When Cannabis is legalized In more states throughout the country, new research points to the negative side effects of too much participation.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus looked at the impact of recent and lifelong cannabis use on brain function during cognitive tasks.
The study, published in the Jama Open Network journal, is the ‘largest of its kind’, according to the university, with the help of Brain Imaging Technology to investigate the effects of cannabis use on 1,000 young adults aged 22 to 36 years old.
The cannabis users were tested for their ‘working memory’, which is the possibility to maintain and use information to perform tasks, such as solving a math problem.
The researchers investigated the impact of recent and lifelong cannabis use on brain function during cognitive tasks. (Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty images)
Neural response was measured by seven cognitive tests – in investigating working memory, reward, emotion, language and motor skills – such as “Ticking a finger to map brain control, relational assessment and theory of the Spirit.”
The results showed that 63% of the heavy lifelong cannabis users have been demonstrated Brain activity While completing a working memory task.
In the meantime, 68% of recent cannabis users showed a similar impact.
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The researchers concluded that cannabis had a “statistically significant effect” on brain function during working memory tasks, but was less important in other tasks.
There was a reduced brain activity in areas that are important to be involved Cognitive functions Such as decision -making, memory, attention and emotional processing.
“Heavy users” in the study include those who used cannabis more than 1000 times during their lives. (Istock)
Lead Study Author Joshua Gowin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of studying the effects of Cannabis on health Because it “grows worldwide”.
“By doing this, we can give a well -completed understanding of both the benefits and the risk of cannabis use, enabling people to make informed decisions and fully understand the possible consequences,” he said in a press release.
Apart from the use of cannabis before a cognitive task can help improve performance, according to Gowin and his team.
“People must be aware of their relationship with cannabis, because remembering cold turkey could also disrupt their cognition,” said Gowin. “Heavy users, for example, must be more careful.”
Larger studies are needed to understand whether cannabis use changes brain function immediately, a researcher suggested. (Istock)
“There are many questions … about how cannabis influences the brain,” he continued.
“Big, long -term studies are needed to understand whether cannabis use changes brain function immediately, how long these effects last and the impact on different age groups. “
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Neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Saphier, MD, pointed out that the general sample size is great, but that only about 8% of the participants were reported as “heavy” users.
“Although the study seems to be well designed … I would like to see a greater sample of heavy users compared to moderate or non-users to draw final data,” shared the doctor, who was not involved in the study, shared With Fox News Digital.
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Saphier, founder of coaxial neurosurgical specialists in New Jersey, noted that he was “not surprised” by the research results.
“Heavy use of cannabis during a person’s life can ultimately lead to reduced cognitive/memory tasks,” he confirmed.
A neurosurgeon confirmed that lifelong cannabis use can reduce brain function. (Istock)
“This also supports a relatively common and well -articulated lifestyle mantra of ‘Everything in Moderation’, with the obvious exceptions of unharmed harmful activities/lifestyle choices.”
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The neurosurgeon added that he is looking forward to a “more well -rounded and higher registration study of heavy and moderate users, so I can offer more definitive data to My own patients. “
