Preliminary findings demonstrating latent effects of early adolescent marijuana use onset on cortical architecture.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:As the most commonly used illicit substance during early adolescence, long-term or latent effects of early adolescent marijuana use across adolescent developmental processes remain to be determined. METHODS:We examined cortical thickness, gray/white matter border contrast (GWR) and local gyrification index (LGI) in 42 marijuana (MJ) users. Voxelwise regressions assessed early-onset (age <16) vs. late-onset (≥16 years-old) differences and relationships to continued use while controlling for current age and alcohol use. RESULTS:Although groups did not differ by onset status, groups diverged in their correlations between cannabis use and cortical architecture. Among early-onset users, continued years of MJ use and current MJ consumption were associated with thicker cortex, increase

SUBMITTER: Filbey FM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4691364 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature