Recent research sheds light on the effects of cannabis on the brain

A study published in JAMA Network Open examines the link between cannabis consumption and the effects on brain activity.

The consumption of cannabis has increased worldwide in recent years due to greater social acceptance, legalization, and the perception that it is relatively harmless.

The new study, however, sheds light on the effects cannabis can have on brain activity.

Researchers analyzed 1000 young adults aged 22 to 36 with cannabis use disorder using brain imaging technology. The research revealed that both those who used cannabis for an extended period of time and recent users showed reduced brain activity during a working memory task.

Pexels

Working memory is person’s ability to work with information and is linked to a range of cognitive activities, from reasoning tasks to verbal comprehension to mathematical skills.

Joshua Gowin, PhD, the study’s first author, stated, “As cannabis use continues to grow globally, studying its effects on human health has become increasingly important. By doing so, we can provide a well-rounded understanding of both the benefits and risks of cannabis use, empowering people to make informed decisions and fully comprehend the potential consequences.”

Use of cannabis has negative effects on the communication between key brain networks, including those involved in daydreaming, decision-making, focus, memory, and managing emotions.

“We applied the highest standards to our research, setting rigorous thresholds for statistical significance across all seven cognitive function tests. To minimize the risk of false positives, we employed false discovery rate (FDR) correction. While some of the other tasks indicated potential cognitive impairment, only the working memory task showed a statistically significant impact,” Gowin added.

Pexels

Most cannabis users believe that CBD (cannabidiol)—a compound in cannabis that doesn’t cause a high—reduces the negative effects of THC (the compound that makes people feel high). However, the study suggests this not to be the case. On the contrary, it sometimes increases the effects.

However, further research and long-term studied are needed in order to determine whether cannabis consumption changes brain function directly, and how long the effects last.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Monica Pop
Monica Pop
Monica Pop is a senior writer for Bored Daddy magazine covering the latest trending and popular articles across the United States and around the world.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

Washington’s new lead prosecutor wastes no time, secures major convictions

Washington's new lead prosecutor Jeanine Pirro is making headlines for all the right reasons. Two months into her new role, Pirro started restoring order...

What drying laundry indoors does to your lungs

When it's raining outside and the weather is cold, you may feel tempted to dry your clothes indoors. This is a actually something a...

Prince William knew Meghan had ‘no intention’ of staying royal, expert claims

The initial meeting between Prince William and Meghan Markle was said to be promising, with the two “clicking” right away. William was very fond of...

Airport remains shut down following fireball plane crash

London Southend Airport remains closed until further notice following a devastating plane crash that took place on Sunday, its chief executive Jude Winstanley said during...

Eat cloves every day, but avoid this common mistake!

Cloves are a versatile spice with a peculiar flavor used in the kitchen, especially in the Indian cuisine, and as a medicine. Among the...

They made fun of my grandpa’s inheritance — until they realized what it really was

When my grandfather passed away, all my cousins seemed to care about was the will he left behind. All seven of them were eager...