Neurobehavioral and Social Sequelae Of “Maajoune Illicit Drug” Use by Young Individuals

Abstract

Background: Maajoune is a dough prepared using hemp resin and certain plants known for their aphrodisiac effects. This drug is manufactured in North African countries. Objectives: The goal of this study was to seek the neurocognitive effects of the Maâjoune among children and young individuals. Methods: This randomized case-control study was conducted in three addiction centers and four schools in Morocco’s central region. The neurocognitive evaluation was performed by the Bells Test (visual attention deficits, unilateral spatial neglect, memory, and executive functions). SPSS software (version 20) was used to perform statistical analysis consisting of descriptive and qualitative analyses. Results: This study was conducted on 115 participants aged between 10 and 18 years. The subjects were divided into two groups, namely 55 subjects (48%) (G1) addicted to Maajoune and 60 subjects (52%) (G2) as non-consumers (control group). The results showed the omission of 6 items for 73% and 42% in G1 and G2, respectively (P < 0.05). Hemianopsia was detected as bilateral visuospatial neglect (BVN) for 36% (G1) and 17% (G2) (P < 0.05) and right visuospatial neglect for 24% (G1) and 13% (G2) (P < 0.05). The addicted group score was significant regarding attention disorder (P = 0.001‡) and memory troubles (P < 0.000001‡). Conclusions: The study results confirmed that Maajoune consumption significantly affected attention, executive function, and memory in young individuals. These findings highlight the urgent need for research that elucidates the neurobiological changes caused by Maajoune consumption in human health.