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The relation between cannabis use, dependence severity and white matter microstructure: A diffusion tensor imaging

Janna Cousijn1,2, Yara J Toenders3,4, Laura S van Velzen3,4

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Long-term cannabis use did not alter white matter microstructure in adults. However, earlier onset of cannabis use was linked to microstructural changes, suggesting adolescent vulnerability.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Cannabis use disorder (CUD) poses significant public health challenges.
  • The effects of long-term cannabis use on brain white matter remain unclear due to inconsistent research.
  • Previous studies often lack control for confounding factors like mental health and other substance use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of near-daily, long-term cannabis use on white matter microstructure.
  • To examine associations between white matter integrity and cannabis use patterns (recency, severity, age of onset, duration).
  • To compare white matter microstructure between cannabis users and carefully matched controls.

Main Methods:

  • Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was employed to assess whole-brain white matter microstructure.
  • 39 near-daily cannabis users and 28 controls were recruited and matched for key demographic and substance use variables.
  • Statistical analyses explored group differences and correlations within the cannabis user group.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in white matter microstructure were found between cannabis users and controls.
  • White matter integrity did not correlate with recent cannabis use, dependence severity, or duration of use.
  • Earlier age of onset for weekly cannabis use was associated with reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in specific white matter tracts.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term, near-daily cannabis use in adults may not inherently alter white matter microstructure.
  • Adolescent cannabis initiation appears to confer a higher vulnerability to white matter changes.
  • Future research should focus on the moderating role of age of onset in cannabis's neurobiological effects.