D J Castle1, F R Ames. 1. Mills Street Clinical Research Unit, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the paper is to review the effects of Cannabis sativa on the human brain. METHOD: A selective literature review was undertaken. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis sativa causes an acute and, with regular heavy ingestion, a subacute encephalopathy. There is no evidence of irreversible cerebral damage resulting from its use, although impairment of information processing might be a long-term consequence of heavy prolonged use. The precise relationship of cannabis to the functional psychoses such as schizophrenia has yet to be clarified.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the paper is to review the effects of Cannabis sativa on the human brain. METHOD: A selective literature review was undertaken. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS:Cannabis sativa causes an acute and, with regular heavy ingestion, a subacute encephalopathy. There is no evidence of irreversible cerebral damage resulting from its use, although impairment of information processing might be a long-term consequence of heavy prolonged use. The precise relationship of cannabis to the functional psychoses such as schizophrenia has yet to be clarified.