Background
This study examined the effect of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)
on brain activation during a motor inhibition task.
Methods
Functional magnetic resonance imaging and behavioural measures were recorded while
15 healthy volunteers performed a Go/No-Go task following administration of either
THC or CBD or placebo in a double-blind, pseudo-randomized, placebo-controlled repeated
measures within-subject design.
Results
Relative to placebo, THC attenuated activation in the right inferior frontal and the
anterior cingulate gyrus. In contrast, CBD deactivated the left temporal cortex and
insula. These effects were not related to changes in anxiety, intoxication, sedation,
and psychotic symptoms.
Conclusions
These data suggest that THC attenuates the engagement of brain regions that mediate
response inhibition. CBD modulated function in regions not usually implicated in response
inhibition.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 01, 2008
Accepted:
May 20,
2008
Received in revised form:
April 25,
2008
Received:
February 21,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
