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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
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Effect of high-potency cannabis on corpus callosum microstructure
S Rigucci1, T R Marques2, M Di Forti2
1Department of Neurosciences,Mental Health and Sensory Organs,Sapienza University of Rome,Rome,Italy.
Psychological Medicine
|November 27, 2015
Summary
Frequent use of high-potency cannabis is linked to altered brain structure in the corpus callosum for both psychosis patients and healthy individuals. This highlights potential risks associated with potent cannabis preparations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Cannabis use, particularly high-potency strains, is linked to increased psychosis risk and earlier onset.
- The impact of cannabis potency on brain morphology remains underexplored.
- Research is needed to understand how cannabis potency and usage patterns affect brain structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cannabis potency, usage patterns, and corpus callosum (CC) microstructural organization.
- To compare these effects in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and individuals without psychosis.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography was used to analyze the CC in 56 FEP patients and 43 controls.
- The CC was virtually dissected and segmented.
- Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity were calculated for CC segments.
Main Results:
- High-potency cannabis users exhibited higher total CC mean diffusivity (MD) and axial diffusivity (AD) compared to low-potency users and non-users.
- Daily cannabis users showed increased total CC MD and AD compared to occasional users and non-users.
- No significant differences were found between patient and control groups, indicating similar effects of potency and frequency across both groups.
Conclusions:
- Frequent use of high-potency cannabis is associated with disrupted CC microstructural organization in both individuals with and without psychosis.
- The findings underscore the importance of raising awareness regarding the neurological risks of high-potency cannabis, especially as it becomes more prevalent.
