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Updated: Jun 17, 2025
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
6.5K
[Cannabis use and cannabis use disorders].
E Hoch1,2,3, U W Preuss4,5
1Klinik und Polyklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Nußbaumstr. 7, 80336, München, Deutschland. Eva.Hoch@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Der Nervenarzt
|August 12, 2024
Summary
As cannabis legalization increases, both use and problematic use are rising in Germany. High-THC cannabis impacts brain function, potentially causing mental health disorders and dependence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Context:
- Partial legalization of cannabis has increased its social significance.
- In 2021, 4.5 million adults (8.8%) in Germany used cannabis.
- Both the number of users and problematic use have risen over the past decade.
Purpose:
- To examine the impact of cannabis use on psychological functioning.
- To present diagnostic changes between ICD-10 and ICD-11 for cannabis use disorders.
- To highlight the development of interdisciplinary S3 guidelines for cannabis-related disorders.
Summary:
- High delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products and regular use alter brain cannabinoid receptor distribution.
- Neuronal network structure and function are modified by chronic cannabis consumption.
- Consequences include intoxication, harmful use, dependence with withdrawal, and cannabis-induced mental disorders.
Impact:
- Increased cannabis use necessitates updated understanding of its psychological and neurological effects.
- The development of new clinical guidelines (S3) will inform treatment and management of cannabis-related disorders.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for public health strategies and clinical practice in light of evolving cannabis policies.
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