Different Effects of Cannabis Abuse on Adolescent and Adult Brain
Stefan Dhein
Leipzig University
Taken together, there is a complex interplay between endogenous (agonistic) endocannabinoids, NGF, BDNF, and exogenous (partial agonistic) THC [19, 20] and cannabidiol [20]. This is attributable to its pharmacological characteristics as a partial agonist and, therefore, depends on the concomitant activation of the system by other endogenous cannabinoids, the receptor density, and possible limitations of the post-receptor signal pathway [33]. In humans, these authors found gender-related differences in the associations between age of onset of cannabis use and neuropsychological deficits [91]. In further support of these studies, chronic exposure to various cannabinoid agonists such as THC during adolescence, but not during adulthood, in rats of either gender was shown to induce long-term impairments in working memory [95-97]. THC exposure also impaired adolescent learning in male rats [98].
https://doi.org/10.1159/000509377