Pediatric Brain on Cannabinoids: Adverse Effects of Cannabinoid Products in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids) are most often used during adolescence and given the changing norms, enhanced potency, reduced societal perceptions of risk and multitude forms of products for consumption, clinicians need to be become more cognizant of cannabinoid products and their effects. The aim of this narrative review is to briefly discuss acute toxicities and a few chronic toxicities associated with cannabinoids that clinicians are likely to treat. In addition, cannabinoid toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics as it pertains to the clinical effects will be discussed as well as the route of exposure and the clinical implications for therapeutics. Although the neurodevelopmental effects of naturally occurring endocannabinoids will be briefly mentioned, it is beyond the scope of this review to discuss in detail. Regardless, clinicians, parents and patients should be aware of the potential implications that exogenous cannabinoids (cannabis) may have in altering the normative trajectory of brain maturation in pediatric patients.