Effect of cannabis on brain activity in males: Quantitative electroencephalography and its relationship with duration, dosage, and age of onset

Objective

Brain function changes as a result of cannabis use. This study examined the brain activity of cannabis users compared to a healthy group and nicotine smokers, focusing on the age of onset, duration of use, and dosage.

Method

Demographic and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) data of 15 healthy individuals, 20 patients with chronic cannabis use, and 15 nicotine smokers were collected and recorded during the eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions in the resting state. The data were analyzed using MATLAB software and the EEGLAB toolbox.

Results

In the eyes-closed condition, cannabis users exhibited significantly elevated relative theta band power in widespread brain regions compared to both the healthy group and nicotine smokers. They showed decreased relative power in the beta and gamma bands in the parietal and occipital regions when compared to nicotine smokers. In the eyes-open condition, cannabis users displayed increased relative theta band power in widespread brain regions relative to both groups. Additionally, lower relative power in the beta and gamma bands was observed in cannabis users compared to the healthy group in the frontal region, as well as in various brain regions compared to nicotine smokers. A significant relationship was identified between gamma-band power, age of onset, and dosage of cannabis use.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that cannabis use leads to changes in brain wave patterns during the resting state, which may be linked to cognitive impairments affecting functions. Understanding these associations is essential for developing effective intervention programs aimed at mitigating cognitive deficits related to cannabis use.