Acute cognitive effects, cannabi

Cannabis has definite effects on cognitive functioning, but these have been overstated in many cases. The acute, short-term effects on cognitive... 

Brain cannabinoid receptor. In humans, psychoactive cannabinoids produce euphoria, enhancement of sensory perception, tachycardia, antinociception, difficulties in concentration, and impairment of memory. The cognitive deficiencies persist after withdrawal. The toxicity of cannabis has been underestimated for a long time, since recent findings revealed that A-9-THG-induced cell death with shrinkage of neurons and DNA fragmentation in the hippocampus. The acute effects of cannabinoids, as well as the development of tolerance, are mediated by G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors. The CBl receptor and its splice variant, CBl A, are found predominantly in the brain with highest densities in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and striatum. The CB2 receptor is found predominantly in the spleen and in hemopoi-... 

Cunan, H. V. et al., Cognitive and subjective dose-response effects of acute oral A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in infrequent cannabis users, Psychopharmacology, 164, 61, 2002. 

Concerns have been raised about the possible adverse effects of acute as well as chronic medicinal and recreational use of cannabis on cognition and the body (104). The author, while acknowledging the therapeutic role of cannabinoids in the management of pain and other conditions, expressed concern that in recent years the prevalence of recreational cannabis use (especially in the young) and the potency of the available products have markedly increased in the UK. 

Solowij N (1998) Acute effects of cannabis on cognitive functioning In Cannabis and cognitive fimctioning. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 29-38... 

THC is a lipophilic compound—quickly absorbed but slowly excreted—and responsible for most of the pharmacologic actions of cannabis. Therapeutically it is euphoric, sedative, anti-nauseant, appetite stimulant, bronchodilator and reduces intraocular pressure in glaucoma. However, legal restrictions mean that most use of the herb is illicit. The euphoric effects of the herb are well documented, as are the psychological dependence and disruptive effects on memory and cognitive processes. Its use has also been linked to infertility (Sethi et al. 1991). However, acute toxicity is very low and there are few if any documented cases of fatalities from cannabis use (Bruneton 1995). 

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