Cannabis and Cognitive Deficiency

Abstract

Introduction

Acute and chronic exposure to cannabis have been associated with neurocognitive deficits in executive function, including inhibitory control processes.

Objectives

To research memory deficiency in the young consumers of cannabis in Tunisia.

Methods

this is a transversal descriptive study conducted during two months (January and February 2020). The research involved about 137 participants in the emergency department at the university hospital of Mahdia

Results

In our study population, there was a noticeable male predominance of 71%. Hence, the age structure ranged between 18 years old and 35 years old. Among the latters, 65.9% were single, and 29.7% experienced school failure. In this sample, 23.2% had a psychiatric history. The average age of the first use of cannabis was between 18 and 25 years old in 70% of cases. Besides, a high percentage of association of other substances was found among cannabis users as follows: use of tobacco 74.6%, alcohol 72.5% ecstasy 41.3%, and cocaine 25.4%. The use of cannabis was considered as a means of indulgence for 66.7% of the study population, as an anxiolytic for 26.8%, and as a sedative for 23.9%. Additionally, the effect of cannabis use on working memory deficiency according to the functional impact assessment scale was: no deficiency in 19% of cannabis users, minimal in 34%, mild in 32%, moderate in 9%, fairly severe in 4%, very severe in 1%, and extreme in1% of cases.

Conclusions

The assumption of the effect of cannabis on memory and cognitive deficiency remains controversial and leads us to suggest further in-depth study of this subject.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.