Solowij, Nadia

Top Publications

Year	Title
2016	Hippocampal harms, protection and recovery following regular cannabis use Published in Translational Psychiatry
2016	Acute and chronic effects of cannabinoids on human cognition-a systematic review Published in Biological Psychiatry
2016	The role of cannabinoids in neuroanatomic alterations in cannabis users Published in Biological Psychiatry
2012	Effect of long-term cannabis use on axonal fibre connectivity Published in Brain: a journal of neurology
2011	Verbal learning and memory in adolescent cannabis users, alcohol users and non-users Published in Psychopharmacology
2008	Regional brain abnormalities associated with heavy long-term cannabis use Published in Archives of General Psychiatry

Research Areas

Research Overview

Nadia Solowij, PhD, is a Professor in the School of Psychology, University of Wollongong and recently completed a 4-year term as an ARC Future Fellow. She has been actively researching the effects of long-term cannabis use for more than 25 years and is now the most published researcher in the world on the topic of cannabis and the brain. Her primary area of expertise is in the long-term cognitive and neural effects of cannabis. She has used neuropsychological, psychophysiological and brain imaging techniques in her investigations of memory, cognition and brain structure and function in adult and adolescent cannabis users and people with schizophrenia and comorbid cannabis use. She has over 100 scientific publications including her book Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning (Cambridge University Press). Her recent research has focused on the effects of different cannabinoids on brain structure and function and vulnerability markers for psychosis, as well as clinical trials of medicinal cannabis or cannabinoids.

