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McPhail A, Whelan JP, Ginley MK, Pfund RA. Relation of Cannabis Use Frequency and Gambling Behavior in Individuals Who Gamble Under the Influence of Cannabis. J Gambl Stud 2025; 41:877-889. [PMID: 40029477 PMCID: PMC12116817 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-025-10381-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Abstract
There appears to be a significant positive relation between problematic cannabis use and problem gambling behaviors. Recent reviews have noted that individuals who use cannabis more frequently may experience less acute executive functioning impairment than those who use cannabis less often. The current study explored the relation between cannabis use frequency and problem gambling outcomes in those who gamble under the influence of cannabis, to explore if increased cannabis use frequency increases reported gambling problems, or is the reported effect on their gambling behavior is lessened in individuals who consume cannabis regularly? 769 individuals who gambled at least weekly were recruited from a crowdsource platform. These individuals reported their gambling behavior and cannabis use. To explore the relation between cannabis use frequency and problem gambling severity, regression models following both a simple linear model and a quadratic model were generated and evaluated for model fit and significance. The quadratic model was found to best fit the relation between cannabis use frequency and problem gambling severity. The quadratic model was also found to best fit the relation between frequency of time spent gambling under the influence of cannabis and problem gambling severity. Those who consumed cannabis infrequently or very frequently reported fewer gambling problems overall compared to those who consumed cannabis at a moderate frequency. The acute relation between cannabis use and gambling may be more complex than simply amplifying problematic gambling behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby McPhail
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA.
| | - James P Whelan
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
| | - Meredith K Ginley
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, 420 Rogers-Stout Hall, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - Rory A Pfund
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
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2
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Qian L, Zhou Z. Quantifying Heart Rate Changes After Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Administration Using a PBPK-PD Model in Healthy Adults. Pharmaceutics 2025; 17:237. [PMID: 40006603 PMCID: PMC11858910 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2025] [Revised: 02/08/2025] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: As cannabis becomes legal in several U.S. states, the risk of THC-induced tachycardia increases. This study aimed to develop and verify a physiologically based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PBPK-PD) model to assess the impact of THC and its active metabolite, 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), on the heart rate of healthy adults. Methods: A PBPK-PD model for intravenous (IV) 11-OH-THC administration was first developed. Secondly, a PBPK-PD model for IV THC, combined with the metabolized 11-OH-THC, was established, verified, and validated. Direct PD models driven by the plasma, brain, and heart concentrations of THC and 11-OH-THC predicted using our previously verified PBPK model were tested for model development. Finally, the risks of tachycardia at a rest condition from various doses of oral and inhaled THC were simulated for 500 individuals aged 18-65 years, with a sex ratio of 1:1 and a baseline heart rate of 70 beats per minute. Results: The PD model was best described by a direct nonlinear Emax model driven by the sum of the total THC and 11-OH-THC concentrations in their effect compartments linked to their heart compartments. In 42 simulated dosing regimens with THC doses ranging from 2 to 69.4 mg, 97% of the observed heart rates or heart rate changes following THC administration fell within the 5th to 95th percentiles of the model-predicted values. Similarly, for two simulated 11-OH-THC IV doses, 93% of the observations fell within this range. Simulations indicated that half of the simulated population would experience tachycardia at doses of 60 mg and 15 mg of THC for oral and inhaled administration, respectively. The simulated risks of tachycardia based on specific conditions should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: Our verified PBPK-PD model successfully describes the heart rate changes in healthy adults after IV, oral, and inhaled THC administration. This model provides a tool to predict the effects of THC and its primary metabolite on heart rates, offering valuable insights for assessing the risk of tachycardia in both clinical and recreational cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, York College, City University of New York, Jamaica, NY 11451, USA
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3
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Limbacher SA, Godbole S, Wrobel J, Wang GS, Brooks-Russell A. Dose of Product or Product Concentration: A Comparison of Change in Heart Rate by THC Concentration for Participants Using Cannabis Daily and Occasionally. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2025; 10:53-59. [PMID: 38946676 PMCID: PMC11947655 DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Studies show that acute cannabis use significantly increases heart rate (HR) and mildly raises blood pressure in the minutes following smoked or inhaled use of cannabis. However, less is known about how the THC concentration of the product or an individual's frequency of use (i.e., tolerance) may affect the magnitude of the change in HR. It is also relatively unexamined how the physical effects of increased HR after acute cannabis use relate to self-reported drug effects or blood THC levels. Aims: To describe the relationship between THC concentration of product used, self-reported subjective intoxication, THC blood levels, and frequency of cannabis use with the change in HR after acute cannabis use. Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 140) were given 15 min to smoke self-supplied cannabis ad libitum, HR was measured at baseline and an average of 2 min post-cannabis smoking. The ARCI-Marijuana scale and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) were administered, and blood samples were taken at both time points. Participants were asked about their frequency of use. Information about the product used was recorded from the package. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between changes in HR (post-pre cannabis use) and post-cannabis use HR, blood THC concentration, THC product concentration, frequency of use, and self-reported drug effect. Results: There was a significantly higher HR among those who smoked cannabis compared to the controls (p < 0.001), which did not significantly differ by frequency of use (p = 0.18). Higher concentration THC (extract) products did not produce a significantly different HR than lower concentration (flower) products (p = 0.096). VAS score was associated with an increase in HR (p < 0.05). Overall, blood THC levels were not significantly related to the change in HR (p = 0.69); however, when probed, there was a slight positive association among the occasional use group only. Discussion: Cardiovascular effects of cannabis consumption may not be as subject to tolerance with daily cannabis use and do not directly increase with THC concentration of the product. This is a departure from other effects (i.e., cognitive, subjective drug effects) where tolerance is well established. These findings also suggest that, at least among those with daily use, higher concentration THC products (>60%) do not necessarily produce cardiovascular physiological effects that are significantly more robust than lower concentration (<20%) products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Limbacher
- Colorado School of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Center,Aurora, Colorado,USA
| | - Suneeta Godbole
- Colorado School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Informatics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Julia Wrobel
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Atlanta, Georgia,USA
| | - George Sam Wang
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Pediatrics-Emergency Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ashley Brooks-Russell
- Colorado School of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Center,Aurora, Colorado,USA
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4
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Dexter TD, Roberts BZ, Ayoub SM, Noback M, Barnes SA, Young JW. Cross-species translational paradigms for assessing positive valence system as defined by the RDoC matrix. J Neurochem 2025; 169:e16243. [PMID: 39463161 PMCID: PMC11996045 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Functions associated with processing reward-related information are fundamental drivers of motivation, learning, and goal-directed behavior. Such functions have been classified as the positive valence system under the Research Domain and Criteria (RDoC) criteria and are negatively impacted across a range of psychiatric disorders and mental illnesses. The positive valence system is composed of three comprehensive categories containing related but dissociable functions that are organized into either Reward Responsiveness, Reward Learning, or Reward Valuation. The presence of overlapping behavioral dysfunction across diagnostic mental disorders is in-part what motivated the RDoC initiative, which emphasized that the study of mental illness focus on investigating relevant behavior and cognitive functions and their underlying mechanisms, rather than separating efforts on diagnostic categories (i.e., transdiagnostic). Moreover, the RDoC approach is well-suited for preclinical neuroscience research, as the rise in genetic toolboxes and associated neurotechnologies enables researchers to probe specific cellular targets with high specificity. Thus, there is an opportunity to dissect whether behaviors and cognitive functions are supported by shared or distinct neural mechanisms. For preclinical research to effectively inform our understandings of human behavior however, the cognitive and behavioral paradigms should have predictive, neurobiological, and pharmacological predictive validity to the human test. Touchscreen-based testing systems provide a further advantage for this endeavor enabling tasks to be presented to animals using the same media and task design as in humans. Here, we outline the primary categories of the positive valence system and review the work that has been done cross-species to investigate the neurobiology and neurochemistry underlying reward-related functioning. Additionally, we provide clinical tasks outlined by RDoC, along with validity and/or need for further validation for analogous rodent paradigms with a focus on implementing the touchscreen-based cognitive testing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D. Dexter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | | | - Samantha M. Ayoub
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Michael Noback
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Samuel A. Barnes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jared W. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
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Ryan JE, Fruchtman M, Sparr-Jaswa A, Knehans A, Worster B. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cannabis Use, and the Endocannabinoid System: A Scoping Review. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22540. [PMID: 39267530 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of many psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Increasing evidence suggests that a number of neurobiological correlates between endogenous cannabinoid function and cognitive dysfunction are seen in ADHD, making the ECS a possible target for therapeutic interventions. Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are more prevalent in individuals with ADHD, compared to the general population, and there is growing popular perception that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD. However, the relationship between cannabis use and ADHD symptomology is poorly understood. Further understanding of the role of the ECS in ADHD pathophysiology and the molecular alterations that may be a target for treatment is needed. To further the science on this emerging area of research, this scoping review describes the preclinical and clinical evidence seeking to understand the relationship between the ECS and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie E Ryan
- College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mitchell Fruchtman
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea Sparr-Jaswa
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Knehans
- Harrell Health Sciences Library, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brooke Worster
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Fuentes-Verdugo E, Pellón R, Miguéns M. Repeated Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol administration dose dependently increases stablished schedule-induced drinking. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1277-1286. [PMID: 38413456 PMCID: PMC11106171 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Schedule-induced drinking (SID) reproduces an excessive and repetitive behavioural pattern that has led to propose this procedure as an animal model to study compulsive behaviours. Although it is known that cannabis can cause several adverse effects, in recent years there has been great interest in the medical application of cannabis derivatives for obsessive-compulsive related disorders. OBJECTIVES The present study investigated the effects of repeated THC administration on rates of previously acquired SID, as well as the possible alteration of its temporal distribution along inter-food intervals. METHODS Male Wistar rats acquired SID under a 30 min fixed-time 30-sec food delivery schedule (from 30 to 43 sessions to reach a stable level). Thereafter, 5 or 10 mg/kg daily i.p. injections of THC or vehicle were repeatedly administered for 7 days to evaluate the effects on SID. RESULTS Repeated THC administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg resulted in an increase on licking. Surprisingly, no effects on SID were observed with the 10 mg/kg dose. However, magazine entries were reduced with both THC doses. THC also modified the temporal distributions of licking and magazine entries during inter-food intervals. CONCLUSIONS The present results show that repeated THC administration may (i) increase induced licking at moderate doses, (ii) reduce magazine entries, and (iii) affect the temporal pattern of SID. These findings suggest that THC does not appear to be beneficial to reduce compulsive behaviour in this animal model, while another collateral effect of THC -such as a greater habitual-like behaviour- needs to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Fuentes-Verdugo
