A recent study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus indicates that heavy cannabis consumption may adversely affect brain function, particularly working memory.
The research involved brain imaging of approximately 1,000 individuals aged 22 to 36, assessing both recent and lifetime cannabis use. Findings revealed that 63% of heavy lifetime users exhibited reduced brain activity during working memory tasks, with 68% of recent users showing similar impairments.
Working memory is essential for daily activities such as driving and engaging in conversations. Lead researcher Joshua Gowin emphasized the importance of understanding cannabis’s effects as its use becomes more widespread globally. He noted that while the study cannot conclusively prove harm, it supports concerns about marijuana’s cognitive impacts. The study defines heavy users as those who have used cannabis over 1,000 times.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that heavy marijuana use is associated with cognitive issues, higher accident rates, and increased mental health risks. As cannabis legalization expands, understanding its potential health implications becomes increasingly important.
The study’s findings raise concerns about long-term cannabis use, particularly as more states and countries move toward legalization.Researchers urge further investigation into marijuana’s effects on brain function, especially among young adults whose brains are still developing.
