Efectos fisiológicos de Cannabis sativa en universitarios consumidores

Abstract

This book, a research product, evaluated the effects of the consumption of Cannabis sativa on brain, cardiac, pulmonary, cognitive and neurotransmitter function in men and women university students who are regular consumers, with an age range between 18 and 30 years, contrasted with non-consumer students of both genders, through structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalograms (EEG), electrocardiograms (ECG) and spirometry (EP), as well as cognitive tests (CT) and evaluation of neurotransmitters (NE) adrenaline and norepinephrine, before and during cannabis consumption. MRI showed a decrease in the volume of the bilateral temporal lobe in men and women, related to the age of onset and time of consumption, being more drastic in women, compared to the results of CT. The EEG showed states of relaxation and drowsiness, accompanied by poor concentration, evidenced by the increase in alpha, delta and theta activity in consumers. The ECG recorded an increase in heart rate during consumption without gender difference. PD showed a decrease in lung volumes and capacities; TCs reveal problems with short-term memory, execution, visual-spatial planning, respect for rules, attentional control, behavioral inhibition and impulsivity, related to consumption time, with women being more affected. Levels were also evident elevated adrenaline and noradrenaline in consumers, in the absence and under psychoactive effects. The book is aimed at the general population, government bodies and health professionals, for the purposes of prevention and decision-making about the consumption of Cannabis sativa.