Cannabis and the Developing Brain

Pruning

A critical phase of brain development that removes the synaptic connections when they become unnecessary or redundant, making the brain more efficient.

Myelination

A critical phase of brain development that coats around nerve cells and neurons with myelin, making their communication quick and efficient. 

Executive functioning

Judgment, planning, decision making, social conduct, organization, anticipation, goal establishment, monitoring results and use of feedback.

Striatal development

Motivation and reward = curvilinear fashion

Prefrontal development

Cognitive control = linear over the course of adolescence

Adolescence

Motivational reactivity outpaces cognitive control and prone to making high-risk choices, valuing immediate reward over long-term considerations 

Risk-taking behaviors

Driving under the influence, unprotected sex, other drug use

Cognition

Processing speed, attention, memory, impulsivity = executive functioning

Visuospatial N-Back

More activity in prefrontal and temporal lobe regions in working memory and visuospatial processing areas.

Go/No Go task

More right lateralized recruitment of both prefrontal and thalamic areas to perform the task.

Stroop

More activity in inhibitory and interference circuitry.