Diminished gray matter in the hippocampus of cannabis users: possible protective effects of cannabidiol
Abstract
Background Chronic cannabis use has been associated with memory deficits and a volume reduction of the hippocampus, but none of the studies accounted for different effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).Methods Using a voxel based morphometry approach optimized for small subcortical structures (DARTEL) gray matter (GM) concentration and volume of the hippocampus were measured in 11 chronic recreational cannabis users and 13 healthy controls, and correlated with THC and CBD from hair analyses. GM volume was calculated by modulating VBM using Jacobian determinants derived from the spatial normalization.Results Cannabis users showed lower GM volume located in a cluster of the right anterior hippocampus (P(uncorr)=0.002; effect size Cohen's d=1.34). In a regression analysis an inverse correlation of the ratio THC/CBD with the volume of the right hippocampus (P(uncorr) p<0.001, Cohen's d=3.43) was observed. Furthermore Cannabidiol correlated positively with GM concentration (unmodulated VBM data), but not with GM volume (modulated VBM) in the bilateral hippocampus (P=0.03 after correction for hippocampal volume; left hippocampus Cohen's d=4.37 and right hippocampus 4.65).Conclusions Lower volume in the right hippocampus in chronic cannabis users was corroborated. Higher THC and lower CBD was associated with this volume reduction indicating neurotoxic effects of THC and neuroprotective effects of CBD. This confirms existing preclinical and clinical results. As a possible mechanism the influence of cannabinoids on hippocampal neurogenesis is suggested.
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Higher levels of CBD in consumed Cannabis samples prevented THC-induced neurotoxic effects.
“while higher levels of CBD in the consumed Cannabis samples prevented THC induced neurotoxic effects.”
From Translational investigation of the therapeutic potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a new age (2018) · cites this paper as [107]
In chronic heavy Cannabis users, higher THC and lower CBD concentrations were associated with diminishing gray matter in the hippocampus and reduced cognitive performance.
“Demirakca et al. (107) suggested that in chronic heavy user of Cannabis, higher THC and lower concentrations of CBD were associated with diminishing gray matter in the hippocampus and reduced cognitive performance”
From Translational investigation of the therapeutic potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a new age (2018) · cites this paper as [107]
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- Authors
- Demirakca, T., Sartorius, A., Ende, G., Meyer, N., Welzel, H., Skopp, G., Mann, K., & Hermann, D.
- Affiliations
- Central Institute of Mental Health (DE)
- University Hospital Heidelberg (DE)
- Corresponding author
- Hermann, Derik
- Venue
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2010-11-02
- Volume
- 114
- Issue
- 2-3
- Pages
- 242-5
- ISSN
- 0376-8716 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2035301573
- Cited by
- 162
- References
- 27
- Citations by year
- 2025: 4 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 7
- FWCI
- 5.63
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Toxicology › Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
- Keywords
- chronic cannabis use, hippocampus, gray matter volume, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, THC:CBD ratio, hippocampal neurogenesis, neuroprotection, neurotoxicity, memory impairment, hair analysis
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Cannabidiol, Cannabis, Hippocampus, Humans, Male, Marijuana Smoking, Organ Size, Dronabinol, Neuroprotective Agents, Neurogenesis, Young Adult
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