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pellón
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Miguel Miguéns
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
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7
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McKowen JW, Lowman KL, Watt L, Yule AM, Burke C, Kaminiski T, Wilens T, Kelly J. The Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Self-Reported Trait Anger in Treatment-Seeking Young People. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:223-229. [PMID: 35833834 PMCID: PMC11971552 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Trait anger has been shown to be predictive of emotion-focused coping and alcohol use. Yet, the connection between cannabis use and trait anger remains poorly characterized. The present study sought to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and self-reported trait anger in youth seeking substance use treatment. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on youth (n=168) aged 14-26 presenting for an initial evaluation at an outpatient substance use treatment program. Patients self-reported trait anger score (TAS) and lifetime, recent, and Diagnostic and Statistics Manual-5th Edition diagnostic status of cannabis use were assessed. Clinician-coded psychiatric and substance use patterns were collected, along with urine carboxy delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration levels. Additional measures of anxiety, depression, and demographic variables were assessed. Results: Higher self-reported TAS were associated with cannabis use, cannabis use disorder (CUD), and more recent and frequent cannabis use. The presence of a CUD was independently associated with TAS after controlling for the presence of other substance use disorders and co-occurring depression and anxiety disorders. Higher urine THC concentration levels were associated with higher TAS. Conclusions: Findings support an association between heavy, chronic cannabis use and elevated self-reported trait anger at intake. There may be important neurological consequences of heavy, chronic cannabis use that impact anger regulation. It is also plausible that trait anger maybe a predisposing factor for elevated cannabis use. Better controlled prospective research is needed to help determine directionality. Treatment programs should target both cannabis use and anger regulation in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. McKowen
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Recovery Management Service and West End Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelsey L. Lowman
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Recovery Management Service and West End Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa Watt
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Recovery Management Service and West End Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy M. Yule
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colin Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Recovery Management Service and West End Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tamar Kaminiski
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy Wilens
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Recovery Management Service and West End Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Recovery Management Service and West End Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Kassim FM, Tod S, Rodger J, Hood SD, Lee JWY, Albrecht MA, Martin-Iverson MT. Nabilone Impairs Spatial and Verbal Working Memory in Healthy Volunteers. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:199-211. [PMID: 36201240 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Memory impairments and psychosis-like experiences can be adverse effects of cannabis use. However, reports on the cognitive impact of cannabis use are not consistent. There are also limited studies on the psychotomimetic effects of cannabinoid compounds to reveal the association between cannabis and psychosis. Therefore, we investigated the effect of acute cannabinoid intoxication on verbal working memory (VWM) and spatial working memory (SWM) following oral doses of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist, nabilone (1-2 mg, oral). We further investigated the effect of nabilone on psychosis-like experiences (schizotypy scores) and associations of schizotypy with VWM and SWM. Methods: Healthy participants (n=28) completed spatial and digit span tasks across different delay conditions (0, 6, 12, and 18 sec) after receiving nabilone (1-2 mg, PO) or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover manner. A subset of participants completed a short battery of schizotypy measures (n=25). Results: Nabilone impaired VWM (p=0.03, weak effect size η2=0.02) and SWM (p=0.00016, η2=0.08). Nabilone did not significantly change overall schizotypy scores. Schizotypy scores were negatively correlated with working memory (WM) averaged across all delays and both modalities, under placebo (ρ=-0.41, p=0.04). In addition, there were significant negative correlations between occasions of cannabis use and overall WM averaged scores across drug treatments (ρ=-0.49, p=0.007) and under placebo (ρ=-0.45, p=0.004). The results showed that the drug effect in the less frequent cannabis users was more pronounced on the SWM (p<0.01) and VWM (p<0.01), whereas there appeared to be little drug effect in the frequent cannabis users. Conclusion: Low doses of synthetic cannabinoid impaired SWM and VWM, indicating that exogenous activation of the cannabinoid system influences cognitive performance. Further, the results replicated previous findings that schizotypy is correlated with deficits in WM. Clinical Trial Registry Name: Nabilone and caffeine effects on the perceptions of visually, auditory, tactile and multimodal illusions in healthy volunteers. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CT-2018-CTN-02561 (Therapeutic Goods Administration Clinical Trial Registry) and ACTRN12618001292268 (The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz M Kassim
- Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sophie Tod
- Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Rodger
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Brain Plasticity Group, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean D Hood
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Joseph W Y Lee
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew A Albrecht
- Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mathew T Martin-Iverson
- Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Motamedy S, Soltani B, Kameshki H, Kermani AA, Amleshi RS, Nazeri M, Shabani M. The Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Neuroprotective Effects of Sativex ® - A Cannabis-derived Spray. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1427-1448. [PMID: 38318827 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575285934240123110158] [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] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Sativex is a cannabis-based medicine that comes in the form of an oromucosal spray. It contains equal amounts of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, two compounds derived from cannabis plants. Sativex has been shown to have positive effects on symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and sleep disorders. It also has analgesic, antiinflammatory, antitumoral, and neuroprotective properties, which make it a potential treatment option for other neurological disorders. The article reviews the results of recent preclinical and clinical studies that support the therapeutic potential of Sativex and the molecular mechanisms behind its neuroprotective benefits in various neurological disorders. The article also discusses the possible advantages and disadvantages of using Sativex as a neurotherapeutic agent, such as its safety, efficacy, availability, and legal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Motamedy
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bahareh Soltani
- Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Halimeh Kameshki
- Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Reza Saboori Amleshi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoud Nazeri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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10
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Ward TW, Springer SD, Schantell M, John JA, Horne LK, Coutant AT, Okelberry HJ, Willett MP, Johnson HJ, Killanin AD, Heinrichs‐Graham E, Wilson TW. Regular cannabis use alters the neural dynamics serving complex motor control. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:6511-6522. [PMID: 37955378 PMCID: PMC10681654 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used recreational drug in the United States and regular use has been linked to deficits in attention and memory. However, the effects of regular use on motor control are less understood, with some studies showing deficits and others indicating normal performance. Eighteen users and 23 nonusers performed a motor sequencing task during high-density magnetoencephalography (MEG). The MEG data was transformed into the time-frequency domain and beta responses (16-24 Hz) during motor planning and execution phases were imaged separately using a beamformer approach. Whole-brain maps were examined for group (cannabis user/nonuser) and time window (planning/execution) effects. As expected, there were no group differences in task performance (e.g., reaction time, accuracy, etc.). Regular cannabis users exhibited stronger beta oscillations in the contralateral primary motor cortex compared to nonusers during the execution phase of the motor sequences, but not during the motor planning phase. Similar group-by-time window interactions were observed in the left superior parietal, right inferior frontal cortices, right posterior insular cortex, and the bilateral motor cortex. We observed differences in the neural dynamics serving motor control in regular cannabis users compared to nonusers, suggesting regular users may employ compensatory processing in both primary motor and higher-order motor cortices to maintain adequate task performance. Future studies will need to examine more complex motor control tasks to ascertain whether this putative compensatory activity eventually becomes exhausted and behavioral differences emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. Ward
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology & NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Seth D. Springer
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Mikki Schantell
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Jason A. John
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Lucy K. Horne
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Anna T. Coutant
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Hannah J. Okelberry
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Madelyn P. Willett
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Hallie J. Johnson
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Abraham D. Killanin
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Elizabeth Heinrichs‐Graham
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology & NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology & NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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11
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Ganesh S, Cortes-Briones J, Schnakenberg Martin AM, Skosnik PD, D'Souza DC, Ranganathan M. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Acute Psychotomimetic States: A Balancing Act of the Principal Phyto-Cannabinoids on Human Brain and Behavior. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:846-856. [PMID: 35319274 PMCID: PMC10589482 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: THC and CBD are the principal phyto-cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. The differential and possibly antagonistic effects of these compounds on specific brain and behavioral responses, and the mechanisms underlying their effects have generated extensive interest in pre-clinical and clinical neuroscience investigations. Methods: In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled counterbalanced Human Laboratory Study, we examined the effects of three different dose ratios of CBD:THC (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) on "neural noise," an electrophysiological biomarker of psychosis known to be sensitive to cannabinoids as well as subjective and psychotomimetic effects. Healthy volunteers (n=28, 12 women) with at least one prior exposure to cannabis participated in the study. Outcomes: The lowest CBD (2.5 mg):THC (0.035 mg/kg) ratio (1:1) resulted in maximal attenuation of both THC-induced psychotomimetic effects (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS] positive: Anova Type Statistic [ATS]=7.83, pcorrected=0.015) and neural noise (ATS=8.83, pcorrected=0.009). Further addition of CBD did not reduce the subjective experience of THC-induced "high" (p>0.05 for all CBD doses). Interpretation: These novel results demonstrate that CBD attenuates specific THC-induced subjective and objective effects relevant to psychosis in a dose/ratio-dependent manner. Given the increasing global trend of cannabis liberalization and application for medical indications, these results assume considerable significance given the potential dose-related interactions of these key phyto-cannabinoids. Trial registration: The trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT01180374.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhas Ganesh
