Effects of cannabis dependence on sleep quality and cognitive function: A comparative study in moroccan adolescent addicts and non-addicts

Cannabis use during adolescence is a growing public health concern, particularly due to its potential effects on brain development, cognitive function, and sleep quality. While the prevalence of cannabis use among Moroccan youth is high, scientific studies exploring its neuropsychological consequences in this population remain limited. This study aimed to examine and compare cognitive performance and sleep quality between cannabis-addicted and non-addicted Moroccan adolescents, using validated assessment tools. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 200 adolescents aged 14 to 24, recruited from the Guéliz Addiction Center in Marrakech. Participants were classified into addicted and non-addicted groups based on The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman correlations, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Addicted adolescents showed significantly lower MoCA scores across several domains, including memory, attention, and language (p < 0.01). They also reported significantly poorer sleep quality, with higher scores in PSQI components such as sleep latency, nighttime disturbances, and use of sleep medications (p < 0.01). PCA revealed distinct latent dimensions associated with both cognitive and sleep impairments, with memory and daytime dysfunction emerging as major contributors. A moderate to strong correlation was found between addiction diagnosis, cognitive decline, and sleep disruption. Cannabis addiction in Moroccan adolescents is associated with significant impairments in cognition and sleep. These findings highlight the need for integrated assessment tools and culturally tailored interventions to address cannabis use and its consequences in this vulnerable population.