Available as Research Supervisor

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2019	A randomised controlled trial of vaporised Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol alone and in combination in frequent and infrequent cannabis users: acute intoxication effects Published In European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience: official organ of the German society for biological psychiatry Volume Online First Pages 1 - 19 ISSN 0940-1334 Altmetric
2019	Cortical surface morphology in long-term cannabis users: A multi-site MRI study Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 29 Pages 257 - 265 ISSN 0924-977X Altmetric
2019	Does regular cannabis use affect neuroanatomy? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies Published In European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience: official organ of the German society for biological psychiatry Volume 269 Pages 59 - 71 ISSN 0940-1334 Altmetric
2018	Alteration to hippocampal volume and shape confined to cannabis dependence: A multi-site study Published In Addiction Biology Volume Online first Pages 1 - 13 ISSN 1355-6215 Altmetric
2018	Biomarker correlates of psychotherapy outcomes in borderline personality disorder: A systematic review Published In Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Volume 94 Pages 166 - 178 ISSN 0149-7634
2018	Cannabinoid Disposition After Human Intraperitoneal Use: An Insight Into Intraperitoneal Pharmacokinetic Properties in Metastatic Cancer Published In Clinical Therapeutics: the international peer-reviewed journal of drug therapy Volume 40 Pages 1442 - 1447 ISSN 0149-2918 Altmetric
2018	Clinical issues in cannabis use Published In British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Volume Online First Pages 1 - 4 ISSN 0306-5251 Altmetric
2018	Exploring the association of legalisation status of cannabis with problematic cannabis use and impulsivity in the USA Published In Drugs in Context Volume 7 Pages 212541-1 - 212541-5 Altmetric
2018	Prolonged Cannabidiol Treatment Effects on Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Current Cannabis Users Published In Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Volume 3 Pages 1 - 14 Altmetric
2018	Second-Hand Exposure of Staff Administering Vaporised Cannabinoid Products to Patients in a Hospital Setting Published In Drugs in R and D Volume 18 Pages 41 - 44 ISSN 1174-5886 Altmetric
2018	The effects of glycine on auditory mismatch negativity in schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 191 Pages 61 - 69 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2018	The relationship between executive functions and emotion regulation in females attending therapeutic community treatment for substance use disorder Published In Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 182 Pages 58 - 66 ISSN 0376-8716 Altmetric
2018	Therapeutic Effects of Prolonged Cannabidiol Treatment on Psychological Symptoms and Cognitive Function in Regular Cannabis Users: A Pragmatic Open-Label Clinical Trial Published In Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Volume 3 Pages 21 - 34 Altmetric
2017	A systematic review of the effect of cannabidiol on cognitive function: Relevance to schizophrenia Published In Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Volume 72 Pages 310 - 324 ISSN 0149-7634 Altmetric
2017	Cannabis-related hippocampal volumetric abnormalities specific to subregions in dependent users Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 234 Pages 2149 - 2157 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2017	Cognitive remediation improves executive functions, self-regulation and quality of life in residents of a substance use disorder therapeutic community Published In Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 178 Pages 150 - 158 Altmetric
2017	Development and validation of a simple, rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the measurement of urinary neurotransmitters and their metabolites Published In Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Volume 409 Pages 7191 - 7199 ISSN 1618-2642 Altmetric
2017	Improved social interaction, recognition and working memory with cannabidiol treatment in a prenatal infection (poly I:C) rat model Published In Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 42 Pages 1447 - 1457 ISSN 0893-133X Altmetric
2017	Orbitofrontal and caudate volumes in cannabis users: a multi-site mega-analysis comparing dependent versus non-dependent users Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 234 Pages 1985 - 1995 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2017	Role of orbitofrontal sulcogyral pattern on lifetime cannabis use and depressive symptoms Published In Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry Volume 79 Pages 392 - 400 ISSN 0278-5846 Altmetric
2017	Verbal learning and memory in cannabis and alcohol users: An event-related potential investigation Published In Frontiers in Psychology Volume 8 Pages 2129-1 - 2129-18 ISSN 1664-1078 Altmetric
2016	Acute and chronic effects of cannabinoids on human cognition-a systematic review Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 79 Pages 557 - 567 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2016	Adolescent cannabis use: what is the evidence for functional brain alteration? Published In Current Pharmaceutical Design Volume 22 Pages 6353 - 6365 ISSN 1381-6128 Altmetric
2016	An MRI study of white matter tract integrity in regular cannabis users: effects of cannabis use and age Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 233 Pages 3627 - 3637 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2016	Clinical trials of medicinal cannabis for appetite-related symptoms from advanced cancer: a survey of preferences, attitudes and beliefs among patients willing to consider participation Published In Internal Medicine Journal Volume 46 Pages 1269 - 1275 ISSN 1444-0903 Altmetric
2016	Effect of cannabidiol on cognition in a maternal immune activation (poly IC) model of schizophrenia Published In International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 19 Pages 183 - 183 ISSN 1461-1457 Altmetric
2016	Genetic imaging consortium for addiction medicine: From neuroimaging to genes Published In Progress in Brain Research Volume 224 Pages 203 - 223 Altmetric
2016	Hippocampal harms, protection and recovery following regular cannabis use Published In Translational Psychiatry Volume 6 Pages e710-1 - e710-7 ISSN 2158-3188 Altmetric
2016	Mismatch negativity and P50 sensory gating in abstinent former cannabis users Published In Neural Plasticity Volume 2016 Pages 6526437-1 - 6526437-11 Altmetric
2016	Schizotypy and auditory mismatch negativity in a non-clinical sample of young adults. Published In Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging Volume 254 Pages 83 - 91 ISSN 0925-4927 Altmetric
2016	The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is sensitive to head injury and cognitive impairment in a residential alcohol and other drug therapeutic community Published In Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 66 Pages 30 - 36 ISSN 0740-5472 Altmetric
2016	The neurobiology of cannabis use disorders: A call for evidence Published In Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience Volume May Pages 1 - 3 ISSN 1662-5153 Altmetric
2016	The role of cannabinoids in neuroanatomic alterations in cannabis users Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 79 Pages E17 - E31 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2015	Computerized and virtual reality cognitive training for individuals at high risk of cognitive decline: systematic review of the literature Published In American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Volume 23 Pages 335 - 359 ISSN 1064-7481 Altmetric
2015	Gross morphological brain changes with chronic, heavy cannabis use Published In British Journal of Psychiatry Volume 206 Pages 77 - 78 ISSN 0007-1250 Altmetric
2014	A protocol for the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) and combined CBD and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by vaporisation Published In BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology Volume 15 Pages 1 - 8 ISSN 2050-6511 Altmetric
2014	Chronic effects of cannabis use on the auditory mismatch negativity Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 75 Pages 449 - 458 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2014	Hippocampal morphological abnormalities in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 75 Pages 303S - 303S ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2014	The association between regular cannabis exposure and alterations of human brain morphology: an updated review of the literature Published In Current Pharmaceutical Design Volume 20 Pages 2138 - 2167 ISSN 1381-6128 Altmetric
