Dr. Francesca Filbey, PhD, professor and director of cognitive neuroscience explained why the study was so pivotal, “Now that we have identified there are differences in large-scale brain network patterns in long-term cannabis users when there is craving, we can use these as biomarkers of cannabis use disorder to aid treatment strategies. Future studies are needed to determine how these brain network patterns might change over the course of treatment and recovery.”

According to the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas, the team’s research indicates the need for better treatment strategies for those experiencing dependence or cravings that are difficult to control.

The study cites, “The findings add to the understanding that regions of the brain do not perform in isolation, but through connectivity of multiple brain networks that signal to each other depending on need and state.” Explaining that cravings for marijuana are not static but rather present in patterns, the study looked at the central executive network of the brain and its fluctuations. [Read more at Chicago Tribune]