Persistent Cannabis Use and Cognitive Functions: A Comparative Study of Persistent Cannabis Users and Non-users

Abstract

Executive functions are set of mental skills that help us in completing the work. In other words, executive functions consist of several mental skills that help the brain organize and act on information. These functions are adversely affected with age and influenced by many other factors, including persisted cannabis use. The present study was aimed at assessing the effect of persistent cannabis use on cognitive functions. A group of 120 participants (60 persistent cannabis users and 60 normal controls) was selected from the society as well as from different drug dependence treatment centers. For the fulfilment of the purpose of the study a neuropsychological battery, including 7 subtests i.e. Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Colour Word Stroop Test, Letter-Number Sequencing, Digit Span Test, Arithmetic Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was administered. The data were analyzed using t-test and descriptive analysis (Mean & SD). Results revealed that cannabis users differ from normal control on all variables of cognitive functions, i.e.cognitive interference, verbal memory, visual immediate and delayed memory, working memory, planning, set shifting, decision making, and preservation.The findings discussed in the light of their implication.