Long-term effects of cannabis

Dependency and Treatment:

• Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the Western world.
• 10-20% of daily cannabis users in the U.S. become dependent.
• Cannabis use disorder is defined in the DSM-5.
• 42% of individuals over 12 have tried cannabis, with 1.8% meeting criteria for abuse or dependence.
• Psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy has shown some success in treating cannabis dependency.

Memory, Intelligence, and Cognitive Effects:

• Acute cannabis intoxication affects attention, psychomotor tasks, and short-term memory.
• Chronic use can lead to long-lasting effects on attention span and cognitive abilities.
• Chronic use during adolescence is linked to lower IQ and cognitive deficits.
• Ceasing consumption may not fully restore cognitive function in adolescents.
• Cannabis use is correlated with lower education levels.

Mental Health and Psychosis:

• Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, with THC and CBD being prominent.
• THC and CBD have notable effects on psychosis and anxiety.
• Cannabis use is statistically associated with schizophrenia and chronic psychoses.
• Long-term use may increase the risk of psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
• Predisposing factors include genetic liability and childhood trauma.

Long-term Physical and Mental Health Effects:

• Cannabis intoxication can lead to false memories and affect working-memory network function.
• Large cannabis consumption is associated with hyperactivity during working-memory tasks.
• Chronic cannabis use can result in neuropsychological decline.
• Cannabis use during pregnancy linked to adverse effects on offspring.
• Higher risk of respiratory issues with long-term cannabis use.

Legalization, Regulation, and Public Health:

• Legalization of cannabis in many states and countries.
• Regulations vary on age limits and consumption locations.
• Tax revenues generated from cannabis sales.
• Impact on black market and crime rates.
• Public health campaigns on responsible cannabis use.

Long-term effects of cannabis Data Sources