Scientists from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have conducted an extensive study to explore the effects of cannabis on brain function. The research, led by Joshua L. Gowin, PhD, revealed that heavy cannabis use could negatively impact working memory. The study examined different levels of cannabis use among three groups: heavy users, moderate users, and nonusers, shedding light on the potential long-term effects on brain functions.
The study's findings are particularly significant given the widespread cannabinoid system in the brain. By modulating cannabinoid function with products like THC, various brain functions can be affected. Gowin, who serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Radiology at the University, aimed to identify which brain functions are most influenced by cannabis use. He stated,
“The cannabinoid system is widespread in the brain, so modulating cannabinoid function with products like THC could have a wide range of possible effects. We wanted to better understand which brain functions show the biggest effects. But the other effects could all be important in their own way. I hope that these results will add to our understanding of possible effects of cannabis and help people make informed choices for their own health.” – Joshua L. Gowin, PhD
The research categorized participants into three groups based on their lifetime cannabis use: heavy users (more than 1,000 times), moderate users (10 to 999 times), and nonusers (fewer than 10 times). This classification allowed for a comprehensive analysis of cannabis's impact on working memory and other cognitive functions.
Jasdeep S. Hundal, PsyD, ABPP-CN, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, commented on the findings, emphasizing the clinical observations that align with the study's results. He remarked,
“We have long suspected that regular, heavy cannabis use may have consequences for brain function, particularly in areas related to working memory and executive functioning. The findings align with what we often observe clinically that some patients who use cannabis regularly report subjective memory difficulties, slower processing speed, and reduced cognitive flexibility, even if they do not have a diagnosed neurodegenerative condition.” – Jasdeep S. Hundal, PsyD, ABPP-CN
Hundal further stressed the importance of cautious discussions between doctors and patients regarding cannabis use, especially for those at high risk for memory-related conditions.
“Findings like these should prompt more cautious and informed discussions between doctors and patients, especially those at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related conditions.” – Jasdeep S. Hundal, PsyD, ABPP-CN
The researcher Segil, although not involved in the study, expressed interest in seeing the study replicated with different variables. He suggested exploring the impact of cannabis on tasks such as driving and assessing its effects on patients using medical marijuana.
“I’d like to see, one, if they could reproduce this with driving tasks, to see if both recent and chronic use decreases people’s ability to drive.” – Segil
“And two, I would like to see them do this with a subset of patients that are using medical marijuana, to see if that group of patients that are getting medical marijuana have the same kind of memory cognitive issues. So you can do a risk-benefit ratio for people choosing to use cannabis for medical uses.” – Segil
Segil also highlighted the observable memory issues in young adults who engage in heavy cannabis use.
“This shows that people that were young adults, that had heavy use and recent use, had memory problems. So the expectation is choosing to use cannabis products is going to cause you to have memory loss in the long term and the short term.” – Segil
Leave a Reply