Frequent cannabis users reported impaired sensory filtering and altered body awareness

What the researchers found

Cannabis users reported impaired sensory gating across subscales (d=0.37-0.44, all p<0.05) and heightened affect-related interoceptive awareness (d=0.21-0.61, all p<0.05) compared to non-users. More cannabis use days correlated with higher emotional awareness (r=0.37, p<0.05).

Why it matters

Altered sensory processing could explain why some cannabis users report difficulty concentrating and heightened emotional sensitivity. These subjective experiences may relate to intoxication, craving, and withdrawal states.

The numbers in context

72 cannabis users (50% female), 78 non-users (60% female). Sensory gating impairment effect sizes: d=0.37-0.44. Interoceptive awareness elevations: d=0.21-0.61. Cannabis use days correlated with emotional awareness: r=0.37.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional study of 72 frequent cannabis users (2+ times/week, not intoxicated during testing) and 78 non-users, ages 18-40. Sensory Gating Inventory and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2 surveys administered.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether cannabis causes these changes or whether people with altered sensory processing are drawn to cannabis. Self-report measures only. Users were not intoxicated but residual effects possible.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional comparison with appropriate effect size reporting, but self-report measures and inability to establish causation limit conclusions.

When this study was published

2024 cross-sectional study of adults ages 18-40

The bigger picture

Sensory gating impairment (difficulty filtering irrelevant stimuli) is also seen in conditions like schizophrenia and ADHD. Finding similar patterns in cannabis users raises questions about whether cannabis exacerbates or reveals underlying sensory processing vulnerabilities.

Questions still open

• Do sensory gating impairments resolve after cannabis cessation? Could these subjective sensory changes serve as clinical markers for problematic use?

Common questions

Read the original research

Alterations in self-reported sensory gating and interoception in individuals frequently using cannabis.

The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 50(4), 525-535

Citation

Bloomer, Bess F; Larson, Eric R; Tullar, Rachel L; Herms, Emma N; Bolbecker, Amanda R; O'Donnell, Brian F; Hetrick, William P; Wisner, Krista M. (2024). Alterations in self-reported sensory gating and interoception in individuals frequently using cannabis.. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 50(4), 525-535. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2024.2332602

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