It is a massive study.
Recent studies indicate a significant rise in cannabis use worldwide, growing from approximately 180.6 million users in 2011 to 219 million in 2021. This increase has largely been driven by the legalization of cannabis in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Thailand, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Uruguay.
However, research has shown that regular cannabis use may lead to health risks, such as lung damage, mental health issues, strokes, and heart attacks. Additionally, previous findings suggest a potential link between cannabis use and risk factors for dementia.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that heavy cannabis use may impair working memory, which is essential for cognitive tasks like learning and language comprehension. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 young adults aged 22 to 36, divided into three groups: heavy cannabis users (over 1,000 uses in their lifetime), moderate users (10 to 999 uses), and non-users (fewer than 10 uses). Participants underwent brain scans while performing various cognitive tasks, including those related to motor skills, emotion, reward, and memory.
Dr. Joshua L. Gowin, the study’s lead author, explained his interest in understanding how cannabis affects brain function. Of the seven cognitive tasks examined, working memory was the only area where cannabis use had a notable impact. Researchers found that 63% of heavy cannabis users and 68% of recent users exhibited reduced brain activity during working memory tasks.
Gowin noted that while the effects on working memory were small, they were consistent. He explained that although heavy cannabis use may not drastically impair brain function, it could still cause noticeable cognitive effects. The study also showed that heavy cannabis users had reduced brain activity in regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and anterior insula, which are crucial for memory, attention, and decision-making.
The study raises concerns about how cannabis affects brain function, particularly in terms of memory. Gowin emphasized that this research could help people make informed decisions about their health. The researchers are currently exploring whether THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, directly affects brain activity compared to a placebo.
Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, commented on the study, noting that cannabis use is often linked to memory problems in clinical practice. He suggested further research to examine how cannabis affects driving ability and whether medical marijuana users experience similar cognitive issues.
Jasdeep S. Hundal, PsyD, a clinical neuropsychologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, expressed concern about the study’s findings. He noted that regular, heavy cannabis use may impair brain functions, especially working memory and executive functioning. Hundal called for more informed conversations between doctors and patients, especially those at risk for cognitive decline, to consider the potential long-term cognitive effects of cannabis use.
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