Multiple sclerosis, cannabinoids, and cognition

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2008 Winter;20(1):36-51. doi: 10.1176/jnp.2008.20.1.36.

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medicinal extracts in multiple sclerosis. Cognitive deficits that have been attributed to long-term heavy recreational use of cannabis are not necessarily extended to controlled pharmaceutical use of cannabis-based medicinal extracts. Available data indicate that after relatively short-term administration of cannabis-based medicinal extracts no significant cognitive decline occurs. Due to the absence of large scale long-term systematic clinical trials of cannabis-based medicinal extracts in multiple sclerosis therapeutics, however, many issues remain unresolved, including the possible adverse effects of cannabis-based medicinal extracts on cognition. This article critically reviews the current literature and considers the potential for cognitive adverse effects of long-term cannabinoid use in multiple sclerosis therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids / adverse effects*
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Cannabinoids