Current and Former Cannabis Users Report Worse Cognitive Function Than Never-Users in National Survey
In a nationally representative US sample of 36,309 adults, current cannabis users reported the worst self-assessed cognitive function, former users were intermediate, and never-users reported the best, suggesting partial but incomplete recovery after quitting.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would objective neuropsychological testing confirm the self-reported patterns?
- ?How long after cessation does cognitive recovery plateau in former users?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Former users scored between current and never users on cognition
- Evidence Grade:
- Large nationally representative sample, limited by cross-sectional design and self-reported outcomes.
- Study Age:
- 2024 publication using 2012-2013 NESARC-III data
- Original Title:
- Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in a Nationally Representative U.S. sample.
- Published In:
- Substance use & misuse, 59(9), 1303-1312 (2024)
- Authors:
- Rubin-Kahana, Dafna Sara(2), Butler, Kevin(3), Hassan, Ahmed Nabeel, Sanches, Marcos, Le Foll, Bernard
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05670
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis affect cognitive function?
In this national survey of 36,309 adults, current cannabis users reported the worst self-assessed cognitive function and never-users the best. Former users scored in between, suggesting some recovery after quitting.
Does cognition recover after quitting cannabis?
Former users reported better cognition than current users but worse than never-users, suggesting partial but potentially incomplete recovery. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether recovery continues over time.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05670APA
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
MLA
Rubin-Kahana, Dafna Sara, et al. "Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in a Nationally Representative U.S. sample.." Substance use & misuse, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2340975
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported C..." RTHC-05670. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/rubin-kahana-2024-cannabis-use-characteristics-associated
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.