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.
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.
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.
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