TOPLINE:
Heavy lifetime cannabis use is linked to reduced brain activation during working memory tasks in young adults, while recent use is also associated with reduced activation during cognitive tasks, new research shows.
METHODOLOGY:
- Researchers analyzed data collected between 2012 and 2015 from the Human Connectome Project.
- The cross-sectional study included more than 1000 young adults aged 22-36 years (mean age, 29 years; 53% women; 76% White individuals)
- Participants were categorized as heavy cannabis users (≥ 1000 lifetime uses; 9%), moderate users (11-999 lifetime uses; 18%), or nonusers (≤ 10 lifetime uses; 73%). Recent use was determined using urine toxicology screening.
- Participants underwent MRI while performing seven cognitive tasks assessing working memory; reward, emotion, and language processing; motor…