of adolescent brains. A review of the research literature reflects various findings about the long-term effects of cannabis use on frontal lobe function. Some studies suggest that cannabis use negatively affects a user’s occupational and psychosocial functioning, while other studies found no indication that cannabis consumption reduces functioning.
The sample included 80 male participants (18–45 years old). The researchers categorized the participants into four groups based on their consumption patterns. The groups consisted of a control group and three groups representing different durations of use. The various durations included 1–2 years, 5–6 years, and 9–10 years. At the time of the study, the participants had abstained from cannabis consumption for 1–3 months. The participants were comparable in age, education, and socioeconomic level. The researchers used the Kruskal Wallis test to assess variations in the total Frontal lobe Assessment Battery (FAB) results and the general assessment of function scores using the General Assessment of Function (GAF) scores. They then used post hoc testing to adjust for multiple comparisons via the Bonferroni method.
Data analysis indicated that cannabis users experienced impairments in social and occupational functioning, which correlate with the presence of neurocognitive deficits. The findings suggest that individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) have a greater risk of neurocognitive impairment and the adverse effects that may persist even after a period of abstinence. The researchers emphasize that public health campaigns need to highlight this risk since many cannabis consumers underestimate the potential harm of chronic cannabis use.
Sources: Journal of Cannabis Research Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
