Abstract
Marijuana (MJ) remains the most widely used illicit drug of abuse, and accordingly, is associated with adverse effects on mental and physical health, and neurocognitive decline. Studies investigating the neurobiology of underlying MJ effects have demonstrated structural and functional alterations in brain areas that contain moderate to high concentrations of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors and that are implicated in MJ-related cognitive decrements. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS), a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess neurochemistry, has been widely applied to probe a variety of substance-abusing populations. To date, however, there is a relative paucity of MRS published studies characterizing changes in neurometabolite concentrations in MJ users. Thus, the current review provides a summary of data from the eight existing MRS studies of MJ use in adolescents and adults, as well as interpretations and implications of study findings. Future MRS studies that address additional factors such as sex differences, onset and duration of use, abstinence and age, are warranted, and would lead to a more thorough characterization of potential neurochemical correlates of chronic MJ use, which would fill critical gaps in the existing literature.
Highlights
Marijuana (MJ) research continues to be a major area of investigation, since it remains the most widely used illicit drug of abuse in the United States [1]
In a MRS study by Hermann and colleagues, lower NAA/tCr ratios were observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of recreational MJ users [44]
Cowan et al based on previous evidence that the neuronal marker NAA and the glial marker mI are altered in ecstasy users, examined the influence of lifetime cannabis use in combination with recreational ecstasy use [45]
Summary
Marijuana (MJ) research continues to be a major area of investigation, since it remains the most widely used illicit drug of abuse in the United States [1]. Frequent long-term MJ use can have serious adverse effects on mental and physical health, as well as work performance, family and school interactions [2]. It is not surprising that MJ use has been increasing among teens, as perceived risks associated with MJ use have been falling over the past five years, as well as a decline in disapproval of using MJ [3]. The availability of MJ and early age of onset of use has been shown to be highly predictive of MJ use initiation, frequency of use, and MJ dependence [4]. Given that adolescence is a developmental period characterized by rapid functional and structural brain changes, identifying neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities associated with early and escalating MJ use during adolescence and the enduring effects of continued heavy use into adulthood, are critical [5]
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