• Find a clinic
  • Contact us
  • myImaging
  • Referrers IntelePACS
  • Search
Pacific Radiology
  • Why choose us?
    Why choose us
    Research & innovation
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
  • Procedures
    Procedures Overview
    X-ray
    Ultrasound
    Pregnancy Ultrasound
    MRI
    CT Scan
    CT Calcium Score
    CT Colonography
    Breast Imaging
    PET - CT
    Bone Density
    Immigration X-ray
    Interventional Services
    Dental Imaging
    Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
  • Patients
    myImaging Portal
    Procedures
    Feedback
    Our clinics
    Payments
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
  • Referrers
    IntelePACS
    Referrer Resources
    Referral Forms
    Image Access
    Referrer Support
  • About
    About us
    Our People
    Latest News
    Careers
    Contact us
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
Search
Back to latest news
2 min read

Groundbreaking MRI study investigates cannabis effects

MRI Study investigates Cannibis effects
Published on 20 May 2021

Little is known about the long-term impact of cannabis use on the ageing brain. However, this is about to change. Pacific Radiology’s Research & Education Trust is excited to support a collaboration between the Christchurch Health and Development Study and the NZ Brain Research Institute, as part of an important study that will not only attract global interest, but its outcomes will help inform New Zealand’s future public health policies and strategies on cannabis use.

The Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) imaging programme is one example of the valuable contribution Pacific Radiology has made to local research with a global impact. The study has been in existence for more than 40 years, during which time researchers have followed the health, education and life progress of a group of 1265 children born in the Christchurch urban region in mid-1977. The cohort has been studied from infancy into childhood, adolescence and adulthood - and the study is internationally recognised.

Pacific Radiology has provided cutting-edge MRI imaging technology for the study to further a range of research angles. Specifically, the study has investigated the effects of cannabis on brain structure and function, as well as heart function, in study participants at age 42. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in New Zealand and is associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Combining brain and heart MRI imaging in the same cohort is one of the novel aspects of the study into cannabis use.

With 50 participants from the cohort, researchers have been looking into how brain and heart activity, neuropsychological data and biological markers are related to a history of cannabis use. The idea is to compare people who have a significant history of cannabis use with those who do not. All the imaging has been performed on Pacific Radiology’s scanners at the St George’s branch in Christchurch, namely MRI scans examining the structure and function of the head and the chest.

Dr Tracy Melzer from the University of Otago, Christchurch, and the NZ Brain Research Institute, notes that Pacific Radiology is the ‘go-to’ partner for imaging and he credits the strength and success of many research projects to the long-standing partnership, which enables access to world-class technology:

"We truly have a great relationship with Pacific Radiology. We are very thankful for their support, enthusiasm, clinical expertise and leading-edge technology that has allowed us to advance our imaging research."

The first phase of this research into the effects of cannabis on the body is now complete.

Latest research.

The latest news, technologies, and resources from our team.
View all articles
Deep-Learning TSE imaging can provide enhanced knee images
Imaging

Deep-Learning TSE imaging can provide enhanced knee images

Pacific Radiology doctors and clinical staff recently contributed to a published study on conventional vs deep learning MRI.

25 June 2024
view
PET imaging key to understanding Parkinson's disease dementia
Parkinsons

PET imaging key to understanding Parkinson's disease dementia

A unique research study is underway through the New Zealand Brain Research Institute (NZBRI) with New Zealand’s first brain tau PET scan in Christchurch. The focus is on Parkinson’s disease dementia.

23 August 2023
view
Working together to reduce New Zealand’s high bowel cancer mortality rate
Research

Working together to reduce New Zealand’s high bowel cancer mortality rate

Every day in New Zealand, nine people are diagnosed with bowel Cancer and three of them die. However, bowel cancer is a highly treatable disease if detected and diagnosed early.

28 March 2022
view
Research Nurse integral to cancer clinical research trials
Research

Research Nurse integral to cancer clinical research trials

In New Zealand, nearly 1000 women are affected by gynaecological cancer each year. Over the years, research about gynaecological cancer has been increasing and the role of Clinical Research Nurse has been integral to the discovery of a number of treatments, diagnoses, studies or trials.

21 March 2022
view
Innovative study to improve patient experience of MRI scans
Research

Innovative study to improve patient experience of MRI scans

A revolutionary approach to scanning using Deep Learning techniques could drastically reduce MRI scan times, meaning greater patient comfort and better quality images.

14 November 2021
view
Pacific Radiology makes strides into neurodegenerative research
Research

Pacific Radiology makes strides into neurodegenerative research

Recent developments in a global study including Pacific Radiology’s Research & Development Group mean that patients with neurodegenerative disorders could soon receive quicker, more accurate diagnoses.

13 October 2021
view

Book an appointment today.

Use our easy online booking tool to schedule your appointment at a time and location that’s most convenient for you.

Book now Find a clinic

At Pacific Radiology, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients' health information. We adhere to strict privacy policies and legal requirements to ensure that your personal health data is kept secure and used only for the purposes of providing you with the highest quality of care. Your trust is important to us, and we strive to maintain it by respecting your rights to privacy and confidentiality. ACC Southern Cross IANZ

ACC Southern Cross IANZ
General
Why choose us? Procedures myImaging Referrer Intelepacs
About us
Our staff Research Careers News
Helpful links
Contact us Our clinics Payments Referrers Privacy policy Disclaimer
myImaging Portal
© 2025 Pacific Radiology
Radi
This content is AI generated and is not medical advice. Please check for accuracy.