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jose Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Patrick D. Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Deepak C. D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Sarmiento LF, Ríos-Flórez JA, Paez-Ardila HA, Lima de Sousa PS, Olivera-La Rosa A, Oliveira da Silva AMH, Gouveia A. Pharmacological Modulation of Temporal Discounting: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1046. [PMID: 37046974 PMCID: PMC10093895 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071046] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal discounting is a phenomenon where a reward loses its value as a function of time (e.g., a reward is more valuable immediately than when it delays in time). This is a type of intertemporal decision-making that has an association with impulsivity and self-control. Many pathologies exhibit higher discounting rates, meaning they discount more the values of rewards, such as addictive behaviors, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, social anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorder, among others; thus, many studies look for the mechanism and neuromodulators of these decisions. This systematic review aims to investigate the association between pharmacological administration and changes in temporal discounting. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and Cochrane. We used the PICO strategy: healthy humans (P-Participants) that received a pharmacological administration (I-Intervention) and the absence of a pharmacological administration or placebo (C-Comparison) to analyze the relationship between the pharmacological administration and the temporal discounting (O-outcome). Nineteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most important findings were the involvement of dopamine modulation in a U-shape for choosing the delayed outcome (metoclopradime, haloperidol, and amisulpride). Furthermore, administration of tolcapone and high doses of d-amphetamine produced a preference for the delayed option. There was a time-dependent hydrocortisone effect in the preference for the immediate reward. Thus, it can be concluded that dopamine is a crucial modulator for temporal discounting, especially the D2 receptor, and cortisol also has an important time-dependent role in this type of decision. One of the limitations of this systematic review is the heterogeneity of the drugs used to assess the effect of temporal discounting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Sarmiento
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University from Pará, Belém 66050-160, Brazil
| | - Jorge Alexander Ríos-Flórez
- Neuroanatomy Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
- Department of Psychology, Politécnico Grancolombiano University Institution, Medellín 745220, Colombia
| | - Hector Andres Paez-Ardila
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University from Pará, Belém 66050-160, Brazil
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Manuela Beltran, Bucaramanga 680004, Colombia
| | | | - Antonio Olivera-La Rosa
- Department of Psychological and Social Sciences, Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Medellín 050034, Colombia
- Human Evolution and Cognition Group, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Amauri Gouveia
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University from Pará, Belém 66050-160, Brazil
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13
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Pabon E, de Wit H. Impaired inhibition after delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in women not related to circulating estradiol levels. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 225:173547. [PMID: 37004978 PMCID: PMC10957069 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis and its main psychoactive constituent, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), impair cognitive processes, including the ability to inhibit inappropriate responses. However, responses to cannabinoid drugs vary widely, and little is known about the factors that influence the risk for adverse effects. One potential source of variation in response to cannabinoids in women is circulating ovarian hormones such as estradiol and progesterone. Whereas there is some evidence that estradiol affects responses to cannabinoids in rodents, little is known about such interactions in humans. Here, we investigate whether variations in estradiol levels across the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle modulate the effect of THC on inhibitory control in healthy women. Healthy female occasional cannabis users (N = 60) received THC (7.5 mg and 15 mg, oral) and placebo during either the early follicular phase, when estradiol levels are low, or the late follicular phase, when estradiol levels are higher. They completed a Go/No Go (GNG) task at the time of peak drug effect. We hypothesized that the effects of THC on GNG performance would be greater when estradiol levels were elevated. As expected, THC impaired GNG task performance: it increased response time and errors of commission/false alarms and decreased accuracy, relative to placebo. However, these impairments were not related to estradiol levels. These results suggest that THC-induced impairments in inhibitory control are not affected by cycle-related fluctuations in estradiol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pabon
- 760 Westwood Plaza, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; 1731 East 120th Street, Division of Endocrinology, Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Harriet de Wit
- 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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14
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Francisco AP, Lethbridge G, Patterson B, Goldman Bergmann C, Van Ameringen M. Cannabis use in Attention - Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A scoping review. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 157:239-256. [PMID: 36508935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatments for Adult ADHD include stimulants, two non-stimulant medications, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These pharmacological agents are often associated with side effects, contributing to poor treatment adherence. Patients with ADHD have regularly stated that cannabis has helped improve their ADHD symptoms; however, scientific literature describing the effects of cannabis on symptoms of ADHD is scarce. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. The searches included all publications in English up to June 27, 2022. We included both experimental and observational studies that assessed the effect of cannabis on ADHD symptomatology and neuropsychiatric outcomes. To synthesize our current understanding of the potential effects of cannabis use on ADHD symptoms and pathophysiology, and the effects of ADHD on cannabis use, data was extracted from each study regarding the characteristics of its population, methods used to assess both cannabis consumption and ADHD symptoms, and key findings. RESULTS Our scoping review included a total of 39 studies. Only one study employed a randomized and placebo-controlled design to directly measure the effect of cannabis on ADHD, and no significant effect was observed for the study's primary outcome, the QbTest (Est = -0.17, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.07, p = 0.16). Most of the literature consists of cross-sectional studies that evaluate the association between ADHD severity and cannabis use. 15 studies addressed the neuropsychiatric effects of cannabis on ADHD by employing either a battery of neuropsychiatric tests or neuroimaging. The concentration and amount of THC and CBD used were not well measured in most of the studies. Although some studies indicated that cannabis improved ADHD symptoms, most studies indicated it worsened or had no effect on ADHD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Given the current evidence, cannabis is not recommended for people with ADHD. Limitations of the literature include the absence of objective measurements for cannabis exposure and ADHD symptoms, heterogenous definitions, oversampling, and small sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Francisco
- Laboratório de Cronobiologia e Sono, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Av. Protásio Alves, 211 - Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Faculdade de Medicina, UFRGS, Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90010-150, Brazil.
| | - Grace Lethbridge
- MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, L02-1057 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1B7, Canada.
| | - Beth Patterson
- MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, L02-1057 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1B7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Carolina Goldman Bergmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Michael Van Ameringen
- MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, L02-1057 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1B7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
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15
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Bellés L, Arrondeau C, Urueña-Méndez G, Ginovart N. Concurrent measures of impulsive action and choice are partially related and differentially modulated by dopamine D 1- and D 2-like receptors in a rat model of impulsivity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 222:173508. [PMID: 36473517 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Impulsivity is a multidimensional construct, but the relationships between its constructs and their respective underlying dopaminergic underpinnings in the general population remain unclear. A cohort of Roman high- (RHA) and low- (RLA) avoidance rats were tested for impulsive action and risky decision-making in the rat gambling task, and then for delay discounting in the delay-discounting task to concurrently measure the relationships among the three constructs of impulsivity using a within-subject design. Then, we evaluated the effects of dopaminergic drugs on the three constructs of impulsivity, considering innate differences in impulsive behaviors at baseline. Risky decision-making and delay-discounting were positively correlated, indicating that both constructs of impulsive choice are related. Impulsive action positively correlated with risky decision-making but not with delay discounting, suggesting partial overlap between impulsive action and impulsive choice. RHAs showed a more impulsive phenotype in the three constructs of impulsivity compared to RLAs, demonstrating the comorbid nature of impulsivity in a population of rats. Amphetamine increased impulsive action and had no effect on risky decision-making regardless of baseline levels of impulsivity, but it decreased delay discounting only in high impulsive RHAs. In contrast, while D1R and D3R agonism as well as D2/3R partial agonism decreased impulsive action regardless of baseline levels of impulsivity, D2/3R agonism decreased impulsive action exclusively in high impulsive RHAs. Irrespective of baseline levels of impulsivity, risky decision-making was increased by D1R and D2/3R agonism but not by D3R agonism or D2/3R partial agonism. Finally, while D1R and D3R agonism, D2/3R partial agonism and D2R blockade increased delay discounting irrespective of baseline levels of impulsivity, D2/3R agonism decreased it in low impulsive RLAs only. These findings indicate that the acute effects of dopamine drugs were partially overlapping across dimensions of impulsivity, and that only D2/3R agonism showed baseline-dependent effects on impulsive action and impulsive choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Bellés
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Chloé Arrondeau
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Ginna Urueña-Méndez
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Nathalie Ginovart
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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16
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Karoly HC, Prince MA, Emery NN, Smith EE, Piercey CJ, Conner BT. Protocol for a mobile laboratory study of co-administration of cannabis concentrates with a standard alcohol dose in humans. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277123. [PMID: 36327298 PMCID: PMC9632794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is commonly used among people who drink alcohol, yet evidence on acute effects of co-use is conflicting. Two important variables that may influence the effects of cannabis and alcohol are cannabinoid content (i.e., the ratio of cannabidiol [CBD] and 9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) as well as the order of use (i.e., cannabis before alcohol vs. alcohol before cannabis). Research is mixed regarding the acute imapct of cannabis on alcohol consumption and intoxication, with some studies suggesting additive effects of alcohol and cannabis, and others demonstrating negligible effects of combining these substances. Further complicating this, high-THC-content cannabis concentrates are increasingly popular on the legal-market, but to our knowledge, no studies have explored concentrate and alcohol co-use. In addition to cannabinoid content, order of use may influence intoxication and other acute effects, but is also understudied. Co-use studies typically administer a fixed dose of alcohol before cannabis, and there is a lack of data on the acute effects of cannabis before alcohol. Thus, there is a need for experimental co-use studies exploring the impact of cannabinoid content (particularly of highly potent cannabis concentrates) and order effects on intoxication. This study uses a federally-compliant mobile laboratory procedure to explore the effects of co-administration of legal-market cannabis concentrates with a moderate alcohol dose (.8g/kg) in a sample of community participants who regularly use alcohol and cannabis. The study will also explore alcohol and cannabis order effects (cannabis before alcohol vs. alcohol before cannabis). Outcomes are objective intoxication (measured using blood cannabinoid level, heart rate, psychomotor performance and breath alcohol level [BrAC]) and subjective intoxication (assessed via self-report measures). Overall, this study may influence harm-reduction recommendations for individuals who drink alcohol and use cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C. Karoly
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Noah N. Emery
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Emma E. Smith
