title: Cannabinoid modulation of executive functions.
abstract: Executive functions are higher-order cognitive processes such as attention, behavioural flexibility, decision-making, inhibitory control, planning, time estimation and working memory that exert top-down control over behaviour. In addition to the role of cannabinoid signaling in other cognitive functions such as mnemonic processes, interest in its involvement in executive functions has arisen more recently. Here, we will briefly review some of the recent findings indicating a modulatory role of cannabinoid action on executive functioning. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests that in particular adolescents are more vulnerable for the deleterious effects of drugs of abuse such as cannabis on cognitive functioning. Therefore, in this paper we will also briefly discuss some recent developments in this research field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. t.pattij@vumc.nl
authors.forename: Tommy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pattij
authors.forename: Joost
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wiskerke
authors.forename: Anton N M
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Schoffelmeer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000502:physiology*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003657:Decision Making / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000187:drug effects; D013998:Time Perception / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1