Does Weed Kill Brain Cells?

The use of marijuana directly affects brain function. Specifically, the parts of the brain responsible for:

However, does weed kill brain cells? Some researchers say “yes” while others disagree.

Marijuana and the Brain

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the U.S. Still, the term “illicit” may not apply for much longer. Twenty-three states have legalized Cannabis sativa for medical use and now Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Washington, D.C. allow recreational use for people over 21.

Although legalizing marijuana is happening in more and more states, concerns still linger about its long-term effects on the adolescent brain. Among the concerns of critics is the issue that, despite age limits, legalization might make marijuana easier for young people to access. And the developing brains of adolescents may be especially vulnerable to lasting damage from the drug.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) researchers established that there are a lot of questions concerning the long-term effects of marijuana. However, there is increasing literature pointing out that starting young and using frequently may disrupt brain development.

Medical Use Marijuana

Marijuana has shown a lot of promise for treating medical conditions including pain, muscle spasms, seizure disorders, and nausea from chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

Some of these benefits come from cannabidiol (CBD), the chemical part of the marijuana plant that doesn’t produce mind-altering effects. What’s well known is that the signature high from marijuana comes from a psychoactive element known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Both of these chemical components attach to cannabinoid receptors in your brain and all over your body. The differences in the effects of each are because of the different ways they attach to these receptors. But there is still much that needs to be learned about this and other chemical compounds in marijuana.

What are the Short-Term Effects of Marijuana on the Brain?

In the short term, marijuana use has been shown to harm certain brain functions and those effects can go on for days after the high wears off. Recent marijuana use (within 24 hours) in adults and adolescents has an immediate effect on:

• Thinking
• Attention
• Memory
• Movement
• Coordination
• Perception of time

Heavy use during adolescence or early adulthood has been linked to an unfortunate set of outcomes including:

• Poor academic performance
• Higher dropout rates
• Increased dependence on welfare
• Higher unemployment
• Lower satisfaction with life

Still, it’s not clear that marijuana should be blamed for everything. Some researchers have proposed that factors such as the influence of peers, emotional distress, or a tendency to problem behavior could prompt an individual to drug use as well as poor life consequences. So, did marijuana cause poor outcomes, or is it part of a number of vulnerability factors?

Longitudinal Studies

There have been few longitudinal (long-term) studies that follow the progress of young people before and after they take their first hit of marijuana. But one study from New Zealand showed interesting findings. A team of psychologists collected the data and found that persistent use of marijuana was associated with a decline in IQ, even after considering the educational differences. The most persistent users had a drop in neuropsychological functioning equal to about 6 IQ points.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Marijuana on the Brain?

Because marijuana affects brain development, developing brains such as those in teenagers and children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of marijuana and THC. Although researchers are still learning about the effects on developing brains, studies suggest that using marijuana before age 18 may influence how the brain builds connections for functions like attention, memory, and learning.

These effects may last for a long time or may even be permanent. Still, other studies have not found any substantial structural differences between the brains of people who do and do not use marijuana. Once again, more research is necessary to fully understand the effects.

The effect of marijuana use on the brain depends on several factors including the amount of THC in marijuana (the concentration; strength), how often it’s used, and whether other substances (usually tobacco or alcohol) are used at the same time.

It’s also possible for long-term effects on the brain to be caused by something besides marijuana such as genetics, home environment, or other unknown factors.

Can Marijuana Affect Your Mental Health?

Even though most people have a pleasant experience using marijuana, that’s not true of everyone. It leaves some people anxious, afraid, paranoid, or panicked. Marijuana use may also increase your chances for clinical depression or make the symptoms worse of any mental disorders you already have. Scientists aren’t sure yet why this is so. At high doses, you may lose touch with reality and see or hear things that aren’t there.

Distorted Thinking

Marijuana can also cloud your senses and judgment. It can:

• Heighten your senses–brighter colors, louder sounds
• Distort your perception of time
• Impair your motor skills, making driving more dangerous
• Lower inhibitions–taking chances, having risky sexual encounters

What’s the Difference Between Synthetic and Natural Marijuana?

Marijuana Use Disorder

It’s important to realize that, in addition to the short-term effects, repeated use can lead to dependency. And when you try to quit, you can experience withdrawal symptoms. In addition, if you’ve been using SCBs you are more likely to develop problem use, faster development of tolerance, and more severe withdrawal symptoms than with natural cannabis

Some marijuana users do develop marijuana use disorder. This means that they can’t stop using it even though it’s causing social and health problems in their lives. About 3 in 10 people who use marijuana will experience marijuana use disorder. Furthermore, studies reveal that the risk of developing marijuana use disorder is higher in people who started using marijuana during their adolescence and who use it more frequently.

Withdrawal Symptoms

In most cases, withdrawal is not severe and doesn’t have a high risk of harmful outcomes. The greatest risk is relapse. Co-occurring psychiatric or medical conditions increase the risk of severity and the need for additional management. Supervised medical or inpatient treatment is recommended in these instances.

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after the last use. This early phase includes symptoms such as:

• Insomnia
• Appetite loss
• Shakiness
• Irritability
• Sweating and chills

These symptoms tend to peak at days 2 through 6 and improve as THC levels reduce over 7 days of abstinence.

Marijuana and Polysubstance Use

Among cannabis users, polysubstance use is common. This means that other substances are frequently used at the same time. Alcohol and nicotine are the most widely co-used substances. This can lead to alcohol use disorder and nicotine use disorder on top of the marijuana use disorder.

Psychiatric comorbidity (occurring at the same time) is also frequently seen. The two most common mental health disorders, besides substance use disorders, are anxiety and mood disorders. Individuals struggling with this type of dual diagnosis need specialized care to address the two conditions at the same time.

Marijuana AddictionTreatment

Your Future Begins With Northern Illinois Recovery Center

So, does weed kill brain cells? The answer to that is still not decided. But although its use has become more socially acceptable, like alcohol, you can become addicted, harm your health and your future, and require professional help to overcome it.

You can lay the groundwork for a substance-free future at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. We provide help for individuals struggling with cannabis use disorder and other substance use disorders in the counties that surround Chicago as well as the city itself.

We can provide a comprehensive layered system of programs so you can enter treatment where appropriate and continue your treatment until you are confident and ready to face the world independently. Don’t let your struggle go on. Contact us today.