Does Cannabis Composition Matter? Differential Effects of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Human Cognition
Current Addiction Report April 29, 2017 M. Colizzi, S. Bhattacharyya
Cannabis's effect on cognition depends on its composition. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) acutely impairs memory and emotional processing, while limited evidence suggests cannabidiol (CBD) might improve cognition in cannabis users but not in those with neuropsychiatric disorders. Some acute cognitive impairments from Δ9-THC may be prevented if CBD is given before or alongside it. Δ9-THC and CBD show opposite effects on cognition-related brain activation. Overall, greater cognitive impairments occur with high-Δ9-THC or low-CBD cannabis, but it remains unclear whether specific CBD concentrations can outweigh Δ9-THC's harmful effects.