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

Texas dad got swept away while ‘holding tight to his babies,’ eyewitness says

The death toll reached over 100 after the devastating Texas floods. Tragic stories from the southern state come one right after another, showing the...

Melania Trump’s closest confidante isn’t a celebrity—yet you probably recognize her

Melania Trump is a name known world-wide. Being married to the President of the United States of America and business mogul Donald Trump, it...

Terrifying video shows Texas flash floods surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes

What was supposed to be a peaceful Fourth of July afternoon turned into a devastating catastrophe for the Texan people affected by the floods...

Last words of a father who dies trying to save family in Texas flood

The Texas flood not only destroyed communities, but families too. On July 4, the day when people across the country celebrate freedom, a brave...

New poll reveals unexpected 2028 presidential race contenders

The most recent poll conducted by Emerson College reveals new insights into the political landscape of the 2028 US presidential election. According to the...

My MIL insisted on babysitting every Wednesday — I hid a camera when my daughter started acting strange

Family ties can be complex at times, especially when it comes to in-laws. When Martha's MIL insisted on babysitting 4-year-old Beverly, Martha wasn't thrilled....