Heavy Cannabis Use Could Impact Brain’s Working Memory, Study Finds
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A recent study conducted by researchers in Colorado suggests that heavy cannabis use may have a detrimental effect on the brain’s working memory. The study, carried out by the University of Colorado’s Anschutz School of Medicine, was published in JAMA Network Open, marking it as one of the largest studies of its kind. Researchers used brain imaging technology to investigate the impact of cannabis use on 1,000 individuals aged between 22 and 36, revealing that heavy cannabis use could impair working memory. Working memory is crucial for retaining and utilising information to complete tasks effectively.
According to the study, 63% of the heavy lifetime cannabis users exhibited reduced brain activity during working memory tasks. Similarly, 68% of those who tested positive for recent cannabis use showed a similar impact. Assistant professor Joshua Gowin, the study’s lead author, highlighted the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on human health, emphasizing the need to comprehend both the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use. This knowledge can empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their cannabis consumption habits.
In an interview with CNN, Gowin provided examples of how working memory comes into play in everyday situations, such as driving a vehicle and engaging in conversations. He explained that impaired working memory could make tasks that require information retention more challenging and effortful. Carol Boyd, the founding director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at the University of Michigan, noted that the study’s findings align with long-held beliefs about the impact of heavy cannabis use on memory function.
The study categorised participants based on their cannabis usage frequency, with heavy users defined as those who had used cannabis over 1,000 times, moderate users falling in the range of 10 to 999 uses, and nonusers having used cannabis less than 10 times. During MRI sessions, participants undertook various cognitive tasks related to memory, reward, emotion, language, and motor skills. The research highlighted a significant impact of cannabis use on working memory tasks, with reduced brain activity observed in specific brain regions.
Gowin suggested that refraining from cannabis use before engaging in cognitive tasks could potentially enhance performance. He advised users to be mindful of their cannabis consumption habits, as abrupt cessation could also disrupt cognition. While there is ongoing research to understand how cannabis affects the brain over the long term and across different age groups, Gowin stressed the importance of conducting large-scale, extended studies to gain comprehensive insights into this complex issue.
The study does not definitively establish whether ceasing heavy cannabis use can lead to improvements in working memory. Boyd raised questions regarding memory recovery in individuals with a history of chronic cannabis use and highlighted the need for further exploration in this area. Despite some evidence suggesting potential memory function recovery in former cannabis users, the impact of chronic marijuana use on brain function remains a subject of ongoing investigation.
As discussions surrounding the effects of cannabis on cognitive function continue, it is essential for individuals to stay informed and be mindful of their cannabis consumption habits. By actively engaging with research findings and understanding the potential consequences of cannabis use, individuals can make informed choices regarding their health and wellbeing. The study sheds light on the intricate relationship between cannabis use and working memory, prompting further exploration into this complex and pertinent issue.