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Cianna J. Piercey
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Bradley T. Conner
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
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Echeazarra L, Barrondo S, García del Caño G, Bonilla-Del Río I, Egaña-Huguet J, Puente N, Aretxabala X, Montaña M, López de Jesús M, González-Burguera I, Saumell-Esnaola M, Goicolea MA, Grandes P, Sallés J. Up-regulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors located at glutamatergic terminals in the medial prefrontal cortex of the obese Zucker rat. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:1004702. [PMID: 36329829 PMCID: PMC9623818 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.1004702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study describes a detailed neuroanatomical distribution map of the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor, along with the biochemical characterization of the expression and functional coupling to their cognate Gi/o proteins in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPCx) of the obese Zucker rats. The CB1 receptor density was higher in the prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) subregions of the mPCx of obese Zucker rats relative to their lean littermates which was associated with a higher percentage of CB1 receptor immunopositive excitatory presynaptic terminals in PL and IL. Also, a higher expression of CB1 receptors and WIN55,212-2-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was observed in the mPCx but not in the neocortex (NCx) and hippocampus of obese rats. Low-frequency stimulation in layers II/III of the mPCx induced CB1 receptor-dependent long-term synaptic plasticity in IL of area obese Zucker but not lean rats. Overall, the elevated 2-AG levels, up-regulation of CB1 receptors, and increased agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding strongly suggest that hyperactivity of the endocannabinoid signaling takes place at the glutamatergic terminals of the mPCx in the obese Zucker rat. These findings could endorse the importance of the CB1 receptors located in the mPCx in the development of obesity in Zucker rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyre Echeazarra
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Bioaraba, Dispositivos Móviles para el Control de Enfermedades Crónicas, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Sergio Barrondo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, Neurofarmacología Celular y Molecular, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Gontzal García del Caño
- Bioaraba, Neurofarmacología Celular y Molecular, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Itziar Bonilla-Del Río
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Jon Egaña-Huguet
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Nagore Puente
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Xabier Aretxabala
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Mario Montaña
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Maider López de Jesús
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Bioaraba, Neurofarmacología Celular y Molecular, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Imanol González-Burguera
- Bioaraba, Neurofarmacología Celular y Molecular, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Miquel Saumell-Esnaola
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Bioaraba, Neurofarmacología Celular y Molecular, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Aránzazu Goicolea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Pedro Grandes
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Joan Sallés
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, Neurofarmacología Celular y Molecular, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Joan Sallés,
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18
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Margiani G, Castelli MP, Pintori N, Frau R, Ennas MG, Pagano Zottola AC, Orrù V, Serra V, Fiorillo E, Fadda P, Marsicano G, De Luca MA. Adolescent self-administration of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist JWH-018 induces neurobiological and behavioral alterations in adult male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3083-3102. [PMID: 35943523 PMCID: PMC9481487 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06191-9] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) is growing among adolescents, posing major medical and psychiatric risks. JWH-018 represents the reference compound of SCRA-containing products. OBJECTIVES This study was performed to evaluate the enduring consequences of adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018. METHODS The reinforcing properties of JWH-018 were characterized in male CD1 adolescent mice by intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Afterwards, behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular evaluations were performed at adulthood. RESULTS Adolescent mice acquired operant behavior (lever pressing, Fixed Ratio 1-3; 7.5 µg/kg/inf); this behavior was specifically directed at obtaining JWH-018 since it increased under Progressive Ratio schedule of reinforcement, and was absent in vehicle mice. JWH-018 IVSA was reduced by pretreatment of the CB1-antagonist/inverse agonist AM251. Adolescent exposure to JWH-018 by IVSA increased, at adulthood, both nestlet shredding and marble burying phenotypes, suggesting long-lasting repetitive/compulsive-like behavioral effects. JWH-018 did not affect risk proclivity in the wire-beam bridge task. In adult brains, there was an increase of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) positive cells in the caudate-putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), along with a decrease of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in the CPu. These glial alterations in adult brains were coupled with an increase of the chemokine RANTES and a decrease of the cytokines IL2 and IL13 in the cortex, and an increase of the chemokine MPC1 in the striatum. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests for the first time that male mice self-administer the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 during adolescence. The adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018 leads to long-lasting behavioral and neurochemical aberrations along with glia-mediated inflammatory responses in adult brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Margiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,"Guy Everett" Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio C Pagano Zottola
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Edoardo Fiorillo
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Gunn MP, Rabinovich NE, Martens KM, Lindt JD, Gilbert DG. Effects of Cannabis-Delivered THC on mood and negative attentional bias in the context of positive vs. neutral Alternatives-a pilot study. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2844. [PMID: 35451099 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess: (1) the acute effects of smoked marijuana (MJ) on negative attentional bias (NAB), (2) moderation of these effects by positive versus neutral alternatives, and (3) the associations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced changes in NAB with changes in affect. METHODS Fourteen MJ users (1-4 uses/wk) smoked a THC cigarette on 1 day and a placebo cigarette on the other counterbalanced day. After smoking, participants freely gazed back and forth at a series of two side-by-side pictures pairs presented for 3000 ms (one negative, while the other was either positive or neutral) while eye gaze was tracked. RESULTS The effects of THC relative to placebo varied across time such that THC increased NAB during the early temporal component of threatening picture viewing, 333-858 ms after dual-picture onset, regardless of alternative picture valance. However, contrary to the attentional bias-causes affect hypothesis, during the early viewing phase THC-enhanced positive affect (PA) correlated positively with THC-induced NAB. In contrast, during the late phase (891-3000 ms) THC-enhanced PA did not correlate significantly with NAB, though THC-induced negative affect (NA) change did correlate positively with THC-induced change in NAB in the positive alternative condition. CONCLUSIONS We replicated findings of others showing that THC can enhance NAB during the early stages of threatening picture viewing. We extended previous results by demonstrating the THC-induced NAB is associated with increased PA during initial threat viewing, but with increased NA during later processing if positive alternatives are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Gunn
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Norka E Rabinovich
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Kris M Martens
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA.,Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - John D Lindt
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - David G Gilbert
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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20
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Thome J, Pinger M, Halli P, Durstewitz D, Sommer WH, Kirsch P, Koppe G. A Model Guided Approach to Evoke Homogeneous Behavior During Temporal Reward and Loss Discounting. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:846119. [PMID: 35800024 PMCID: PMC9253427 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.846119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tendency to devaluate future options as a function of time, known as delay discounting, is associated with various factors such as psychiatric illness and personality. Under identical experimental conditions, individuals may therefore strongly differ in the degree to which they discount future options. In delay discounting tasks, this inter-individual variability inevitably results in an unequal number of discounted trials per subject, generating difficulties in linking delay discounting to psychophysiological and neural correlates. Many studies have therefore focused on assessing delay discounting adaptively. Here, we extend these approaches by developing an adaptive paradigm which aims at inducing more comparable and homogeneous discounting frequencies across participants on a dimensional scale. Method The proposed approach probabilistically links a (common) discounting function to behavior to obtain a probabilistic model, and then exploits the model to obtain a formal condition which defines how to construe experimental trials so as to induce any desired discounting probability. We first infer subject-level models on behavior on a non-adaptive delay discounting task and then use these models to generate adaptive trials designed to evoke graded relative discounting frequencies of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 in each participant. We further compare and evaluate common models in the field through out-of-sample prediction error estimates, to iteratively improve the trial-generating model and paradigm. Results The developed paradigm successfully increases discounting behavior during both reward and loss discounting. Moreover, it evokes graded relative choice frequencies in line with model-based expectations (i.e., 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) suggesting that we can successfully homogenize behavior. Our model comparison analyses indicate that hyperboloid models are superior in predicting unseen discounting behavior to more conventional hyperbolic and exponential models. We report out-of-sample error estimates as well as commonalities and differences between reward and loss discounting, demonstrating for instance lower discounting rates, as well as differences in delay perception in loss discounting. Conclusion The present work proposes a model-based framework to evoke graded responses linked to cognitive function at a single subject level. Such a framework may be used in the future to measure cognitive functions on a dimensional rather than dichotomous scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Thome
- Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mathieu Pinger
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Patrick Halli
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Durstewitz
- Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H. Sommer
- Institute for Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Kirsch
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georgia Koppe
- Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Cannabis use as a predictor and outcome of positive and negative affect in college students: An ecological momentary assessment study. Addict Behav 2022; 128:107221. [PMID: 35077928 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reinforcement models identify negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA) to be important momentary determinants and outcomes of cannabis use. Sensitization and allostatic models further suggest that these mood-cannabis associations are stronger among individuals with more cannabis-related problems. Despite this theoretical background and the fact that cannabis is commonly used for its mood-enhancing effects among college students, surprisingly, little is known about the momentary associations between mood and cannabis use in this population. AIMS To examine the associations between (a) momentary within-person variations in NA (worried, stressed, nervous) and PA (happy, enthusiastic, proud, excited) and intention to use cannabis within the next hour, (b) the within-person variations in time elapsed since last cannabis use, amount used and momentary NA and PA, and (c) to test whether cannabis-related problems moderate the stated associations. METHOD Eighty, more-than-weekly, cannabis using students at the University of Amsterdam reported on cannabis use, NA and PA three times daily for 14 consecutive days. Mixed-effects models were performed to analyze the dataset. RESULTS Within-persons, relatively high PA and low NA were associated with a higher likelihood of intending to use cannabis. Within-persons, more recent and greater amounts of cannabis use were associated with relatively high PA. More recent cannabis use was associated with relatively low NA. Cannabis-related problems did not moderate the associations. CONCLUSIONS While recent cannabis use related to higher PA and lower NA, high PA but low NA preceded use, supporting positive reinforcement rather than negative reinforcement in this college sample of regular cannabis users.