2013	Advances in addiction neurobiology: decision-making, cannabis and oxytocin Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 47 Pages 28 - 29 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2013	Alteration to hippocampal shape in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 143 Pages 179 - 184 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2013	Brain morphology in cannabis users: Region-dependent reductions and role of use patterns Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 73 Pages 308S - 308S ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2013	Chronic effects of cannabis on sensory gating Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 381 - 389 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	More thinking about less data: a perspective from the 2nd Provence Summer Workshop Published In Molecular Psychiatry Volume 18 Pages 524 - 525 ISSN 1359-4184 Altmetric
2013	Reduced concentration of N-acetyl-aspartate associated with volume reduction of the hippocampus in heavy cannabis users Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 73 Pages 311S - 311S ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2012	Delayed preattentional functioning in early psychosis patients with cannabis use Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 222 Pages 507 - 518 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2012	Effect of long-term cannabis use on axonal fibre connectivity Published In Brain: a journal of neurology Volume 135 Pages 2245 - 2255 ISSN 0006-8950 Altmetric
2012	Functional connectivity in brain networks underlying cognitive control in chronic cannabis users Published In Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 37 Pages 1923 - 1933 ISSN 0893-133X Altmetric
2012	Genetic modulation of the long-term effects of cannabis on brain structure, function and symptomatology Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 136 Pages S134 - S134 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2012	Reflection impulsivity in adolescent cannabis users: a comparison with alcohol-using and non-substance-using adolescents Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 219 Pages 575 - 586 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2012	The effects of regular long-term cannabis use on auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 136 Pages S82 - S82 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2012	The impact of cannabis use on cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of existing findings and new data in a first-episode sample Published In Schizophrenia Bulletin Volume 38 Pages 316 - 330 ISSN 0586-7614 Altmetric
2012	The impact of regular cannabis use on human brain structure Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 22 Pages S164 - S165 ISSN 0924-977X
2011	Cerebellar white-matter changes in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Psychological Medicine Volume 41 Pages 2349 - 2359 ISSN 1469-8978 Altmetric
2011	Verbal learning and memory in adolescent cannabis users, alcohol users and non-users Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 216 Pages 131 - 144 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Alterations of hippocampal shape in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 426 - 426 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Auditory mismatch negativity and long-term cannabis use Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A58 - A58 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2010	Cannabis use in first episode psychosis and the mismatch negativity Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A60 - A60 ISSN 0004-8674
2010	Cannabis, cognition and schizophrenia: structural brain alterations and symptomatology Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 123 - 124 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Cannabis, cognition and schizophrenia: structural brain alterations and symptomatology Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A17 - A18 ISSN 0004-8674
2010	Chronic cannabis use alters neurophysiological functioning during the Stroop color-naming task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 103 - 103 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Chronic cannabis users show altered neurophysiological functioning on Stroop task conflict resolution Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 212 Pages 613 - 624 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Chronic use of cannabis and poor neural efficiency in verbal memory ability Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 209 Pages 319 - 340 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Cognitive abnormalities and cannabis use Published In Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry Volume 32 Pages S31 - S40 Altmetric
2010	Cognitive, executive and social functioning in schizophrenia with and without comorbid cannabis use Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 425 - 425 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Harms to body and soul: an ideological balancing act for preventing and reducing cannabis use Published In Addiction Volume 105 Pages 1331 - 1332 ISSN 0965-2140 Altmetric
2010	Neural substrates of the association between cannabis and schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 123 - 123 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Reflection impulsivity in adolescent cannabis users Published In Journal of Psychopharmacology Volume 24 Pages A63 - A63 ISSN 1461-7285 Altmetric
2010	Structural MRI findings in long-term cannabis users: what do we know? Published In Substance Use and Misuse Volume 45 Pages 1787 - 1808 ISSN 1082-6084 Altmetric
2010	The impact of cannabis use on cognitive functioning in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of existing findings and new data Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 20 Pages S432 - S432 ISSN 0924-977X Altmetric
2010	Verbal learning and memory in adolescent cannabis and alcohol users Published In Journal of Psychopharmacology Volume 24 Pages A62 - A62 ISSN 1461-7285
2008	Cannabis, cannabinoids and schizophrenia: integration of the evidence Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 42 Pages 357 - 368 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2008	Cerebellar grey and white matter changes associated with cannabis use in schizophrenia and in healthy controls Published In NeuroImage Volume 41 Page p. S83 ISSN 1053-8119
2008	Increased suicide risk in depressed patients predicted by long-chain fatty acids Published In International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 11 Page p. 206 ISSN 1461-1457 Altmetric
2008	Long-term heavy cannabis use related brain abnormalities Published In Early Intervention in Psychiatry: the development, onset and treatment of emerging mental disorders Volume 2 Pages A31 - A31 ISSN 1751-7885
2008	Regional brain abnormalities associated with heavy long-term cannabis use Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 18 Pages S545 - S546 ISSN 0924-977X
2008	Regional brain abnormalities associated with heavy long-term cannabis use Published In Archives of General Psychiatry Volume 65 Pages 694 - 701 ISSN 0003-990X Altmetric
2008	The chronic effects of cannabis on memory in humans: a review Published In Current Drug Abuse Reviews Volume 1 Pages 81 - 98 ISSN 1874-4737 Altmetric
2008	Visuospatial memory deficits in long term heavy cannabis users: relation to psychotic symptoms and regional brain volumes Published In International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 11 Page p. 242 ISSN 1461-1457 Altmetric
2007	Cannabis and cognitive dysfunction: Parallels with endophenotypes of schizophrenia? Published In Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Volume 32 Pages 30 - 52 ISSN 1180-4882
2007	Dietary habits of people with and without schizophrenia: relationship to stress Published In Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition Volume 16 Pages S69 - S69 ISSN 0964-7058
2007	Schizophrenia-like cognitive effects of cannabinoids Published In Schizophrenia Bulletin Volume 33 Pages 543 - 543 ISSN 0586-7614
2007	Understanding drug addiction: A neuropsychological perspective Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 41 Pages 957 - 968 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric

