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(Pexels/Kindel Media) - Research finds chronic adolescent cannabis exposure may harm emotional and cognitive brain development through impact on separate brain regions Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry researchers have shown that chronic exposure during adolescence to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, may induce long-lasting memory impairments and increased anxiety levels. The study , published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology , uses a rodent model to pinpoint two different parts of the brain - the dorsal and the ventral regions in the hippocampus - and shows evidence of different sets of abnormalities in each region following THC exposure. The researchers identified several key molecular and neuronal a nomalies in specific regions of the hippocampus that might be independently responsible for the cognitive and emotional side effects. The study confirms previous work from their lab that shows THC exposure during adolescence can induce long-lasting disturbances. Marta De Felice, lead author of the study and a BrainsCAN postdoctoral researcher. (Supplied) " Following the legalization of cannabis, there is evidence of a reduction in perceived risks associated with cannabis use. There is a need to expand knowledge on the potential negative consequences of cannabis exposure during adolescence and this study addresses some of those gaps," said Marta De Felice, emphasiz the need to have crucial scientific evidence to inform public health policy.
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