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22
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Termine A, Fabrizio C, Gimenez J, Panuccio A, Balsamo F, Passarello N, Caioli S, Saba L, De Bardi M, Della Valle F, Orlando V, Petrosini L, Laricchiuta D. Transcriptomic and Network Analyses Reveal Immune Modulation by Endocannabinoids in Approach/Avoidance Traits. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052538. [PMID: 35269678 PMCID: PMC8910341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Approach and avoidance (A/A) tendencies are stable behavioral traits in responding to rewarding and fearful stimuli. They represent the superordinate division of emotion, and individual differences in such traits are associated with disease susceptibility. The neural circuitry underlying A/A traits is retained to be the cortico-limbic pathway including the amygdala, the central hub for the emotional processing. Furthermore, A/A-specific individual differences are associated with the activity of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and especially of CB1 receptors whose density and functionality in amygdala differ according to A/A traits. ECS markedly interacts with the immune system (IS). However, how the interplay between ECS and IS is associated with A/A individual differences is still ill-defined. To fill this gap, here we analyzed the interaction between the gene expression of ECS and immune system (IS) in relation to individual differences. To unveil the deep architecture of ECS-IS interaction, we performed cell-specific transcriptomics analysis. Differential gene expression profiling, functional enrichment, and protein–protein interaction network analyses were performed in amygdala pyramidal neurons of mice showing different A/A behavioral tendencies. Several altered pro-inflammatory pathways were identified as associated with individual differences in A/A traits, indicating the chronic activation of the adaptive immune response sustained by the interplay between endocannabinoids and the IS. Furthermore, results showed that the interaction between the two systems modulates synaptic plasticity and neuronal metabolism in individual difference-specific manner. Deepening our knowledge about ECS/IS interaction may provide useful targets for treatment and prevention of psychopathology associated with A/A traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Termine
- Data Science Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Carlo Fabrizio
- Data Science Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Juliette Gimenez
- Epigenetics and Genome Reprogramming Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Panuccio
- Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (N.P.); (L.P.)
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Balsamo
- Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (N.P.); (L.P.)
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Passarello
- Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (N.P.); (L.P.)
- Department of Humanities, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Caioli
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
| | - Luana Saba
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, University of Campus Biomedico, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco De Bardi
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Della Valle
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 4700 KAUST, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia; (F.D.V.); (V.O.)
| | - Valerio Orlando
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 4700 KAUST, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia; (F.D.V.); (V.O.)
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (N.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Daniela Laricchiuta
- Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (N.P.); (L.P.)
- Correspondence:
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A naturalistic study of orally administered vs. inhaled legal market cannabis: cannabinoids exposure, intoxication, and impairment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:385-397. [PMID: 34708254 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06007-2] [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: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Published studies examining the effects of cannabis have largely utilized forms of cannabis that are not representative of the legal market products currently available. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to characterize naturalistic use of legal market flower and edible products by examining associations among blood cannabinoids and amount of THC consumed as well as physiological, cognitive, and subjective effects in users of edible and flower forms. METHOD Eighty-four participants who used cannabis at least 1 × /week (55 flower cannabis using participants; 29 edible cannabis using participants mean age = 31.95 years, 44% female) participated. At the experimental appointment in our mobile laboratory, participants completed a blood draw to assess plasma cannabinoids, measures of heart rate, subjective drug effects, and cognition both before and after ad libitum use of legal market flower or edible cannabis. RESULTS Average self-reported THC consumed was 15.97 mg (SD = 22.40) in edible users and 51.25 mg (SD = 45.23) in flower users. In the edible group, but not the flower group, strong correlations emerged between self-reported ad libitum THC consumed and plasma THC. Plasma THC was significantly higher after use of inhaled cannabis, but similar levels of plasma THC metabolites and similar levels of subjective intoxication and verbal memory impairment were observed in both flower and edible users. CONCLUSIONS Findings support strong correlations among ad libitum THC consumed and THC plasma levels after edible cannabis use and suggest few differences in intoxication and impairment between edible and flower cannabis users after ad libitum use. This novel study provides important preliminary data on the pharmacology and effects of legal market edible cannabis.
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Theunissen EL, Kuypers KPC, Mason NL, Ramaekers JG. A Comparison of Acute Neurocognitive and Psychotomimetic Effects of a Synthetic Cannabinoid and Natural Cannabis at Psychotropic Dose Equivalence. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:891811. [PMID: 35664482 PMCID: PMC9160432 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.891811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to differences in potency, efficacy, and affinity for CB1 receptors, similarities and differences in psychoactive effect profiles of natural cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) cannot reliably be derived from equipotent dose comparisons. Instead, the current study proposes to compare the intrinsic psychoactive effects of natural cannabis (THC) and an SC, JWH-018, at psychotropic dose equivalence. Participants from two placebo-controlled studies were matched for their levels of subjective high to compare neurocognitive and psychotomimetic effects of THC and JWH-018. At equal subjective intoxication levels, both drugs impaired psychomotor, divided attention, and impulse control, with no significant difference between the two drugs. Both drugs also caused significant psychotomimetic effects, but dissociative effects were considerably more pronounced for JWH-018 than THC. We conclude that psychotropic dose equivalence provides a uniform approach for comparing the neurocognitive and psychotomimetic profiles of CB1 agonists, which can also be applied to other drug classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eef Lien Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kim Paula Colette Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Natasha Leigh Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Johannes Gerardus Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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MacCallum CA, Lo LA, Pistawka CA, Christiansen A, Boivin M, Snider-Adler M. A Clinical Framework for Assessing Cannabis-Related Impairment Risk. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:883517. [PMID: 35832600 PMCID: PMC9272752 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.883517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinicians play an important role in promoting safe and responsible medical cannabis use. One essential component to safe use is considering a patient's risk of neurocognitive impairment. However, there remains a lack of practical guidance on how clinicians can evaluate this risk for medical cannabis patients. Here, a practical framework is presented for clinicians to assess and stratify cannabis-associated impairment risk. The proposed framework is intended to practically guide healthcare providers in gaining a more comprehensive review of a patient's impairment-related factors. This framework can be used to assess impairment risk for patients currently using or considering medical cannabis and is recommended for all patients who perform safety-sensitive duties. Healthcare providers (HCP) managing patient's medical cannabis or those conducting assessments to determine risk of impairment for safety-sensitive workplaces can utilize this framework to stratify patients' risk of impairment. Such assessments can inform patient-specific needs for support, education, and guidance, to ensure cannabis is used safely and responsibly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A MacCallum
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Lo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carly A Pistawka
- Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - April Christiansen
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Melissa Snider-Adler
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Queen's University School of Medicine, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Chronic ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol administration delays acquisition of schedule-induced drinking in rats and retains long-lasting effects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1359-1372. [PMID: 34436650 PMCID: PMC9110535 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05952-2] [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] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Schedule-induced drinking (SID) is a behavioural phenomenon characterized by an excessive and repetitive drinking pattern with a distinctive temporal distribution that has been proposed as a robust and replicable animal model of compulsivity. Despite cannabis currently being the most widely consumed illicit drug, with growing interest in its clinical applications, little is known about the effects of ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on SID. OBJECTIVES The effects of chronic and acute THC administration on SID acquisition, maintenance and extinction were studied, as were the effects of such administrations on the distinctive temporal distribution pattern of SID. METHODS THC (5 mg/kg i.p.), or the corresponding vehicle, was administered to adult Wistar rats for 14 days in a row. Subsequently, THC effects on SID acquisition were tested during 21 sessions using a 1-h fixed-time 60-s food delivery schedule. Acute effects of THC were also evaluated after SID development. Finally, two extinction sessions were conducted to assess behavioural persistence. RESULTS The results showed that previous chronic THC treatment delayed SID acquisition and altered the distinctive behavioural temporal distribution pattern during sessions. Moreover, acute THC administration after SID development decreased SID performance in animals chronically pre-treated with the drug. No great persistence effects were observed during extinction in animals pre-treated with THC. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that chronic THC affects SID development, confirming that it can disrupt learning, possibly causing alterations in time estimation, and also leads to animals being sensitized when they are re-exposed to the drug after long periods without drug exposure.
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Abstract
As more states in the U.S legalize recreational and medicinal cannabis, rates of driving under the influence of this drug are increasing significantly. Aspects of this emerging public health issue potentially pit science against public policy. The authors believe that the legal cart is currently significantly ahead of the scientific horse. Issues such as detection procedures for cannabis-impaired drivers, and use of blood THC levels to gauge impairment, should rely heavily on current scientific knowledge. However, there are many, often unacknowledged research gaps in these and related areas, that need to be addressed in order provide a more coherent basis for public policies. This review focuses especially on those areas. In this article we review in a focused manner, current information linking cannabis to motor vehicle accidents and examine patterns of cannabis-impairment of driving related behaviors, their time courses, relationship to cannabis dose and THC blood levels, and compare cannabis and alcohol-impaired driving patterns directly. This review also delves into questions of alcohol-cannabis combinations and addresses the basis for of per-se limits in cannabis driving convictions. Finally, we distinguish between areas where research has provided clear answers to the above questions, areas that remain unclear, and make recommendations to fill gaps in current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey D. Pearlson
- Department of Psychiatry, Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Healthcare Corporation, Hartford, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Michael C. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Healthcare Corporation, Hartford, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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BIDWELL LCINNAMON, MARTIN-WILLETT RENÉE, KAROLY HOLLISC. Advancing the science on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 40:900-913. [PMID: 33783029 PMCID: PMC9878551 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES The Cannabis sativa L. plant contains hundreds of phytocannabinoids, but putatively of highest importance to public health risk is the psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with risk for cannabis use disorder, affective disturbance, cognitive harm and psychomotor impairment. Recently, there has been an increase in the use and availability of concentrated cannabis products (or 'concentrates') that are made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant to form a product with THC concentrations as high as 90-95%. These products are increasingly popular nationwide. The literature on these widely available high potency concentrates is limited and there are many unknowns about their potential harms. APPROACH This review covers the state of the research on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health-related outcomes and makes recommendations for advancing the science with studies focused on accurately testing the risks in relation to critical public and behavioural health questions. KEY FINDINGS Data point to unique behavioural health implications of concentrate use. However, causal, controlled and representative research on the effects of cannabis concentrates is currently limited. IMPLICATIONS Future research is needed to explore chronic, acute and developmental effects of concentrates, as well as effects on pulmonary function. We also highlight the need to explore these relationships in diverse populations. CONCLUSION While the literature hints at the potential for these highly potent products to increase cannabis-related behavioural health harms, it is important to carefully design studies that more comprehensively evaluate the impact of concentrates on THC exposure and short- and long-term effects across user groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. CINNAMON BIDWELL
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
| | - RENÉE MARTIN-WILLETT
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
| | - HOLLIS C. KAROLY
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA,Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
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29
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Gordillo IC, Parra GMM, Antelo IF. Association of Addictive Substance Use with Polyvictimization and Acceptance of Violence in Adolescent Couples. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158107. [PMID: 34360400 PMCID: PMC8345987 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Theoretical framework: The objectives of this study were to analyse the possible influence that some variables such as substance use (alcohol and marijuana) might have on relevant aspects related to violence in adolescent dating (victimization, frequency of violence and acceptance of violence). Methods: The sample included 2577 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18. The instruments used were two questionnaires. The first identified and analysed the types and frequency of violence experienced by the victims, and their acceptance of violence. The second analysed the use of alcohol and marijuana in adolescents. Results: The results indicate that victims frequently take on the role of polyvictims, suffering aggression in up to more than five different forms at the same time. Furthermore, it was found that this phenomenon is precipitated by substance use, the frequency of abuse and the acceptance of violence in a cycle of mutual interaction.