Book

Year	Title
2009	Guide d'aide a l'arret du cannabis (Guide to quitting cannabis) Publisher Paris: INPES Institut National de Prevention et d'Education pour la Sante Edition 1

Chapter

Year	Title
2017	Chronic Cannabis Use and Axonal Fiber Connectivity Published In Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies: Biology, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Publisher London, United Kingdom: Elsevier Pages 391 - 400 ISBN 9780128007563 Altmetric
2013	The impact of regular cannabis use on the human brain: A review of structural neuroimaging studies Published In Biological Research on Addiction Publisher San Diego, United States: Academic Press Pages 711 - 728 ISBN 9780123983350 Altmetric
2012	Cannabis and cognition: short- and long-term effects Published In Marijuana and Madness Publisher Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Pages 91 - 102 ISBN 9781107000216 Edition 2 Altmetric
2012	Does cannabis cause lasting brain damage? Published In Marijuana and Madness Publisher Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Pages 103 - 113 ISBN 9781107000216 Edition 2 Altmetric
2009	Brief treatments for cannabis dependence: findings from a randomized multisite trial Published In Addictive Behaviors: New Readings on Etiology, Prevention and Treatment Publisher Washington DC: American Psychological Association Pages 429 - 457 ISBN 9781433804021
2009	Neurobiological and neuropsychological pathways into substance abuse and addictive behaviour Published In The Neuropsychology of Mental Illness Publisher United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press Pages 326 - 341 ISBN 9780521862899 Altmetric
2009	Structural brain alterations in cannabis users: association with cognitive deficits and psychiatric symptoms Published In The Handbook of Neuropsychiatric Biomarkers, Endophenotypes, and Genes: volume 2: Neuroanatomical and Neuroimaging Endophenotypes and Biomarkers Publisher Dordrecht: Springer Pages 215 - 225 ISBN 9781402098307

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2015	Opposite effects of THC and CBD on auditory mismatch negativity: a randomised controlled trial of acute cannabinoid Published In 28th ECNP Congress Pages S215 - S215 Altmetric
2013	An investigation of mismatch negativity in current and ex-cannabis users using a feature controlled method Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 65 - 65 Altmetric
2013	Familial analysis of MMN in cannabis users: A case study Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 64 - 64 Altmetric
2013	Mismatch negativity (MMN) and schizotypy in nonclinical young adults Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 21 - 21 Altmetric

Investigator On

Year	Title
2018 - 2021	Cannabidiol may protect the brain against the harmful effects of marijuana Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2018 - 2021	Efficacy of a 3-month aerobic exercise regime for restoring 'brain health' in heavy cannabis users Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2017 - 2021	Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE): Quality and safety in the implementation of medicinal cannabis use in the community Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Centres of Research Excellence
2017 - 2021	Characterising neurobiological abnormalities in Cannabis Use Disorders Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2018	DELL PowerEdge R440 Server Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Equipment Grant
2012 - 2016	Cannabis and the brain: the good, the bad and the unknown Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Future Fellowships
2015	Evaluation of Cannabinoids in Cancer-Related Anorexia Cachexia Syndrome: A Phase III double-blind Randomised Controlled Trial Awarded by: NSW Health Funding Scheme: Sponsored Clinical Trials for Cannabis/ Cannabis products
2013	Package to enable advanced 3D brain imaging visualisation, manipulation and measurement, comprising software license: Analyze 11.0 and maintenance agreement; 3D brain atlas; and dedicated laptop to enable processing at remote locations Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Equipment Grant
2011	Vulnerability markers in the association between cannabis and schizophrenia Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2008	Determining the cognitive sequelae of adolescent cannabis use: a longitudinal cohort study Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
	A flexible high throughput analytical system for psychopharmacology and drug discovery Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
	Quantifying the neurocognitive impact of cannabis across the life span: The evolution of memory deficits. Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant

Available as Research Supervisor

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	The therapeutic potential of cannabidiol on cognitive function and the underlying mechanisms	Osborne, Ashleigh
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)	The Effect of Prolonged Cannabidiol Treatment upon Brain Structure and Function in Cannabis Users	Beale, Camilla
Doctor of Philosophy	Characterising Neurobiological Abnormalities in Cannabis Use Disorder	Dunsford, Suraya

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5222-5637 (confirmed)

Top Publications

Year	Title
2016	Hippocampal harms, protection and recovery following regular cannabis use Published in Translational Psychiatry
2016	Acute and chronic effects of cannabinoids on human cognition-a systematic review Published in Biological Psychiatry
2016	The role of cannabinoids in neuroanatomic alterations in cannabis users Published in Biological Psychiatry
2012	Effect of long-term cannabis use on axonal fibre connectivity Published in Brain: a journal of neurology
2011	Verbal learning and memory in adolescent cannabis users, alcohol users and non-users Published in Psychopharmacology
2008	Regional brain abnormalities associated with heavy long-term cannabis use Published in Archives of General Psychiatry

Research Areas

Research Overview

Nadia Solowij, PhD, is a Professor in the School of Psychology, University of Wollongong and recently completed a 4-year term as an ARC Future Fellow. She has been actively researching the effects of long-term cannabis use for more than 25 years and is now the most published researcher in the world on the topic of cannabis and the brain. Her primary area of expertise is in the long-term cognitive and neural effects of cannabis. She has used neuropsychological, psychophysiological and brain imaging techniques in her investigations of memory, cognition and brain structure and function in adult and adolescent cannabis users and people with schizophrenia and comorbid cannabis use. She has over 100 scientific publications including her book Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning (Cambridge University Press). Her recent research has focused on the effects of different cannabinoids on brain structure and function and vulnerability markers for psychosis, as well as clinical trials of medicinal cannabis or cannabinoids.

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2019	A randomised controlled trial of vaporised Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol alone and in combination in frequent and infrequent cannabis users: acute intoxication effects Published In European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience: official organ of the German society for biological psychiatry Volume Online First Pages 1 - 19 ISSN 0940-1334 Altmetric
2019	Cortical surface morphology in long-term cannabis users: A multi-site MRI study Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 29 Pages 257 - 265 ISSN 0924-977X Altmetric
2019	Does regular cannabis use affect neuroanatomy? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies Published In European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience: official organ of the German society for biological psychiatry Volume 269 Pages 59 - 71 ISSN 0940-1334 Altmetric
2018	Alteration to hippocampal volume and shape confined to cannabis dependence: A multi-site study Published In Addiction Biology Volume Online first Pages 1 - 13 ISSN 1355-6215 Altmetric
2018	Biomarker correlates of psychotherapy outcomes in borderline personality disorder: A systematic review Published In Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Volume 94 Pages 166 - 178 ISSN 0149-7634
2018	Cannabinoid Disposition After Human Intraperitoneal Use: An Insight Into Intraperitoneal Pharmacokinetic Properties in Metastatic Cancer Published In Clinical Therapeutics: the international peer-reviewed journal of drug therapy Volume 40 Pages 1442 - 1447 ISSN 0149-2918 Altmetric
2018	Clinical issues in cannabis use Published In British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Volume Online First Pages 1 - 4 ISSN 0306-5251 Altmetric
2018	Exploring the association of legalisation status of cannabis with problematic cannabis use and impulsivity in the USA Published In Drugs in Context Volume 7 Pages 212541-1 - 212541-5 Altmetric
2018	Prolonged Cannabidiol Treatment Effects on Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Current Cannabis Users Published In Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Volume 3 Pages 1 - 14 Altmetric
2018	Second-Hand Exposure of Staff Administering Vaporised Cannabinoid Products to Patients in a Hospital Setting Published In Drugs in R and D Volume 18 Pages 41 - 44 ISSN 1174-5886 Altmetric
2018	The effects of glycine on auditory mismatch negativity in schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 191 Pages 61 - 69 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2018	The relationship between executive functions and emotion regulation in females attending therapeutic community treatment for substance use disorder Published In Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 182 Pages 58 - 66 ISSN 0376-8716 Altmetric
2018	Therapeutic Effects of Prolonged Cannabidiol Treatment on Psychological Symptoms and Cognitive Function in Regular Cannabis Users: A Pragmatic Open-Label Clinical Trial Published In Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Volume 3 Pages 21 - 34 Altmetric
2017	A systematic review of the effect of cannabidiol on cognitive function: Relevance to schizophrenia Published In Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Volume 72 Pages 310 - 324 ISSN 0149-7634 Altmetric
2017	Cannabis-related hippocampal volumetric abnormalities specific to subregions in dependent users Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 234 Pages 2149 - 2157 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2017	Cognitive remediation improves executive functions, self-regulation and quality of life in residents of a substance use disorder therapeutic community Published In Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 178 Pages 150 - 158 Altmetric
2017	Development and validation of a simple, rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the measurement of urinary neurotransmitters and their metabolites Published In Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Volume 409 Pages 7191 - 7199 ISSN 1618-2642 Altmetric
2017	Improved social interaction, recognition and working memory with cannabidiol treatment in a prenatal infection (poly I:C) rat model Published In Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 42 Pages 1447 - 1457 ISSN 0893-133X Altmetric
2017	Orbitofrontal and caudate volumes in cannabis users: a multi-site mega-analysis comparing dependent versus non-dependent users Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 234 Pages 1985 - 1995 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2017	Role of orbitofrontal sulcogyral pattern on lifetime cannabis use and depressive symptoms Published In Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry Volume 79 Pages 392 - 400 ISSN 0278-5846 Altmetric
2017	Verbal learning and memory in cannabis and alcohol users: An event-related potential investigation Published In Frontiers in Psychology Volume 8 Pages 2129-1 - 2129-18 ISSN 1664-1078 Altmetric
2016	Acute and chronic effects of cannabinoids on human cognition-a systematic review Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 79 Pages 557 - 567 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2016	Adolescent cannabis use: what is the evidence for functional brain alteration? Published In Current Pharmaceutical Design Volume 22 Pages 6353 - 6365 ISSN 1381-6128 Altmetric
2016	An MRI study of white matter tract integrity in regular cannabis users: effects of cannabis use and age Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 233 Pages 3627 - 3637 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2016	Clinical trials of medicinal cannabis for appetite-related symptoms from advanced cancer: a survey of preferences, attitudes and beliefs among patients willing to consider participation Published In Internal Medicine Journal Volume 46 Pages 1269 - 1275 ISSN 1444-0903 Altmetric
2016	Effect of cannabidiol on cognition in a maternal immune activation (poly IC) model of schizophrenia Published In International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 19 Pages 183 - 183 ISSN 1461-1457 Altmetric
2016	Genetic imaging consortium for addiction medicine: From neuroimaging to genes Published In Progress in Brain Research Volume 224 Pages 203 - 223 Altmetric
2016	Hippocampal harms, protection and recovery following regular cannabis use Published In Translational Psychiatry Volume 6 Pages e710-1 - e710-7 ISSN 2158-3188 Altmetric
2016	Mismatch negativity and P50 sensory gating in abstinent former cannabis users Published In Neural Plasticity Volume 2016 Pages 6526437-1 - 6526437-11 Altmetric
2016	Schizotypy and auditory mismatch negativity in a non-clinical sample of young adults. Published In Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging Volume 254 Pages 83 - 91 ISSN 0925-4927 Altmetric
2016	The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is sensitive to head injury and cognitive impairment in a residential alcohol and other drug therapeutic community Published In Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 66 Pages 30 - 36 ISSN 0740-5472 Altmetric
2016	The neurobiology of cannabis use disorders: A call for evidence Published In Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience Volume May Pages 1 - 3 ISSN 1662-5153 Altmetric
2016	The role of cannabinoids in neuroanatomic alterations in cannabis users Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 79 Pages E17 - E31 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2015	Computerized and virtual reality cognitive training for individuals at high risk of cognitive decline: systematic review of the literature Published In American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Volume 23 Pages 335 - 359 ISSN 1064-7481 Altmetric
2015	Gross morphological brain changes with chronic, heavy cannabis use Published In British Journal of Psychiatry Volume 206 Pages 77 - 78 ISSN 0007-1250 Altmetric
2014	A protocol for the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) and combined CBD and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by vaporisation Published In BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology Volume 15 Pages 1 - 8 ISSN 2050-6511 Altmetric
2014	Chronic effects of cannabis use on the auditory mismatch negativity Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 75 Pages 449 - 458 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2014	Hippocampal morphological abnormalities in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 75 Pages 303S - 303S ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2014	The association between regular cannabis exposure and alterations of human brain morphology: an updated review of the literature Published In Current Pharmaceutical Design Volume 20 Pages 2138 - 2167 ISSN 1381-6128 Altmetric
