Cannabis use and neurocognitive functioning (original) (raw)

Abstract

• We examined the effects of cannabis use on neurocognitive functioning • We considered the role of alcohol use and premorbid IQ • Recent users performed most poorly on neurocognitive testing • Cannabis use severity was associated with lower neurocognitive performance • Past users performed more poorly on measures of executive function than non-users Objective: With the recent debates over marijuana legalization and increases in use, it is critical to examine its role in cognition. While many studies generally support the adverse acute effects of cannabis on neurocognition, the non-acute effects remain less clear. The current study used a cross-sectional design to examine relationships between recent and past cannabis use on neurocognitive functioning in a non-clinical adult sample. Method: One hundred and fifty-eight participants were recruited through fliers distributed around local college campuses and the community. All participants completed the Brief Drug Use History Form, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, and neurocognitive assessment, and underwent urine toxicology screening. Participants consisted of recent users (n = 68), past users (n = 41), and non-users (n = 49). Results: Recent users demonstrated significantly (p b .05) worse performance than non-users across cognitive domains of attention/working memory (M = 42.4, SD =16.1vs.M = 50.5, SD = 10.2), information processing speed (M = 44.3, SD =7.3vs.M = 52.1, SD = 11.0), and executive functioning (M = 43.6, SD = 13.4 vs. M = 48.6, SD = 7.

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