Impaired contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequency in cannabis users with early onset

Abstract

The regular use of cannabis generates pronounced cognitive disorders, especially in users who begin before the age of 15–16. However, less is known about the impact of regular cannabis on visual function, especially in the case of early onset. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1) are expressed in areas of the visual system, like the thalamus and primary cortex, which might originate sensory disorders. Hence, we measured contrast sensitivity (CS) in three groups, i.e. cannabis users with late onset of cannabis use (after 16 years old), cannabis users with early onset”. We used a constant method which allowed us to control for biased responses. Stimuli were presented at high and low spatial frequencies and in both static and dynamic conditions (8Hz). As contrast sensitivity is measured behaviorally based on an explicit response and could thus be impacted by attentional or vigilance disorders, participants' attention and vigilance were carefully monitored by means of the D2 test, CPT-AX for attention and pupillography for vigilance. Cannabis users with early onset were significantly impaired only at low spatial frequency. This effect was independent of response bias, vigilance and attention. These results show for the first time that early cannabis use impacts contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequency.