Author: John Carter

Everything you need to know about the way cannabis affects your brain

Conversely, individuals who began using marijuana in their adulthood did not experience any IQ loss. Gray matter refers to regions of brain tissue that contain nerve cell bodies. These regions control muscle movement, sensory perception, and executive functions, including self-control and decision making. The MRI scans of individuals who reported occasional or frequent marijuana use showed no significant differences in the brain volume, cortical thickness, or gray matter density compared to their abstinent peers.

However, long-term marijuana may increase a person’s risk of substance use disorders, as well as problems with memory and concentration. The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.

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Similarly to marijuana, synthetic marijuana affects the brain by attaching itself to the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Synthetic weed binds more strongly to CB1 receptors than THC, making it at least 100 times more potent in the brain. Because CB1 receptors have multiple locations in the brain, side effects can be intense and harmful. Using marijuana can cause damage to brain cells and result in a number of concurrent symptoms throughout the body.

Does Weed Kill Brain Cells? And 5 Other Things to Know

Some effects of heavy marijuana use on the brain may not be reversible. The NIH has now enrolled 11,878 children between the ages of 9 and 10 and their families onto the ABCD study. Over the next decade, researchers will use neuroimaging technology to track brain development from late childhood to early adulthood. In a 2016 study, researchers assessed the cognitive function of 3,385 people aged 18–30 by looking at the data from the 25-year-long Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study that began in 1986.

Regularly assess how you feel, both mentally and physically, after consumption. If you notice any adverse effects, consult with a healthcare professional. Although you cannot overdose on cannabis, using too much cannabis can be unpleasant at any age.

1. In addition, some studies have shown that “early and frequent cannabis use in adolescence predicts poor cognition in adulthood,” he added.
2. There is only anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies to provide early insights, but large-scale, long-term studies will lead to more reliable conclusions.
3. While limited studies suggest that cannabis might increase the risk of psychosis, most agree that there are often pre-existing genetic factors and other variables.
4. These consequences may be worse in regular and heavy users,” Dumais said.
5. Whether cannabis, or marijuana, kills brain cells remains unknown, and current research studies have yielded conflicting results.
6. The effect marijuana has on the brain is influenced by the amount a person has smoked and the user’s age.

How does cannabis influence a growing brain?

For instance, cultivars high in CBD might be more suitable for those looking for pain relief without the intoxicating effects. A common sentiment among neurologists and all scientists is the need for more comprehensive research. More studies need to be done to understand if this effect also applies to humans.

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Studies examining marijuana’s effects on adolescent users report a variety of negative outcomes. In our Science of cannabis series, we interrogate the biggest and boldest claims about the drug. We topple common myths about cannabis (sorry, lighting up before bed probably won’t help you sleep better) and uncover areas of promise, like quelling some forms of pain and nausea. There are still a lot of unknowns surrounding how marijuana affects adolescent and adult brains. It is also worth noting that a subset of the study participants who used marijuana in adolescence had slightly better working memory scores than those who did not use marijuana. As legalization has developed across the country, there has been an increase in older adults using cannabis for various reasons.

Within this ECS network are two types of cannabinoid receptors, or “docking stations,” CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain and central nervous system, influencing appetite, memory, and pain.2 CB2 receptors are distributed throughout the body, like in the immune system, mediating inflammation and body temperature. Glial cells also reside here, providing support and regulation to the neurons. Long-term and frequent marijuana use probably affects cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and learning, but more research needs to be done to understand how. More research needs to be done to fully understand the effects of marijuana on the brain of persistent cannabis users.

Please note that the studies covered in this article mainly consider the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the brain. THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana, or cannabis, that creates the ‘high’ effect. Whether cannabis, or marijuana, kills brain cells remains unknown, and current research studies have yielded conflicting results. Through ongoing research, scientific understanding of cannabis and its effects on the brain is continually evolving. Stay updated with the latest findings and consult your healthcare professionals to make informed decisions. The endocannabinoid system, rich in endocannabinoids (or eCBs for short), plays a pivotal role in various brain functions, from mood regulation to memory.

Does Weed Actually Kill Brain Cells?

For instance, a 2017 study reported that a low dose of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) restored age-related cognitive deficits in mice. A 2017 report cited moderate evidence that using marijuana as an adolescent is a risk factor in the development of problem cannabis use later on. In this case, the researchers compared changes in IQ between twins who used marijuana and their abstinent siblings. They didn’t find any significant differences in IQ decline between the two groups.