Differences in Inhibitory Control and Resting Brain Metabolism between Older Chronic Users of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD)—A Pilot Study

Older adults who chronically use Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) performed worse on the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test compared to cannabidiol (CBD) users and non-users, while all groups performed similarly on other cognitive, motor, and balance tasks. THC users also showed lower global cerebral glucose metabolism and relative hypermetabolism in the bilateral amygdala, cerebellum, and brainstem. Chronic THC use in older adults may negatively affect inhibitory control and alter brain activity. The study included 8 THC users (average age 59.3 years), 5 CBD users (average age 54.6 years), and 16 non-users (average age 58.2 years).

Study at a glance

Abstract

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and cannabidiol is purportedly responsible for many of the medicinal benefits. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in younger populations have been well studied; however, motor function, cognitive function, and cerebral glucose metabolism in older adults have not been extensively researched. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in cognitive function, motor function, and cerebral glucose metabolism (assessed via [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) in older adults chronically using Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and non-using controls. Eight Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol users (59.3 ± 5.7 years), five cannabidiol users (54.6 ± 2.1 years), and 16 non-users (58.2 ± 16.9 years) participated. Subjects underwent resting scans and performed cognitive testing (reaction time, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test), motor testing (hand/arm function, gait), and balance testing. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol users performed worse than both cannabidiol users and non-users on the Flanker Test but were similar on all other cognitive and motor tasks. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol users also had lower global metabolism and relative hypermetabolism in the bilateral amygdala, cerebellum, and brainstem. Chronic use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in older adults might negatively influence inhibitory control and alter brain activity. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes investigating multiple Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol ratios on functional outcomes and cerebral glucose metabolism in older adults are necessary.