Neuroanatomical alterations in people with high and low cannabis dependence

Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether severity of cannabis dependence is associated with the neuroanatomy of key brain regions of the stress and reward brain circuits. 

Methods: To examine dependence-specific regional brain alterations, we compared the volumes of regions relevant to reward and stress, between high-dependence cannabis users (CD+, n = 25), low-dependence cannabis users (CD−, n = 20) and controls (n = 37). 

Results: Compared to CD− and/or controls, the CD+ group had lower cerebellar white matter and hippocampal volumes, and deflation of the right hippocampus head and tail. 

Conclusion: These findings provide initial support for neuroadaptations involving stress and reward circuits that are specific to high-dependence cannabis users.