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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: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that males and females may be differentially affected by cannabis use. This study evaluated the interaction of cannabis use and biological sex on cognition, and the association between observed cognitive deficits and features of cannabis use. METHODS Cognitive measures were assessed in those with regular, ongoing, cannabis use (N = 40; 22 female) and non-using peers (N = 40; 23 female). Intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal working memory were measured with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Digit Symbol Test, and Digit Span and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, respectively. Associations between cognitive measures and cannabis use features (e.g., lifetime cannabis use, age of initiation, time since last use of cannabis, recent high-concentration tetrahydrocannabinoid exposure) were also evaluated. RESULTS No main effects of group were observed across measures. Significant interactions between group and biological sex were observed on measures of intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal learning, with greatest group differences observed between males with and without regular cannabis use. Psychomotor performance was negatively correlated with lifetime cannabis exposure. Female and male cannabis use groups did not differ in features of cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that biological sex influences the relationship between cannabis and cognition, with males potentially being more vulnerable to the neurocognitive deficits related to cannabis use.
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Abstract
Previous studies show how time perception can be altered by cannabis consumption, but it is not clear yet whether cannabis produces temporal underproductions or overproductions after acute cannabis intoxication. The present study aimed to analyze a sample of 50 regular cannabis users controlling for cannabis strain (sativa, indica, and hybrid) and to compare their scores in a temporal production task before and after consuming cannabis with a control group of 49 nonusers. Results showed that cannabis intake leads to overproductions, suggesting that regular users' internal tempo slows down after acute intoxication. However, the analyses of main effects showed that indica users, both at baseline levels and after consuming, reported significant underproductions compared to controls, sativa, and hybrid users, and the cannabis-induced effects had a higher magnitude after smoking in the indica-strain group. Results highlight the relevance of including the type of strain consumed in cannabis studies, and they are discussed in terms of short- and long-term alterations in temporal perception under the light of the self-medication theory and the therapeutic uses of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Muro
- Department of Basic, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Cladellas
- Department of Basic, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castellà
- Department of Basic, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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Zapata A, Lupica CR. Lateral habenula cannabinoid CB1 receptor involvement in drug-associated impulsive behavior. Neuropharmacology 2021; 192:108604. [PMID: 33965396 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal and human studies show that cannabis or its derivatives can increase relapse to cocaine seeking following withdrawal. Moreover, cannabis use in humans is associated with impulse control deficits and animal studies implicate endogenous cannabinoids (eCB) in several impulsivity constructs. However, the brain areas where cannabinoids might control impulsivity or cocaine seeking are largely unknown. Here, we assess Lateral Habenula (LHb) involvement on performance in the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) in rats and investigate whether LHb cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) are involved in these effects. Systemic cocaine increased premature responding, a measure of impulsivity, at a dose (5 mg/kg) that did not alter other measures of task performance. Intra-LHb infusion of the CB1R antagonist AM251 blocked this effect. Systemic injection of the psychoactive constituent of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, 1 mg/kg), also increased 5CSRTT premature responding at a dose that did not otherwise disrupt task performance. This was blocked by intra-LHb infusion of AM251 in a subgroup of rats showing the largest increases in Δ9-THC-evoked premature responses. Systemic Δ9-THC also prompted impulsive cocaine seeking in a Go/NoGo cocaine self-administration task and this was blocked by intra-LHb AM251. These data show that LHb CB1Rs are involved in deficits in impulse control initiated by cocaine and Δ9-THC, as assessed by the 5CSRTT, and play a role in impulsive cocaine seeking during cocaine self-administration. This suggests that the LHb eCB system contributes to the control of impulsive behavior, and thus represents a potential target for therapeutic treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Zapata
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Cellular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl R Lupica
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Cellular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Crane NA, Phan KL. Effect of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on frontostriatal resting state functional connectivity and subjective euphoric response in healthy young adults. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 221:108565. [PMID: 33592558 PMCID: PMC8026570 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined how Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, impacts brain reward circuitry in humans. In this study, we examined if an acute dose of THC altered resting state functional connectivity between the striatum and prefrontal cortex among healthy young adults with limited cannabis use. METHODS Participants received THC (n = 24) or placebo (n = 22) in a double-blind, randomized, between-subject design. Participants completed self-report measures of euphoria and drug-liking throughout the visit. Approximately 120 min after drug administration, participants completed an 8-min resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scan. We utilized seed-based connectivity of the striatum (bilateral putamen, caudate, and NAcc seeds) to the frontal cortex. RESULTS Individuals who received THC demonstrated greater rs-fMRI connectivity between the right NAcc and regions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) (p-values<0.05, corrected) and higher subjective euphoria ratings (p = .03) compared to compared to individuals who received placebo. Higher ratings of euphoria were related to greater right NAcc-dorsal mPFC (dmPFC) connectivity for the THC group (p=.03), but not for the placebo group (p=.98). CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies to examine rs-fMRI connectivity in healthy young non-users after THC administration. We found individuals receiving THC show greater rs-fMRI connectivity between the NAcc and mPFC, regions implicated in reward, compared to individuals receiving placebo. In addition, individuals receiving THC reported higher subjective euphoria ratings, which were positively associated with NAcc-dmPFC connectivity. Overall, our findings suggest THC may produce subjective and neural reward responses that contribute to the rewarding, reinforcing properties of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K. Luan Phan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at
Chicago,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio
State University
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35
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Rinehart L, Spencer S. Which came first: Cannabis use or deficits in impulse control? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110066. [PMID: 32795592 PMCID: PMC7750254 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Impulse control deficits are often found to co-occur with substance use disorders (SUDs). On the one hand, it is well known that chronic intake of drugs of abuse remodels the brain with significant consequences for a range of cognitive behaviors. On the other hand, individual variation in impulse control may contribute to differences in susceptibility to SUDs. Both of these relationships have been described, thus leading to a "chicken or the egg" debate which remains to be fully resolved. Does impulsivity precede drug use or does it manifest as a function of problematic drug usage? The link between impulsivity and SUDs has been most strongly established for cocaine and alcohol use disorders using both preclinical models and clinical data. Much less is known about the potential link between impulsivity and cannabis use disorder (CUD) or the directionality of this relationship. The initiation of cannabis use occurs most often during adolescence prior to the brain's maturation, which is recognized as a critical period of development. The long-term effects of chronic cannabis use on the brain and behavior have started to be explored. In this review we will summarize these observations, especially as they pertain to the relationship between impulsivity and CUD, from both a psychological and biological perspective. We will discuss impulsivity as a multi-dimensional construct and attempt to reconcile the results obtained across modalities. Finally, we will discuss possible avenues for future research with emerging longitudinal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Rinehart
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Sade Spencer
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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36
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McCartney D, Arkell TR, Irwin C, McGregor IS. Determining the magnitude and duration of acute Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC)-induced driving and cognitive impairment: A systematic and meta-analytic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:175-193. [PMID: 33497784 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The increasing legal availability of cannabis has important implications for road safety. This systematic review characterised the acute effects of Δ9-THC on driving performance and driving-related cognitive skills, with a particular focus on the duration of Δ9-THC-induced impairment. Eighty publications and 1534 outcomes were reviewed. Several measures of driving performance and driving-related cognitive skills (e.g. lateral control, tracking, divided attention) demonstrated impairment in meta-analyses of "peak" Δ9-THC effects (p's<0.05). Multiple meta-regression analyses further found that regular cannabis users experianced less impairment than 'other' (mostly occasional) cannabis users (p = 0.003) and that the magnitude of oral (n = 243 effect estimates [EE]) and inhaled (n = 481 EEs) Δ9-THC-induced impairment depended on various factors (dose, post-treatment time interval, the performance domain (skill) assessed) in other cannabis users (p's<0.05). The latter model predicted that most driving-related cognitive skills would 'recover' (Hedges' g=-0.25) within ∼5-hs (and almost all within ∼7-hs) of inhaling 20 mg of Δ9-THC; oral Δ9-THC-induced impairment may take longer to subside. These results suggest individuals should wait at least 5 -hs following inhaled cannabis use before performing safety-sensitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCartney
- The University of Sydney, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Thomas R Arkell
- The University of Sydney, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Irwin
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- The University of Sydney, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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37
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Zhornitsky S, Pelletier J, Assaf R, Giroux S, Li CSR, Potvin S. Acute effects of partial CB 1 receptor agonists on cognition - A meta-analysis of human studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110063. [PMID: 32791166 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment in cognition is frequently associated with acute cannabis consumption. However, some questions remain unanswered as to which deficits are most prominent and which demographic groups are most vulnerable. METHODS A literature search yielded 52 experimental studies of acute administration of partial CB1 receptor agonists (i.e. cannabis, THC, and nabilone) that assessed cognitive dysfunction in 1580 healthy volunteers. Effect size estimates were calculated using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis for the following six cognitive domains: attention, executive functions, impulsivity, speed of processing, verbal learning/memory, and working memory. RESULTS There were small-to-moderate impairments across all cognitive domains. Deficits in verbal learning/memory and working memory were more prominent, whereas attention and impulsivity were the least affected. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the greater the male ratio is in a sample, the greater the negative effect of cannabinoids on speed of processing and impulsivity. Analysis of route of administration showed that the deficits in speed of processing were smaller in the oral, relative to smoking, vaping, and intravenous administration studies. A publication bias was observed. DISCUSSION Verbal learning/memory and working memory are most prominently affected by acute administration of partial CB1 receptor agonists. The results are consistent with the residual cognitive effects that have been documented among chronic cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States of America
| | - Julie Pelletier
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Roxane Assaf
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Giroux
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States of America; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States of America; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States of America
