Title:Cannabinoids and Brain Damage: A Systematic Review on a Frequently
Overlooked Issue
Volume: 24
Issue: 6
Author(s): Matteo Scopetti, Donato Morena, Federico Manetti, Alessandro Santurro, Nicola Di Fazio*, Stefano D’Errico, Martina Padovano, Paola Frati and Vittorio Fineschi
Affiliation:
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome,
Italy
Keywords:
Toxicology, cannabinoids, cannabis, brain damage, toxicity, THC, CBD.
Abstract:
Background: Although cannabinoid consumption represents a current social and health
problem, especially in a historical context characterized by an open orientation for recreational and
therapeutic purposes, risks regarding the neurotoxicity of such substances are frequently overlooked.
Objective: The present systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence regarding the
mechanism of cannabinoids-induced brain damage as a substrate of neurological, psychiatric, and
behavioral effects. Another objective is to provide support for future investigations and legislative
choices.
Methods: The systematic literature search through PubMed and Scopus and a critical appraisal of the
collected studies were conducted. Search terms were “(("Cannabinoids" OR "THC" OR "CBD")
AND "Brain” AND ("Damage" OR "Toxicity"))” in the title and abstracts. Studies were included
examining toxic effects on the brain potentially induced by cannabinoids on human subjects.
Results: At the end of the literature selection process, 30 papers were considered for the present
review. The consumption of cannabinoids is associated with the development of psychiatric, neurocognitive,
neurological disorders and, in some cases of acute consumption, even death. In this sense,
the greatest risks have been related to the consumption of high-potency synthetic cannabinoids, although
the consumption of phytocannabinoids is not devoid of risks.
Conclusion: The research carried out has allowed to highlight some critical points to focus on, such
as the need to reinforce the toxic-epidemiologic monitor of new substances market and the importance
of information for both medical personnel and general population, with particular attention to
the mostly involved age groups.