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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
7.7K
Cortical surface morphology in long-term cannabis users: A multi-site MRI study
Yann Chye1, Chao Suo1, Valentina Lorenzetti2
1Brain and Mental Health Research Hub, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Summary
This study found no link between cannabis use and brain structure changes in adults. Regular cannabis use, dependence, or early onset did not alter cortical thickness, surface area, or gyrification.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Cannabis use affects the brain via cannabinoid receptors.
- Previous research suggested cannabis use may alter cortical structure.
- Concerns exist regarding long-term cannabis effects on brain morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cannabis use characteristics and cortical surface morphology.
- To examine differences in cortical thickness, surface area, and gyrification index.
- To assess the impact of cannabis use, dependence, and onset age on brain structure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a large, multisite dataset of 120 controls and 141 cannabis users.
- Analyzed key cortical surface characteristics: thickness, surface area, and gyrification index.
- Compared these metrics across groups: cannabis users vs. non-users, dependence levels, and adolescent onset ages.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found between cannabis use and cortical morphology.
- Cannabis dependence and age of onset did not correlate with observed cortical structural differences.
- Results contrast with prior studies indicating cannabis-related alterations.
Conclusions:
- Current findings suggest regular cannabis use, even problematic use, may not impact cortical structure.
- Highlights a discrepancy with previous evidence, necessitating reevaluation of cannabis-related harm.
- Emphasizes the need for updated research to inform public health policies in evolving cannabis regulation landscapes.
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