| | - Stephane Potvin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Sorkhou M, Bedder RH, George TP. The Behavioral Sequelae of Cannabis Use in Healthy People: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:630247. [PMID: 33664685 PMCID: PMC7920961 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.630247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabis is known to have a broad range of effects on behavior, including experiencing a "high" and tranquility/relaxation. However, there are several adverse behavioral sequalae that can arise from cannabis use, depending on frequency of use, potency (e.g., THC content), age of onset, and cumulative exposure. This systematic review examined evidence for cannabis-related adverse behavioral sequalae in otherwise healthy human subjects. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies from 1990 to 2020 that identified cannabis-related adverse behavioral outcomes in subjects without psychiatric and medical co-morbidities from PubMed and PsychInfo searches. Key search terms included "cannabis" OR "tetrahydrocannabinol" OR "cannabidiol" OR "marijuana" AND "anxiety" OR "depression" OR "psychosis" OR "schizophrenia" "OR "IQ" OR "memory" OR "attention" OR "impulsivity" OR "cognition" OR "education" OR "occupation". Results: Our search detected a total of 2,870 studies, from which we extracted 124 relevant studies from the literature on cannabis effects in the non-clinical population. Effects of cannabis on several behavioral sequelae including cognition, motivation, impulsivity, mood, anxiety, psychosis intelligence, and psychosocial functioning were identified. The preponderance of the evidence suggests that frequency of cannabis use, THC (but not CBD) content, age of onset, and cumulative cannabis exposure can all contribute to these adverse outcomes in individuals without a pre-existing medical condition or psychiatric disorder. The strongest evidence for the negative effects of cannabis are for psychosis and psychosocial functioning. Conclusions: Although more research is needed to determine risk factors for development of adverse behavioral sequelae of cannabis use, these findings underline the importance of understanding vulnerability to the adverse effects of cannabis, which has implications for prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sorkhou
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel H Bedder
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony P George
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Pallanti S, Marras A, Makris N. A Research Domain Criteria Approach to Gambling Disorder and Behavioral Addictions: Decision-Making, Response Inhibition, and the Role of Cannabidiol. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:634418. [PMID: 34603091 PMCID: PMC8484302 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.634418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gambling Disorder (GD) has been recently re-classified in the DSM-5 under the "substance-related and addictive disorders," in light of its genetic, endophenotypic, and phenotypic resemblances to substance dependence. Diminished control is a core defining concept of psychoactive substance dependence or addiction and has given rise to the concept of "behavioral" addictions, which are syndromes analogous to substance addiction, but with a behavioral focus other than ingestion of a psychoactive substance. The main symptom clusters are represented by loss of control, craving/withdrawal, and neglect of other areas of life, whereas in a Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) perspective, GD patients exhibit deficits in the domain of "Positive valence systems," particularly in the "Approach motivation" and "Reward learning" constructs, as well as in the "Cognitive systems," primarily in the "Cognitive control" construct. In the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment (ANA), three relevant domains for addictions emerge: "Incentive salience," "Negative Emotionality," and "Executive Function." The endocannabinoid system (ECS) may largely modulate these circuits, presenting a promising pharmaceutical avenue for treating addictions. Up to now, research on cannabidiol has shown some efficacy in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), whereas in behavioral addictions its role has not been fully elucidated, as well as its precise action on RDoC domains. Herein, we review available evidence on RDoC domains affected in GD and behavioral addictions and summarize insights on the use of cannabidiol in those disorders and its potential mechanisms of action on reward, decisional, and sensorimotor processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pallanti
- Institute of Neurosciences, Florence, Italy.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anna Marras
- Institute of Neurosciences, Florence, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nikolaos Makris
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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40
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Li E, Hing N, Russell AMT, Vitartas P. Impulsive Sports Betting: The Effects of Food or Substance Consumption. J Gambl Stud 2020; 36:539-554. [PMID: 32266648 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore how food or substance consumption (e.g., experiencing hunger, or having consumed alcohol or recreational drugs) could shape consumer impulsive spending on sports betting products. Based on a large online sample of Australian sports bettors, we found that participants with higher hunger level, or having consumed more alcohol or recreational drugs, tended to have increased impulsive bet size. These impulsiveness effects had both direct and indirect effect components. The significant direct effects confirmed that positive relationships directly existed between hunger, alcohol consumption, or recreational drug consumption and impulsive bet size, even when all potential mediators and covariates were statistically controlled. Moreover, results regarding specific indirect effects demonstrated that hunger, alcohol consumption, or recreational drug consumption was also indirectly linked with impulsive bet size, via their relationships with both promotional and financial influences, rather than social influences. Furthermore, participants' Problem Gambling Severity Index score was positively associated with their impulsive bet size. These findings support and complement the literature on impulsivity as well as the research on strategies for staying in control of gambling, and have implications for consumers, regulators, and treatment/help providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Li
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Business and Law, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia.
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Vitartas
- Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Marketing, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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41
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McPhail A, Whelan JP, Peter SC, Li Q, Winters KC, Meyers AW. Sweetening the pot: Exploring differences between frequent gamblers who do and do not gamble under the influence of cannabis. Addict Behav 2020; 110:106531. [PMID: 32682270 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The legalization of recreational cannabis for adults is becoming more common across the United States of America, as well as other counties around the world. Previous research has documented shared risk factors between cannabis use and gambling. Experimental studies have shown cognitive effects of cannabis that might influence gambling behavior. The current study explored demographics, gambling behaviors, and mental health differences based on the degree to which individuals use cannabis while they gamble. Individuals (N = 805) who gambled at least weekly completed an online survey. Thirty percent reported gambling under the influence of cannabis. Of these individuals, 41% reported using cannabis 25% of the time that they gambled, 31% reported being under the influence 50% of the time when gambling, 16% were under the influence 75% of the time when gambling, and 13% reported always or almost always gambling under the influence of cannabis. Those who reported gambling while under the influence of cannabis were more likely to be younger, non-white and non-heterosexual. They also reported higher levels of psychological distress, were more likely to have had a diagnosis of ADHD and a history of treatment for gambling, substance use, or other kinds of mental health concerns. Individuals who used cannabis while gambling also reported gambling more frequently than those who did not. This study provides one of the first explorations into who uses cannabis while gambling. Future experimental studies are required to investigate the direct effects of cannabis on gambling behaviors.
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42
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Williams J, van Ours JC. Hazardous or not? Cannabis use and early labor market experiences of young men. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2020; 29:1148-1160. [PMID: 32656866 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We study the relationship between cannabis use and early labor market experiences of young men, focusing on the time it takes them to find their first job, and the wage rate they receive at that job. We find that early cannabis users accept job offers more quickly and at a lower wage rate compared with otherwise similar males who did not use cannabis. These differences are present only for those who use cannabis for longer than a year before starting their job search. We also find that early cannabis users are less likely to return to education and, as a consequence, will have a lower educational attainment. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the direct and indirect relationships between cannabis use and early labor market experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Williams
- Department of Economics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Applied Economics, IZA, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan C van Ours
- Department of Applied Economics, IZA, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Applied Economics, Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Tinbergen Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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43
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Adam KCS, Doss MK, Pabon E, Vogel EK, de Wit H. Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairs visual working memory performance: a randomized crossover trial. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1807-1816. [PMID: 32386395 PMCID: PMC7608353 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0690-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of legal cannabis use and availability, there is an urgent need to identify cognitive impairments related to its use. It is widely believed that cannabis, or its main psychoactive component Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), impairs working memory, i.e., the ability to temporarily hold information in mind. However, our review of the literature yielded surprisingly little empirical support for an effect of THC or cannabis on working memory. We thus conducted a study with three main goals: (1) quantify the effect of THC on visual working memory in a well-powered sample, (2) test the potential role of cognitive effects (mind wandering and metacognition) in disrupting working memory, and (3) demonstrate how insufficient sample size and task duration reduce the likelihood of detecting a drug effect. We conducted two double-blind, randomized crossover experiments in which healthy adults (N = 23, 23) performed a reliable and validated visual working memory task (the "Discrete Whole Report task", 90 trials) after administration of THC (7.5 and/or 15 mg oral) or placebo. We also assessed self-reported "mind wandering" (Exp 1) and metacognitive accuracy about ongoing task performance (Exp 2). THC impaired working memory performance (d = 0.65), increased mind wandering (Exp 1), and decreased metacognitive accuracy about task performance (Exp 2). Thus, our findings indicate that THC does impair visual working memory, and that this impairment may be related to both increased mind wandering and decreased monitoring of task performance. Finally, we used a down-sampling procedure to illustrate the effects of task length and sample size on power to detect the acute effect of THC on working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C S Adam
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Institute for Neural Computation, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Manoj K Doss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elisa Pabon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology, and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edward K Vogel
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology, and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Mind and Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kroon E, Kuhns L, Cousijn J. The short-term and long-term effects of cannabis on cognition: recent advances in the field. Curr Opin Psychol 2020; 38:49-55. [PMID: 32823178 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent evidence for the short-term and long-term effects of cannabis on cognition. The evidence that cannabis intoxication is associated with short-term impairment across several basal cognitive domains, including learning and (episodic) memory, attentional control, and motor inhibition is increasing. However, evidence regarding the effects of long-term heavy cannabis use on cognition remains equivocal. Cannabis research suffers from difficulties in measuring cannabis exposure history, poor control over potential subacute effects, and heterogeneity in cognitive measures and sample composition. Multidisciplinary collaborations and investment in studies that help overcome these difficulties should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Kroon
- Neuroscience of Addiction (NofA) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; The Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lauren Kuhns
