Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning / Edition 1

by Nadia Solowij

Overview

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in the world, but the question of whether its long term use can result in lasting and irreparable cognitive impairment remains controversial. This timely and well-argued volume provides an extensive and comprehensive critical review of the literature relevant to cannabis and cognitive functioning, examining the evidence in the light of important recent findings in the pharmacology and neuropsychology of cannabis. Original studies conducted by the author are presented, utilizing one of the most modern and sensitive techniques available to assess cognitive functioning—the use of event-related potentials or ERPs. The author's conclusion, that long term cannabis use may produce irreversible impairment in memory, attention and the organization and integration of complex functions, will be of compelling interest to a wide range of clinicians, researchers and policy makers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521591140
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/13/1998
Series:	International Research Monographs in the Addictions
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	308
Product dimensions:	6.26(w) x 9.33(h) x 0.98(d)

About the Author

Solowij, Nadia, PhD

Table of Contents

Author's acknowledgements; 1. Statement of the problem; Part I. A Review of the Literature: 2. Cannabis the drug; 3. Acute effects of cannabis on cognitive functioning; 4. Evidence for brain damage associated with the long-term use of cannabis; 5. Chronic effects of cannabis on cognitive functioning; 6. Selective attention and event-related potentials (ERPs); Part II. Research: 7. An event-related potential study of attentional processes in long-term cannabis users; 8. An investigation of the effects of frequency and duration of cannabis use; 9. An investigation of the reversibility of cognitive impairment in ex-cannabis users; 10. A single case study of cessation of cannabis use; 11. Anxiety, psychopathology and the qualitative experience of long-term use of cannabis; 12. Summary, synthesis and conclusions; Appendix; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"On a foundation of sophisticated techniques based on current understanding of brain chemistry and function, and using tight, thorough reasoning, the author concludes that duration, not frequency, of use produces identifiable impairment in the performance of complex cognitive processes, and that at least some of the impairment remains after abstinence....the text is sufficiently clear that most nontechnical readers will follow the arguments. This will be an especially valuable book for cannabis researchers, while those in clinical and policy making positions will find the conclusions enhanced by the rigor with which they are achieved." Yonah Klem, Readings

"...a useful text, providing a comprehensive overview of the research into cannabis from its inception to present day. It provides a thorough starting point to those interested in the wider reaching sociological aspects of cannabis use." Medical Sociology News

From the Publisher