2013	Advances in addiction neurobiology: decision-making, cannabis and oxytocin Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 47 Pages 28 - 29 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2013	Alteration to hippocampal shape in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 143 Pages 179 - 184 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2013	Brain morphology in cannabis users: Region-dependent reductions and role of use patterns Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 73 Pages 308S - 308S ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2013	Chronic effects of cannabis on sensory gating Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 381 - 389 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	More thinking about less data: a perspective from the 2nd Provence Summer Workshop Published In Molecular Psychiatry Volume 18 Pages 524 - 525 ISSN 1359-4184 Altmetric
2013	Reduced concentration of N-acetyl-aspartate associated with volume reduction of the hippocampus in heavy cannabis users Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 73 Pages 311S - 311S ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2012	Delayed preattentional functioning in early psychosis patients with cannabis use Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 222 Pages 507 - 518 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2012	Effect of long-term cannabis use on axonal fibre connectivity Published In Brain: a journal of neurology Volume 135 Pages 2245 - 2255 ISSN 0006-8950 Altmetric
2012	Functional connectivity in brain networks underlying cognitive control in chronic cannabis users Published In Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 37 Pages 1923 - 1933 ISSN 0893-133X Altmetric
2012	Genetic modulation of the long-term effects of cannabis on brain structure, function and symptomatology Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 136 Pages S134 - S134 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2012	Reflection impulsivity in adolescent cannabis users: a comparison with alcohol-using and non-substance-using adolescents Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 219 Pages 575 - 586 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2012	The effects of regular long-term cannabis use on auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 136 Pages S82 - S82 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2012	The impact of cannabis use on cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of existing findings and new data in a first-episode sample Published In Schizophrenia Bulletin Volume 38 Pages 316 - 330 ISSN 0586-7614 Altmetric
2012	The impact of regular cannabis use on human brain structure Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 22 Pages S164 - S165 ISSN 0924-977X
2011	Cerebellar white-matter changes in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Psychological Medicine Volume 41 Pages 2349 - 2359 ISSN 1469-8978 Altmetric
2011	Verbal learning and memory in adolescent cannabis users, alcohol users and non-users Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 216 Pages 131 - 144 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Alterations of hippocampal shape in cannabis users with and without schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 426 - 426 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Auditory mismatch negativity and long-term cannabis use Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A58 - A58 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2010	Cannabis use in first episode psychosis and the mismatch negativity Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A60 - A60 ISSN 0004-8674
2010	Cannabis, cognition and schizophrenia: structural brain alterations and symptomatology Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 123 - 124 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Cannabis, cognition and schizophrenia: structural brain alterations and symptomatology Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A17 - A18 ISSN 0004-8674
2010	Chronic cannabis use alters neurophysiological functioning during the Stroop color-naming task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 103 - 103 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Chronic cannabis users show altered neurophysiological functioning on Stroop task conflict resolution Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 212 Pages 613 - 624 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Chronic use of cannabis and poor neural efficiency in verbal memory ability Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 209 Pages 319 - 340 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Cognitive abnormalities and cannabis use Published In Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry Volume 32 Pages S31 - S40 Altmetric
2010	Cognitive, executive and social functioning in schizophrenia with and without comorbid cannabis use Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 425 - 425 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Harms to body and soul: an ideological balancing act for preventing and reducing cannabis use Published In Addiction Volume 105 Pages 1331 - 1332 ISSN 0965-2140 Altmetric
2010	Neural substrates of the association between cannabis and schizophrenia Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 117 Pages 123 - 123 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2010	Reflection impulsivity in adolescent cannabis users Published In Journal of Psychopharmacology Volume 24 Pages A63 - A63 ISSN 1461-7285 Altmetric
2010	Structural MRI findings in long-term cannabis users: what do we know? Published In Substance Use and Misuse Volume 45 Pages 1787 - 1808 ISSN 1082-6084 Altmetric
2010	The impact of cannabis use on cognitive functioning in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of existing findings and new data Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 20 Pages S432 - S432 ISSN 0924-977X Altmetric
2010	Verbal learning and memory in adolescent cannabis and alcohol users Published In Journal of Psychopharmacology Volume 24 Pages A62 - A62 ISSN 1461-7285
2008	Cannabis, cannabinoids and schizophrenia: integration of the evidence Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 42 Pages 357 - 368 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2008	Cerebellar grey and white matter changes associated with cannabis use in schizophrenia and in healthy controls Published In NeuroImage Volume 41 Page p. S83 ISSN 1053-8119
2008	Increased suicide risk in depressed patients predicted by long-chain fatty acids Published In International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 11 Page p. 206 ISSN 1461-1457 Altmetric
2008	Long-term heavy cannabis use related brain abnormalities Published In Early Intervention in Psychiatry: the development, onset and treatment of emerging mental disorders Volume 2 Pages A31 - A31 ISSN 1751-7885
2008	Regional brain abnormalities associated with heavy long-term cannabis use Published In European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 18 Pages S545 - S546 ISSN 0924-977X
2008	Regional brain abnormalities associated with heavy long-term cannabis use Published In Archives of General Psychiatry Volume 65 Pages 694 - 701 ISSN 0003-990X Altmetric
2008	The chronic effects of cannabis on memory in humans: a review Published In Current Drug Abuse Reviews Volume 1 Pages 81 - 98 ISSN 1874-4737 Altmetric
2008	Visuospatial memory deficits in long term heavy cannabis users: relation to psychotic symptoms and regional brain volumes Published In International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 11 Page p. 242 ISSN 1461-1457 Altmetric
2007	Cannabis and cognitive dysfunction: Parallels with endophenotypes of schizophrenia? Published In Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Volume 32 Pages 30 - 52 ISSN 1180-4882
2007	Dietary habits of people with and without schizophrenia: relationship to stress Published In Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition Volume 16 Pages S69 - S69 ISSN 0964-7058
2007	Schizophrenia-like cognitive effects of cannabinoids Published In Schizophrenia Bulletin Volume 33 Pages 543 - 543 ISSN 0586-7614
2007	Understanding drug addiction: A neuropsychological perspective Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 41 Pages 957 - 968 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric

