The Relationship Between Cannabinoids and Neural Oscillations: How Cannabis Disrupts Sensation, Perception, and Cognition
Shariful A. Syed, Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin, J. Cortes-Briones, P. Skosnik
Clinical EEG and Neuroscience November 25, 2022 DOI: 10.1177/15500594221138280 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractDisruptions in neural oscillations, particularly in the gamma and theta frequency ranges, are a key mechanism by which THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, perturbs brain function. Clinical EEG studies show that both chronic and acute cannabinoid exposure disrupts these neural oscillations in humans. The authors propose a hypothetical framework where endocannabinoids modulate neural synchrony at the network level, altering the fine tuning of oscillations and the inhibitory/excitatory balance of neural circuits. These oscillatory disruptions may relate to cannabis-induced changes in sensation, perception, and cognition, with implications for disorders such as schizophrenia.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Both chronic and acute cannabinoid exposure disrupts neural oscillations in humans, particularly in the gamma and theta frequency ranges. |
Abstract
Disruptions in neural oscillations are believed to be one critical mechanism by which cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahyrdrocannabinol (THC; the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis), perturbs brain function. Here we briefly review the role of synchronized neural activity, particularly in the gamma (30–80 Hz) and theta (4–7 Hz) frequency range, in sensation, perception, and cognition. This is followed by a review of clinical studies utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) which have demonstrated that both chronic and acute cannabinoid exposure disrupts neural oscillations in humans. We also offer a hypothetical framework through which endocannabinoids modulate neural synchrony at the network level. This also includes speculation on how both chronic and acute cannabinoids disrupt functionally relevant neural oscillations by altering the fine tuning of oscillations and the inhibitory/excitatory balance of neural circuits. Finally, we highlight important clinical implications of such oscillatory disruptions, such as the potential relationship between cannabis use, altered neural synchrony, and disruptions in sensation, perception, and cognition, which are perturbed in disorders such as schizophrenia.