Warning: This article discusses drug addiction, which may be distressing to some readers.
Researchers have uncovered the effects of marijuana on young brains, and it might surprise you.
Marijuana, also known as weed, cannabis, or Mary Jane, is a drug that remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act in many states. Despite this, teenagers continue to use it either illegally or through medical dispensaries across the United States.
States like Illinois and Pennsylvania permit minors to use specific forms of marijuana for medical purposes, provided they meet certain criteria. This raises concerns about the potential impact on brain health later in life when consuming a substance that alters consciousness.
While many might assume negative effects, the reality is different.
Research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that the effects are not necessarily negative. Scientists investigated marijuana use and its potential link to age-related cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife and found no ‘significant harmful effects of cannabis use on age-related cognitive decline’.
This conclusion was reached after tracking 5,162 Danish men born between 1949 and 1961 over a 44-year period.
Among the participants, 39.9 percent admitted to using marijuana at least once, and of these, 51.1 percent began before turning 18.
Assessing their IQs over the years revealed no cognitive disadvantage for those who smoked marijuana as teenagers compared to those who never did.
The study notes: “The estimated difference in cognitive decline between cannabis users and nonusers was modest and may not hold clinical significance. Among cannabis users, no significant associations with age-related cognitive decline could be demonstrated for age of initiation of cannabis use. Years of frequent cannabis use were generally associated with no significant difference in cognitive decline when compared with no frequent use.”
Researchers intend to conduct similar studies with female participants in the future, so further results are anticipated.
In summary, there appears to be no significant cognitive difference between those who use marijuana and those who do not. However, this is not an endorsement to try it.
If you need confidential advice about drugs, you can reach out to American Addiction Centers at (313) 209-9137, available 24/7, or visit their website.