Medical Marijuana Doctors Explain How Cannabis Affects Memory
With age, hormones and proteins that protect the brain start declining. Older adults usually experience reduction in blood flow in their brain areas. However, this doesn’t occur in all cases. Many consider cannabis for managing memory-related issues. But, does marijuana treatment actually work? Here’s what medical marijuana doctors have to say-
Short-Term Effects of Marijuana on Memory
In marijuana, there is a wide range of cannabinoids. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid present in marijuana, which delivers euphoric effects. These cannabinoids have a similar chemical structure as endocannabinoids (such as anandamide), which are produced by the body naturally.
Research shows that cannabinoids can alter brain functioning. THC can affect the function of hippocampus — the brain region associated with creating memories.
Other short-term effects of cannabis use on memory are — impaired focus, coordination & learning, trouble making decisions, confusion, anxiety, and fatigue.
Contrary to that, there’s some evidence that marijuana may have some potential brain benefits. A 2017 study reported that low doses of THC restored cognitive function in old mice.
Long-Term Effects of Marijuana on Memory
Long-term use of marijuana may lead to developing a tolerance to some of its effects on memory. However, heavy long-term marijuana consumption may have negative effects on the consumer’s verbal memory.
According to a study of 3,385 Americans published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, those who smoked marijuana heavily for 5 years or more didn’t perform well on tasks associated with verbal recall, even after controlling factors involved in cognition, such as age, depression, etc.
Does Marijuana Help Fight Memory-Related Issues?
Marijuana’s non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD may help in preventing cognitive impairment. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, researchers evaluated the effects of different marijuana strains on memory. Individuals who smoked low-CBD strains reported impairment in their ability to recall prose. But, participants who smoked high-CBD strains didn’t report any memory impairment issues. Thus, researchers concluded that CBD may attenuate the memory-impairing effects of THC.
Moreover, CBD has amazing pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce damage caused by inflammation, thus helping patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Want to learn more about cannabis for Alzmeimer’s disease? Here’s a nice video-
What’s more? Cannabis can help PTSD sufferers ease their symptoms. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is caused by a traumatic event, and the patient is unable to forget memories associated with the event.
However, more human studies are required to evaluate how exactly marijuana affects memory.
In conclusion, short-term and long-term use of marijuana may affect cognitive functions such as memory, attention, focus, learning, etc. THC can lead to memory impairment while CBD may help in preventing the impairment. CBD can reduce inflammation, thus preventing the onset of medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Talk to your doctor before using cannabis for health benefits and also seek professional help regarding cannabis strains and dosage.
Looking to get a medical marijuana card? Apply it online at NY Medical Card today. Here’s the process-
- Fill and submit a form online
- Talk to a licensed doctor via video call
- Receive your MMJ recommendation letter in PDF via email