Book

Year	Title
2009	Guide d'aide a l'arret du cannabis (Guide to quitting cannabis) Publisher Paris: INPES Institut National de Prevention et d'Education pour la Sante Edition 1

Chapter

Year	Title
2017	Chronic Cannabis Use and Axonal Fiber Connectivity Published In Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies: Biology, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Publisher London, United Kingdom: Elsevier Pages 391 - 400 ISBN 9780128007563 Altmetric
2013	The impact of regular cannabis use on the human brain: A review of structural neuroimaging studies Published In Biological Research on Addiction Publisher San Diego, United States: Academic Press Pages 711 - 728 ISBN 9780123983350 Altmetric
2012	Cannabis and cognition: short- and long-term effects Published In Marijuana and Madness Publisher Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Pages 91 - 102 ISBN 9781107000216 Edition 2 Altmetric
2012	Does cannabis cause lasting brain damage? Published In Marijuana and Madness Publisher Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Pages 103 - 113 ISBN 9781107000216 Edition 2 Altmetric
2009	Brief treatments for cannabis dependence: findings from a randomized multisite trial Published In Addictive Behaviors: New Readings on Etiology, Prevention and Treatment Publisher Washington DC: American Psychological Association Pages 429 - 457 ISBN 9781433804021
2009	Neurobiological and neuropsychological pathways into substance abuse and addictive behaviour Published In The Neuropsychology of Mental Illness Publisher United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press Pages 326 - 341 ISBN 9780521862899 Altmetric
2009	Structural brain alterations in cannabis users: association with cognitive deficits and psychiatric symptoms Published In The Handbook of Neuropsychiatric Biomarkers, Endophenotypes, and Genes: volume 2: Neuroanatomical and Neuroimaging Endophenotypes and Biomarkers Publisher Dordrecht: Springer Pages 215 - 225 ISBN 9781402098307

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2015	Opposite effects of THC and CBD on auditory mismatch negativity: a randomised controlled trial of acute cannabinoid Published In 28th ECNP Congress Pages S215 - S215 Altmetric
2013	An investigation of mismatch negativity in current and ex-cannabis users using a feature controlled method Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 65 - 65 Altmetric
2013	Familial analysis of MMN in cannabis users: A case study Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 64 - 64 Altmetric
2013	Mismatch negativity (MMN) and schizotypy in nonclinical young adults Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 21 - 21 Altmetric

Investigator On

Year	Title
2018 - 2021	Cannabidiol may protect the brain against the harmful effects of marijuana Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2018 - 2021	Efficacy of a 3-month aerobic exercise regime for restoring 'brain health' in heavy cannabis users Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2017 - 2021	Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE): Quality and safety in the implementation of medicinal cannabis use in the community Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Centres of Research Excellence
2017 - 2021	Characterising neurobiological abnormalities in Cannabis Use Disorders Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2018	DELL PowerEdge R440 Server Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Equipment Grant
2012 - 2016	Cannabis and the brain: the good, the bad and the unknown Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Future Fellowships
2015	Evaluation of Cannabinoids in Cancer-Related Anorexia Cachexia Syndrome: A Phase III double-blind Randomised Controlled Trial Awarded by: NSW Health Funding Scheme: Sponsored Clinical Trials for Cannabis/ Cannabis products
2013	Package to enable advanced 3D brain imaging visualisation, manipulation and measurement, comprising software license: Analyze 11.0 and maintenance agreement; 3D brain atlas; and dedicated laptop to enable processing at remote locations Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Equipment Grant
2011	Vulnerability markers in the association between cannabis and schizophrenia Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2008	Determining the cognitive sequelae of adolescent cannabis use: a longitudinal cohort study Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant
	A flexible high throughput analytical system for psychopharmacology and drug discovery Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
	Quantifying the neurocognitive impact of cannabis across the life span: The evolution of memory deficits. Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Project Grant

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	The therapeutic potential of cannabidiol on cognitive function and the underlying mechanisms	Osborne, Ashleigh
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)	The Effect of Prolonged Cannabidiol Treatment upon Brain Structure and Function in Cannabis Users	Beale, Camilla
Doctor of Philosophy	Characterising Neurobiological Abnormalities in Cannabis Use Disorder	Dunsford, Suraya

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5222-5637 (confirmed)

Solowij, Nadia Professor

Professor

Overview

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Research Overview

Available as Research Supervisor

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Investigator On

Supervision

Available as Research Supervisor

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Identity

Orcid Id

Overview

Top Publications

Research Areas

Research Overview

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Book

Chapter

Conference Paper

Funding

Investigator On

Supervision

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Identity

Orcid Id

Visualisations

Research Areas