Effect of Cannabis on Memory Consolidation, Learning and Retrieval and Its Current Legal Status in India: A Review

Nandi Niloy; Tousif Hediyal; Chandrasekaran Vichitra; Sharma Sonali; Saravana Chidambaram; Vasavi Gorantla; Arehally Mahalakshmi

Authors

Nandi Niloy Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
Tousif Hediyal Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
Chandrasekaran Vichitra Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
Sharma Sonali Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
Saravana Chidambaram Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
Vasavi Gorantla Department of Anatomical Science, St. George’s University, University Centre, St. Georges FZ818, Grenada
Arehally Mahalakshmi Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India

Keywords:

tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, consolidation, learning, retrieval, legal India

Abstract

Cannabis is one of the oldest crops grown, traditionally held religious attachments in various cultures for its medicinal use much before its introduction to Western medicine. Multiple preclinical and clinical investigations have explored the beneficial effects of cannabis in various neurocognitive and neurodegenerative diseases affecting the cognitive domains. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component, is responsible for cognition-related deficits, while cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, has been shown to elicit neuroprotective activity. In the present integrative review, the authors focus on the effects of cannabis on the different cognitive domains, including learning, consolidation, and retrieval. The present study is the first attempt in which significant focus has been imparted on all three aspects of cognition, thus linking to its usage. Furthermore, the investigators have also depicted the current legal position of cannabis in India and the requirement for reforms. Keywords: tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, consolidation, learning, retrieval, legal India