Marijuana and its effects on brain, decision making and intelligence. A narrative review
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Abstract
Introduction: marijuana or cannabis is the most consumed drug after tobacco and alcohol, even in the condition that to carry more than a given amount is a crime, suggesting that cannabis consumers are highly motivated to get the drug. In Mexico the amount allowed is 5g. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the major psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. This molecule acts upon the endocannabinoid system, producing modifications in their function and, consequently, in the brain morphology.
Objective: to review and discuss the scientific literature about cannabis consumption effect on brain, intelligence and decision-making.
Method: the search of scientific reports in PubMed from January, 2005 to March, 2016, to evaluate the marijuana effect on brain morphology, intelligence and decision making.
Results: it seems that as a function of the age of cannabis consumption onset the user might have morphological and functional brain changes, whereas variables such as frequency or amount of cannabis use may affect the efficiency of decision making.
Discussion and conclusions: all these data together indicate that: 1) marijuana consumption affects brain morphology, decision-making and intelligence; 2) there is a potential role of the endocannabinoid system in decision-making and intelligence; and 3) given these consequences, should alert health organizations to develop strategies aiming prevention and if it is the case rehabilitation.
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