Why We Think It’s Important:
This article is important as it provides valuable insights into the acute neurocognitive effects of CannEpil, a medicinal cannabis oil, shedding light on its potential therapeutic benefits and safety profile in treating various medical conditions.
Introduction:
The use of cannabinoid-based medications is increasingly prevalent in treating various medical conditions, prompting a need to understand their effects on neurocognition, attention, and mood. A recent study investigated the acute impact of CannEpil®, a medicinal cannabis oil containing CBD and THC, on cognitive performance and subjective states in healthy individuals. CannEpil is a medicinal cannabis oil formulated with a unique ratio of cannabinoids, primarily containing cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a 20:1 ratio. What makes CannEpil unique is its carefully balanced composition, where CBD predominates over THC. This specific ratio aims to harness the potential therapeutic benefits of both cannabinoids while minimizing the psychoactive effects associated with THC, making it suitable for managing various medical conditions, particularly epilepsy and insomnia. The findings of the study discussed in this article shed light on the complex interplay between cannabinoids and cognitive function, with implications for therapeutic use.
Neurocognitive Effects of Cannabis:
Previous research has linked acute cannabis use, particularly THC exposure, to cognitive impairments such as working memory deficits and attentional disturbances. However, the interaction between THC and CBD complicates this relationship. While THC is known to impair cognitive functions, CBD’s role in mitigating these effects remains uncertain. The study discussed in this article aimed to clarify this by examining the acute effects of CannEpil on neurocognition.
Methodology and Findings:
The study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 31 healthy participants aged 21 to 58. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), while mood states were evaluated through the Profile of Mood States questionnaire and the Bond-Lader Visual Analogue Scale. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) is a computerized cognitive assessment tool designed to evaluate various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, attention, and executive function. It consists of a series of standardized tasks administered via a computer interface, providing objective measures of neurocognitive performance. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire is a self-report measure consisting of 65 adjectives used to assess various dimensions of mood, such as tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion. Participants rate the extent to which they are experiencing each mood state on a five-point scale. The Bond-Lader Visual Analogue Scale (BL-VAS) is a subjective assessment tool used to evaluate subjective alertness and mood. It consists of a series of visual analog scales measuring different dimensions of mood, including alertness, calmness, and contentedness. Participants indicate their current mood state by positioning a slider along a continuum between opposing descriptors.
Results revealed that CannEpil led to increased errors in spatial span tasks and delayed pattern recognition, indicative of visuospatial working memory deficits. However, subjective mood states remained largely unaffected, with some participants reporting increased contentedness and amicability. Notably, delayed onset of drowsiness was reported by a subset of participants following CannEpil administration.
Discussion and Implications:
The study’s findings underscore the nuanced effects of CannEpil on cognitive function and subjective states. While cognitive impairments were observed, particularly in tasks requiring visuospatial memory, mood disturbances were minimal. These results suggest a relatively favorable safety profile for CannEpil, especially compared to cannabis products with higher THC content. However, the delayed onset of drowsiness highlights the need for caution, particularly in scenarios requiring sustained attention or operation of machinery.
Limitations and Future Directions:
The study acknowledges several limitations, including the small sample size and the absence of baseline neurocognitive assessments. Additionally, the controlled laboratory environment may not fully capture real-world cannabis usage scenarios. Future research should explore the long-term effects of CannEpil and consider diverse patient populations to elucidate its therapeutic potential across various medical conditions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the acute neurocognitive effects of CannEpil, a medicinal cannabis oil containing CBD and THC. While cognitive impairments were evident, mood disturbances were minimal, suggesting a relatively safe profile for therapeutic use. However, further research is warranted to fully understand the complexities of cannabinoid-based medications and optimize their therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential adverse effects.
Manning, Brooke et al. “A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial on the effect of a 20:1 cannabidiol: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol medical cannabis product on neurocognition, attention, and mood.” European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 82 35-43. 14 Mar. 2024, doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.02.002
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X24000373?via%3Dihub
