THE ESSENTIAL
- According to the latest survey by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Trends, the profile of cannabis smokers has evolved and aged.
- Their average age has increased significantly in recent years, from 25 in 1992 to 33 today.
- Despite this drop in consumption among young people, France remains the European country where 15-34 year olds smoke the most cannabis.
Researchers from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Canada) have shown that chronic exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, during adolescence can induce long-term memory impairment and increased anxiety levels.
Exposure to THC induces long-lasting disorders in adolescents
The study, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, focused on rodents and looked at two specific parts of the brain – the dorsal and ventral regions of the hippocampus. The researchers identified evidence for different sets of molecular and neuronal abnormalities in each of these regions following exposure to THC. These abnormalities might be independently responsible for the cognitive and emotional side effects of cannabis.
The study confirms previous work showing that exposure to THC during adolescence can induce long-lasting disorders. “There is a need to expand knowledge regarding the potential negative consequences of cannabis exposure during adolescence and this study fills some of these gaps”said Marta De Felice, lead author of the study, in a communiqué.
Cannabis: more targeted interventions might counter the symptoms
The aim of this research was also to lead to a better understanding of the risks of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophreniain case of sustained cannabis use during adolescence.
“Adolescents who use cannabis may not be thinking regarding long-term negative impacts. Our results suggest that cannabis use in their home may affect cognitive and emotional functions through different brain pathways”explained Professor Steven Laviolette, also the lead author of the study. “The detailed anatomical results of the study give us a chance to use more targeted interventions that might reverse long-lasting impairments and symptoms following cannabis exposure during adolescence.”he added.
