A recent study led by Graciela Pineyro and Tomas Paus found that cannabis use in adolescents can lead to thinning of the cerebral cortex. THC, the active substance in cannabis, causes shrinkage of dendritic arborization, leading to atrophy in certain regions of the brain. The study used MRI scans and a mouse model to demonstrate how THC affects brain cells and gene expression. The findings highlight the need for a better understanding of how cannabis impacts brain development and cognition, especially with the increasing use of high-THC products. This collaborative study combining different research methods is a crucial step in developing effective public health measures.
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Cannabis use linked to thinning cerebral cortex in adolescents
