Cannabis and the Developing Brain

This book draws on the latest scientific research to explore the potential impact of cannabis use on the developing brain. The authors first describe the endocannabinoid system and its role in shaping neurodevelopment and cognitive and emotion-related functioning throughout the lifespan. Then they discuss the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on cognitive function, mental health, and brain structure and function during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. With a balanced and evidence-based approach, Cannabis and the Developing Brain provides comprehensive coverage of the emerging science in this area, helping researchers, policy makers, educators and parents who seek to navigate the complex landscape of cannabis use in youth and pregnant people.

Part 1: Foundations of Cannabis Science and the Developing Brain.- Introduction to Cannabis and the Developing Brain.- Cannabis: A History.- Overview of the Endogenous Cannabinoid Signaling System.- The Endocannabinoid System and the Early Development of the Brain.- The Endocannabinoid System and Postnatal Neurodevelopment.- Part 2: Prenatal and Early Life Effects.- Behavioral Effects of Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure: Does Route of Administration Matter?.- Effects of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Neonatal Outcomes.- From In Utero to Adolescence: Determining the Impact of Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure on Neurodevelopment Using Animal Models.- Modulation of the Cannabinoid System for Neonatal Pain Management.- Purified Cannabidiol in Pediatric Epilepsy.- Part 3: Adolescence as a Sensitive Period.- Adolescence as a Window of Vulnerability to Cannabis Use: Insights from Animal Studies.- Cognitive Effects of Adolescent and Young Adult Regular Cannabis Use.- Adolescent Cannabis Use Disorder.- Early Cannabis Use in the Context of Developmental Brain Disorders: A Particular Focus on Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder.- Part 4: Psychiatric Risks and Vulnerabilities.-     Endocannabinoid System Contributions to Psychiatric Risk.- Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescence.- The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Adolescent Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors.- Does Cannabis Use Increase Risk of Psychotic Disorders? A Critical Examination of Causality and Differential Vulnerability.- Cannabis Effects on Brain and Behavior: The Problem of Residual Confounding and Utility of Twin Studies.- Part 5: Social and Environmental Contexts.- Childhood Maltreatment, Pain, and the Endocannabinoid Signaling System.- Secondhand Cannabis Smoke Exposure, Particulate Matter, and Effects on Physical and Neurobehavioral Health in Youth.- Cannabis Use and Misuse among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: Implications for Practice.- Part 6: Education, Policy, and Practice.- Cannabis and Reproductive Health: Having Patient Conversations.- Empowering Teens, Parents, and Healthcare Providers in the Cannabis Dialogue.- The Landscape of Cannabis Education.- A Pathwork of Progress: Perspective on Cannabis Regulation and Legalization—An Author’s Review of “Cannabis Policy in the Age of Legalization”.- Science Translated to Public Policy: Selected Review and Analysis of Cannabis Risks and Therapeutic Potential.

Hilary Marusak, Ph.D., is a developmental neuroscientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She directs both the Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids (THINK) Lab and the Division of Cannabinoids in Neurodevelopment (CANDID), where she leads innovative research on cannabis and cannabinoids and their roles in brain development and psychiatric risk. Dr. Marusak is also dedicated to community outreach and engagement, expanding public understanding of cannabinoid research and its implications for mental health.