Cannabinoids, Learning, and Memory

Activating CB1 receptors throughout the body interferes with short-term memory and the consolidation of new memories in the hippocampus, but does not impair recall of older, established memories. The acute effects of cannabis on memory depend partly on the type of cannabis used: THC impairs short-term memory and new memory formation, while CBD protects against those impairments. Human evidence on whether chronic cannabis exposure causes permanent changes in learning, memory, or brain functioning in adolescents and adults is conflicting.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Global activation of CB1 receptors produces actions on hippocampal neurons, which results in interference with short tem memory and consolidation of memories that are currently being processed. However, such CB1 receptor activation does not impair recall of previously established memories. Evidence suggests that the acute effects of cannabis on memory depend in part on the type of cannabis that is used. THC acts to impair short-term memory and the consolidation of new memories, but CBD protects against the memory impairing effects of THC. There is conflicting human evidence that chronic exposure to cannabis can produce permanent changes in learning and memory processes and/or can modify the human adolescent and adult brain functioning. This evidence is reviewed.