PRIMARY STUDY

Impairment of inhibitory control processing related to acute psychotomimetic effects of cannabis

Key Findings:  Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during response inhibition tasks this study looked at the effects of either delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or placebo on inhibitory control.

THC led to transient psychotic symptoms, anxiety, intoxication and sedation, inhibition errors, and impaired inhibition efficiency. These results suggest the cognitive impairments in the inhibitory control of thoughts and actions and inferior frontal function may be a precursor to transient psychotic symptoms of cannabis use.