Effects of cannabis on neurocognitive functioning: recent advances, neurodevelopmental influences, and sex differences

Abstract

Decades of research have examined the effects of cannabis on neurocognition. Recent advances in this field provide us with a better understanding of how cannabis use influences neurocognition both acutely (during intoxication) and non-acutely (after acute effects subside). Evidence of problems with episodic memory is one of the most consistent findings reported; however, several other neurocognitive domains appear to be adversely affected by cannabis use under various conditions. There is significant variability in findings across studies, thus a discussion of potential moderators is increasingly relevant. The purpose of this review was to 1) provide an update on research of cannabis' acute and non-acute effects on neurocognition, with a focus on findings since 2007 and 2) suggest and discuss how neurodevelopmental issues and sex differences may influence cannabis effects on neurocognition. Finally we discuss how future investigations may lead to better understanding of the complex interplay among cannabis, stages of neurodevelopment, and sex on neurocognitive functioning.

Figure 1

Sexual dimorphism and neurocognitive functions of brain regions with high CB1 receptor density. This figure simplifies and summarizes some sexual dimorphisms relevant to the effects of cannabis on brain functioning in regions with high CB1 receptor density and some of the neurocognitive functions commonly ascribed to these regions. Arrows indicate the general location of the noted structures, although some lie outside of the shown midsaggital plane.