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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Early-Onset Cannabis Use, Retinal Biomarkers, and Risk for Schizophrenia Preliminary Study.

Denise A Valenti¹, Holly Kailher¹

¹IMMAD LLC, Quincy, MA.

Clinical Therapeutics

|May 21, 2026

Summary

Adolescent cannabis use may impact vision, with preliminary findings showing abnormal retinal function in nine out of twelve eyes. This research explores visual system changes linked to early cannabis initiation and psychosis risk.

Keywords:

biomarker cannabis marijuana retina schizophrenia visual contrast

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Ophthalmology
Psychiatry

Background:

Adolescent cannabis use is increasing, coinciding with critical neurodevelopmental periods.
Early cannabis initiation, especially before age 16, is linked to heightened schizophrenia risk.
The retina offers a non-invasive method to assess central nervous system function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate changes in low spatial frequency contrast sensitivity using virtual reality technology (IMMAD-FDT).
To explore the retina as a potential indicator of neural changes associated with cannabis use.
To correlate visual dysfunction with potential early biomarkers for psychosis risk.

Main Methods:

Utilized data from six participants under an IRB-approved protocol (Pro00038518).
Employed the IMMAD-FDT system, measuring contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequencies via virtual reality.
Focused on data sensitive to magnocellular pathway and ipRGC dysfunction.

Main Results:

Preliminary analysis of 12 eyes revealed 9 eyes showed abnormal contrast sensitivity at baseline.
Findings suggest potential visual pathway dysfunction in participants.

Conclusions:

Visual dysfunction and retinal changes observed in chronic cannabis users mirror those in schizophrenia.
IMMAD-FDT shows promise for identifying early retinal biomarkers in cannabis users, particularly when stratified by age of onset.
Future research integrating OCT imaging and cognitive testing could inform psychosis risk stratification and preventative interventions.