- Neuroscience of Addiction (NofA) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; The Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Neuroscience of Addiction (NofA) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; The Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kan E, Beardslee J, Frick PJ, Steinberg L, Cauffman E. Marijuana Use Among Justice-Involved Youths After California Statewide Legalization, 2015-2018. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:1386-1392. [PMID: 32673115 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To determine the impact of California's recreational marijuana legalization on marijuana use among justice system-involved (JSI) adolescents and young adults, and to distinguish whether any changes resulted from legalization (passing the law) or from implementation of the law.Methods. We compared changes in JSI youths' marijuana use in 2 states: California (n = 504), where recreational marijuana use was recently legalized, and Pennsylvania (n = 478), where recreational use is still prohibited. Furthermore, we examined changes in marijuana use across 3 key time periods (October 2015-June 2018): before legalization, after legalization but before implementation, and after implementation.Results. California JSI youths did not demonstrate a significant increase in marijuana use after legalization (b = -0.010; P = .950) or implementation (b = -0.046; P = .846). However, in Pennsylvania, rates of marijuana use increased significantly after legalization (b = 0.602; P = .001) but not after implementation (b = 0.174; P = .533).Conclusions. Although recreational marijuana legalization was not associated with changes in marijuana use among youths in California, we observed increased rates of use in Pennsylvania after legalization in California. Recreational marijuana laws may be indirectly related to youths' marijuana use by supporting more permissive national attitudes toward marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kan
- Emily Kan, Jordan Beardslee, and Elizabeth Cauffman are with the Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine. Paul J. Frick is with the Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and the Department of Education and the Arts, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia. Laurence Steinberg is with the Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and the Department of Psychology, King Abdulaziz University, Jedda, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jordan Beardslee
- Emily Kan, Jordan Beardslee, and Elizabeth Cauffman are with the Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine. Paul J. Frick is with the Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and the Department of Education and the Arts, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia. Laurence Steinberg is with the Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and the Department of Psychology, King Abdulaziz University, Jedda, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul J Frick
- Emily Kan, Jordan Beardslee, and Elizabeth Cauffman are with the Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine. Paul J. Frick is with the Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and the Department of Education and the Arts, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia. Laurence Steinberg is with the Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and the Department of Psychology, King Abdulaziz University, Jedda, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laurence Steinberg
- Emily Kan, Jordan Beardslee, and Elizabeth Cauffman are with the Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine. Paul J. Frick is with the Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and the Department of Education and the Arts, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia. Laurence Steinberg is with the Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and the Department of Psychology, King Abdulaziz University, Jedda, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elizabeth Cauffman
- Emily Kan, Jordan Beardslee, and Elizabeth Cauffman are with the Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine. Paul J. Frick is with the Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and the Department of Education and the Arts, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia. Laurence Steinberg is with the Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and the Department of Psychology, King Abdulaziz University, Jedda, Saudi Arabia
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Liao WT, Chang CL, Hsiao YT. Activation of cannabinoid type 1 receptors decreases the synchronization of local field potential oscillations in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex and prolongs the interresponse time during a differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate task. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:4249-4266. [PMID: 32510690 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana intoxication impairs neurocognitive functions. Common side effects of consuming cannabis include time distortion and memory loss. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms involved in these effects remain unclear. We hypothesized that communication between the hippocampal CA1 region and medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) is essential for the transmission of temporal-associated information. We used a differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) task, which requires subjects to press a lever at an optimal time point, to correlate the distributions of interresponse time (IRT) with local field potentials (LFPs) recorded in the CA1 and MEC under the effects of a cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor agonist. We used a DRL 10-s schedule and trained the rats to withhold for 10 s before pressing a lever. Our data showed that the percentage of 12.4- to 14-s IRT events rose after activation of CB1 receptors in the MEC. In addition, gamma amplitude synchronization and CA1 theta phase-MEC gamma amplitude coupling decreased during the 6- to 14-s IRT events. These results suggest that activation of CB1 receptors in the MEC disrupt the functional connectivity between the CA1 and the MEC. This inefficient communication may result in increased IRT during a DRL schedule. Overall, we postulate that marijuana intoxication impairs the communication between the CA1 and MEC and influences behavioral performances that require precise timing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ting Liao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Lin Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tse Hsiao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Matheson J, Mann RE, Sproule B, Huestis MA, Wickens CM, Stoduto G, George TP, Rehm J, Le Foll B, Brands B. Acute and residual mood and cognitive performance of young adults following smoked cannabis. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 194:172937. [PMID: 32360692 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine acute and residual mood and cognitive performance in young adult regular cannabis users following smoked cannabis. METHODS Ninety-one healthy young adults completed this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups study. Participants were randomized to receive active (12.5% THC) or placebo cannabis with a 2:1 allocation ratio, and mood [Profile of Mood States (POMS)] and cognitive performance [Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised (HVLT-R), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Continuous Performance Test (CPT), grooved pegboard (GPB)] were assessed before and 1, 24, and 48 (h) after smoking cannabis ad libitum. High and Low THC groups were based on blood THC concentrations. RESULTS One hour after smoking cannabis, compared to Placebo, in both the High and Low THC groups, there were increases in POMS Arousal and Positive Mood, and in the High THC group only, increases in Confusion, Friendliness, and Elation, and a decrease in Fatigue. Increases in Friendliness and Elation in the High THC group remained significant for 24 h. The only significant acute effect of cannabis on cognition was a decrease in the percent of words retained in the HVLT-R in the High THC group compared to Placebo (mean difference = 15.8%, 95% CI = 3.6-28.0%, p = 0.006). Unexpectedly, compared to Placebo, both the High and Low THC groups improved in DSST performance at 48 h (p ≤ 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Under the present experimental conditions, in young regular cannabis users, smoking cannabis ad libitum had significant effects on mood, some of which persisted 24 h later, yet minimal effects on cognition, and no evidence of residual cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Matheson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S3H7, Canada; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S2S1, Canada.
| | - Robert E Mann
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Beth Sproule
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S3M2, Canada; Pharmacy Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street, Toronto, Ontario M6J1H4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Christine M Wickens
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Gina Stoduto
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S2S1, Canada
| | - Tony P George
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T1R8, Canada; Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Stokes Street, Toronto, Ontario M6J1H4, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S3H7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T1R8, Canada; Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Stokes Street, Toronto, Ontario M6J1H4, Canada; Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S2S1, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Bruna Brands
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S3H7, Canada; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S2S1, Canada; Controlled Substances and Cannabis Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
The opioid epidemic underscores the need for safer and more effective treatments for pain. Combining opioid receptor agonists with drugs that relieve pain through nonopioid mechanisms could be a useful strategy for reducing the dose of opioid needed to treat pain, thereby reducing risks associated with opioids alone. Opioid/cannabinoid mixtures might be useful in this context; individually, opioids and cannabinoids have modest effects on cognition, and it is important to determine whether those effects occur with mixtures. Delay discounting and delayed matching-to-sample tasks were used to examine effects of the mu-opioid receptor agonist morphine (0.32-5.6 mg/kg), the cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptor agonist CP55940 (0.0032-0.1 mg/kg), and morphine/CP55940 mixtures on impulsivity (n = 3) and memory (n = 4) in rhesus monkeys. Alone, each drug decreased rate of responding without modifying choice in the delay-discounting task, and morphine/CP55940 mixtures reduced choice of one pellet in a delay dependent manner, with monkeys instead choosing delayed delivery of the larger number of pellets. With the exception of one dose in one monkey, accuracy in the delayed matching-to-sample task was not altered by either drug alone. Morphine/CP55940 mixtures decreased accuracy in two monkeys, but the doses in the mixture were equal to or greater than doses that decreased accuracy or response rate with either drug alone. Rate-decreasing effects of morphine/CP55940 mixtures were additive. These data support the notion that opioid/cannabinoid mixtures that might be effective for treating pain do not have greater, and might have less, adverse effects compared with larger doses of each drug alone.
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Abstract
Given the aging Baby Boomer generation, changes in cannabis legislation, and the growing acknowledgment of cannabis for its therapeutic potential, it is predicted that cannabis use in the older population will escalate. It is, therefore, important to determine the interaction between the effects of cannabis and aging. The aim of this report is to describe the link between cannabis use and the aging brain. Our review of the literature found few and inconsistent empirical studies that directly address the impact of cannabis use on the aging brain. However, research focused on long-term cannabis use points toward cumulative effects on multimodal systems in the brain that are similarly affected during aging. Specifically, the effects of cannabis and aging converge on overlapping networks in the endocannabinoid, opioid, and dopamine systems that may affect functional decline particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are critical areas for memory and executive functioning. To conclude, despite the limited current knowledge on the potential interactive effects between cannabis and aging, evidence from the literature suggests that cannabis and aging effects are concurrently present across several neurotransmitter systems. There is a great need for future research to directly test the interactions between cannabis and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Bin Yoo
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer DiMuzio
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Francesca M Filbey
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Chen HT, Mackie K. Adolescent Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Selectively Impairs Working Memory but Not Several Other mPFC-Mediated Behaviors. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:576214. [PMID: 33262712 PMCID: PMC7688511 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.576214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As the frequency of cannabis use by 14-16-year-olds increases, it becomes increasingly important to understand the effect of cannabis on the developing central nervous system. Using mice as a model system, we treated adolescent (28 day old) C57BL6/J mice of both sexes for 3 weeks with 3 mg/kg tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Starting a week after the last treatment, several cognitive behaviors were analyzed. Mice treated with THC as adolescents acquired proficiency in a working memory task more slowly than vehicle-treated mice. Working memory recall in both sexes of THC-treated mice was also deficient during increasing cognitive load compared to vehicle-treated mice. Our adolescent THC treatment did not strongly affect social preference, anxiety behaviors, or decision-making behaviors on the elevated T maze task. In summary, under the conditions of this study, adolescent THC treatment of mice markedly affected the establishment, and persistence of working memory, while having little effect on decision-making, social preference or anxiety behaviors. This study provides further support that adolescent THC affects specific behavioral domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ting Chen
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Gill Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Gill Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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