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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Does cannabis use affect prospective memory in young adults?
Janice Bartholomew1, Steve Holroyd, Thomas M Heffernan
1Cognition and Communication Research Centre, School of Psychology and Sport Science, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. janice.bartholomew@northumbria.ac.uk
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|October 15, 2009
Summary
Young adults using cannabis showed significant prospective memory deficits in a video task, recalling fewer details than non-users. These cannabis-related memory impairments may go unnoticed by users.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Prospective memory is crucial for daily functioning.
- Cannabis use is prevalent among young adults.
- Potential cognitive impacts of cannabis use require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prospective memory impairments in young adult cannabis users.
- To compare memory performance between cannabis users and non-users.
- To assess awareness of memory deficits in cannabis users.
Main Methods:
- Independent measures design with existing groups of cannabis users and non-users.
- Participants: 90 UK undergraduates.
- Measures: Prospective Memory Questionnaire, video-based prospective memory task, memory strategies, anxiety, depression, and other substance use.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in self-reported prospective memory failures.
- Cannabis users recalled significantly fewer location-action combinations in the video task.
- Controlled for anxiety, depression, and other substance use.
Conclusions:
- Cannabis use is associated with objective prospective memory deficits in young adults.
- Young adult cannabis users may underestimate their memory impairments.
- Further research needed to understand the long-term effects and awareness of cannabis-related memory deficits.
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