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Cognitive consequences of cannabis use

ScienceDirect - Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior : Cognitive consequences of cannabis use: Comparison with abuse of stimulants and heroin with regard to attention, memory and executive functions

Cognitive consequences of cannabis use: Comparison with abuse of stimulants and heroin with regard to attention, memory and executive functions

Thomas Lundqvist,
Drug Addiction Treatment Centre, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
Received 18 June 2004; revised 24 January 2005; accepted 27 February 2005. Available online 31 May 2005.

Abstract

This review aims to compare cognitive consequence between cannabis, and stimulants and heroin with regards to attention, memory and executive functions. The available studies using brain imaging techniques and neuropsychological tests show that acutely, all drugs create a disharmony in the neuropsychological network, causing a decrease of activity in areas responsible for short-term memory and attention, with the possible exception of heroin. Cannabis induces loss of internal control and cognitive impairment, especially of attention and memory, for the duration of intoxication. Heavy cannabis use is associated with reduced function of the attentional/executive system, as exhibited by decreased mental flexibility, increased perserveration, and reduced learning, to shift and/or sustain attention.
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