Synthetic cannabinoid users showed significantly worse executive function than both cannabis users and non-users
Chronic synthetic cannabinoid users performed significantly worse on memory, attention, and inhibition tasks compared to both recreational cannabis users and non-users, and also reported higher depression and anxiety.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across two study sites (Hungary and Israel), 38 synthetic cannabinoid users were compared with 43 recreational cannabis users and 41 non-users on computerized cognitive tests.
Synthetic cannabinoid users performed significantly worse than both other groups on the n-back task (working memory accuracy), the Stroop task (response speed and accuracy, measuring inhibition), and a free-recall memory task (long-term memory). They also reported higher ratings of depression and anxiety.
Importantly, recreational cannabis users did not show the same degree of impairment, suggesting that the cognitive deficits are specific to synthetic cannabinoids rather than cannabinoid exposure in general.
Key Numbers
38 synthetic cannabinoid users vs 43 cannabis users vs 41 non-users. Synthetic users: lower n-back accuracy, slower and less accurate Stroop performance, fewer words recalled. Higher depression and anxiety ratings. Two-country sample (Hungary, Israel).
How They Did This
Cross-sectional comparison of three groups from two centers (Hungary and Israel). Cognitive testing included computerized n-back task (working memory), classical Stroop word-color task (inhibition), and free-recall memory task (long-term memory). Depression and anxiety were also assessed.
Why This Research Matters
This is one of the first studies directly comparing cognitive function between synthetic cannabinoid users, natural cannabis users, and non-users. The finding that synthetic cannabinoid users are significantly more impaired than cannabis users provides evidence that these substances are genuinely more damaging to the brain, not just pharmacologically stronger.
The Bigger Picture
Synthetic cannabinoids are often used by populations who cannot access natural cannabis (military, prisoners, people in drug-tested employment). The finding that these substances cause greater cognitive impairment than cannabis itself, while also being more addictive and dangerous, strengthens the public health argument for making natural cannabis more accessible where appropriate.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether cognitive differences existed before drug use. Synthetic cannabinoid users may differ from cannabis users in polysubstance use, socioeconomic status, or other factors. The study did not control for specific synthetic cannabinoid products used. Small sample sizes limit statistical power.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are the cognitive impairments reversible with abstinence?
- ?Do specific synthetic cannabinoids cause more damage than others?
- ?Would longitudinal studies confirm that synthetic cannabinoids cause these deficits rather than just being used by people with pre-existing cognitive differences?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Synthetic cannabinoid users performed significantly worse than cannabis users on all cognitive tests
- Evidence Grade:
- Multi-site observational study with appropriate control groups. Good design but limited by cross-sectional nature and small samples.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2017. Research on cognitive effects of synthetic cannabinoids has grown as these substances remain a global concern.
- Original Title:
- The effects of synthetic cannabinoids on executive function.
- Published In:
- Psychopharmacology, 234(7), 1121-1134 (2017)
- Authors:
- Cohen, K(2), Kapitány-Fövény, M, Mama, Y, Arieli, M, Rosca, P, Demetrovics, Z, Weinstein, A
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01359
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Are synthetic cannabinoids worse for your brain than marijuana?
This study found that synthetic cannabinoid users had significantly worse performance on memory, attention, and inhibition tasks compared to recreational cannabis users. While the cross-sectional design cannot prove causation, the pattern suggests synthetic cannabinoids are more harmful to cognitive function.
Why would someone use synthetic cannabinoids instead of marijuana?
Synthetic cannabinoids are often used because they are harder to detect on drug tests, may be cheaper or more accessible in some contexts, and were historically legal in some jurisdictions. However, they carry far greater health risks than natural cannabis.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01359APA
Cohen, K; Kapitány-Fövény, M; Mama, Y; Arieli, M; Rosca, P; Demetrovics, Z; Weinstein, A. (2017). The effects of synthetic cannabinoids on executive function.. Psychopharmacology, 234(7), 1121-1134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-017-4546-4
MLA
Cohen, K, et al. "The effects of synthetic cannabinoids on executive function.." Psychopharmacology, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-017-4546-4
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The effects of synthetic cannabinoids on executive function." RTHC-01359. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/cohen-2017-the-effects-of-synthetic
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.