NCJ Number
218729
Journal
Criminal Behavior and Mental Health Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 113-117
Date Published
2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed the brain mechanisms that mediate the disinhibiting effects of cannabis.
Abstract
The findings indicate that overall acute cannabis negatively affects cognitive abilities, including executive control, decisionmaking, and planning, all of which are important components of goal-directed behavior. Specifically, the results revealed disruption of the Go/No Go contingent negative variation (CNV), which indicates acute cannabis intoxication. This cannabis intoxication was accompanied by impairment of brain function related to goal-directed activity. The effects of acute cannabis on Go/No Go CNV resembled effects reported in patients with lesions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Results also suggest a neural mechanism that causes disinhibition of angry aggression, which may predispose cannabis users to acts of violence while in a psychotic state. The findings are preliminary and should not be taken to mean that all adolescent cannabis users are at increased risk for impairments in goal-directed behavior or violence. The preliminary findings of this study warrant more large-scale studies of the negative consequences of cannabis use. Participants were five men between the ages of 22 and 36 years who were recruited from a larger study assessing a salivary measure of THC. All participants reported regular use of cannabis, defined as 2 to 12 times monthly, no other illicit substance use, and no history or symptoms of mental disorder. Participants abstained from cannabis use for a period of 7 days preceding the study. Each participant underwent a Go/No Go CNV recording and EEG was recorded on the left and right central sites and on the vertex. A prefrontal channel monitored blinks and eye movements. Three recordings were done: (1) baseline; (2) while participant smoked cannabis; and (3) 20 to 40 minutes after smoking marijuana. Participants completed a mood adjective checklist prior to and immediately after each recording. Figure, references