J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.  2019 Oct;25(3):183-191. 10.0000/jksbtp.2019.25.3.183.

The Psychiatric Effects of Cannabis

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea. because99@hanmail.net

Abstract

With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada and 11 states of the U.S., the interest surrounding cannabis use is increasing. However, many people and even clinicians in Korea do not have exact knowledge about the psychiatric consequences of cannabis use. In this narrative review, the characteristics of cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, and the psychiatric consequences of cannabis use were provided. Cannabis contains more than 80 cannabinoids in the native plant. Psychotropic properties of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are most well studied. The two main receptors are cannabinoid-1 receptor and cannabinoid-2 receptor. Several endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, act on the receptors as the endogenous ligands. Cannabis influences mood, cognitive functions, and psychomotor functions in acute phase responses, increasing the odds ratio for motor vehicle crashes. Long-term cannabis use is associated with various psychotic outcomes, including the development of schizophrenia, although there is interindividual variability. Cannabis adversely influences learning, memory, and attention. More frequent, persistent, and earlier onset cannabis use is associated with greater cognitive impairment. The chronic cognitive effects of cannabis are complex and controversial. Cannabis has addictive potential, and cannabis use disorder is common. Clinicians should have evidence-based knowledge about the consequences of cannabis use and communicate accurate information about cannabis use and its associated risks to the public.

Keyword

Cannabis; Endocannabinoids; Marijuana abuse; Psychoses, substance-induced; Cognitive dysfunction

MeSH Terms

Canada
Cannabidiol
Cannabinoids
Cannabis*
Cognition
Cognition Disorders
Endocannabinoids
Korea
Learning
Ligands
Marijuana Abuse
Memory
Motor Vehicles
Odds Ratio
Plants
Psychoses, Substance-Induced
Schizophrenia
Cannabidiol
Cannabinoids
Endocannabinoids
Ligands
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