Current and Former Cannabis Users Report Worse Cognitive Function Than Never-Users in National Survey

What the researchers found

Current users (N = 3,681) and former users (N = 7,448) reported poorer cognition than never users (N = 24,956) on the Executive Function Index scales. Former users scored between current and never users, suggesting some limited recovery. Several cannabis use characteristics (duration, frequency, age of onset) predicted self-reported cognitive impairment.

Why it matters

The finding that former users have intermediate cognitive scores suggests some recovery is possible after cessation, but it may not be complete. Understanding which use characteristics predict impairment could help personalize treatment for cannabis use disorder.

The numbers in context

36,309 participants; 3,681 current users (37.7% female); 7,448 former users (45.4% female); 24,956 never users (56.6% female); former users scored between current and never users.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional analysis of NESARC-III, a nationally representative US survey (N = 36,309, 2012-2013). Self-reported cognition measured by Executive Function Index scales. OLS regression.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation or temporal sequence. Self-reported cognition may not correspond to objective measures. 2012-2013 data may not reflect current cannabis market and products.

How to read the evidence

Large nationally representative sample, limited by cross-sectional design and self-reported outcomes.

When this study was published

2024 publication using 2012-2013 NESARC-III data

The bigger picture

This large nationally representative dataset adds to evidence that cannabis use is associated with cognitive changes. The gradient from current to former to never users is consistent with a causal model, though cross-sectional data cannot confirm it.

Questions still open

• Would objective neuropsychological testing confirm the self-reported patterns?
• How long after cessation does cognitive recovery plateau in former users?

Common questions

Read the original research

Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in a Nationally Representative U.S. sample.

Substance use & misuse, 59(9), 1303-1312

Citation

Rubin-Kahana, Dafna Sara; Butler, Kevin; Hassan, Ahmed Nabeel; Sanches, Marcos; Le Foll, Bernard. (2024). Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in a Nationally Representative U.S. sample.. Substance use & misuse, 59(9), 1303-1312. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2340975

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