B – 110 The Effects of Medicinal Cannabis on Neurocognitive Functions of Adult Patients in Mental Health Care: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objective This systematic review aimed to gather evidence-based literature to assess the relationship between commonly prescribed Medical Cannabis (MC) products and neurocognitive impairment in memory, attention, and executive functions in adults (aged >21) with psychiatric disorders (Anxiety, PTSD, Schizophrenia). Method Studies were published between 2020-2025, and retrieved through a systematic search in PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, and SciELO databases in the months of March and April, using key words such as: “Medical Cannabis (MC)”, “Cannabinoid” (CBN),”Cannabidiol (CBD)”, “Adults (>21)”, “Psychiatric Disorders”, “Effects”, “Outcomes”, and “Neurocognitive Effects". Primary search generated 930 articles, 186 duplicate articles were removed, and 744 studies were assessed for eligibility. After the initial screen, 14 records were retrieved in their full-text version for in-depth assessment of eligibility. The final sample consisted of 4 studies that meet inclusion criteria. Results The studies included in this review assessed various neurocognitive domains, mainly attention, memory and executive functions. Results suggest slight improvements in attention, cognitive inhibition, multitasking, and normalization of brain activity during verbal memory tasks, with no evidence of significant neurocognitive impairments. Pharmacological administrations were prescribed in different presentation formats (CBD < 8.5mg; Δ-9THC < 1g). Treatment effects were assessed through neurological testing (CANTAB) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Conclusion In conclusion, although there is evidence suggesting the effectiveness and safety of MC as a potential therapeutic tool, results are limited to consider MC as a level 1 evidence-based approach. Further RCTs are necessary to broadly assess the effects of MC in neurocognitive domains of mental health population.