Marijuana has been a controversial substance for decades, with debates ranging from its legality to its potential benefits and harms. One area of interest is whether medical marijuana can have positive effects on cognitive abilities and make individuals smarter.

This question arises as more states in the US legalize medical marijuana, and as research into the medicinal properties of cannabis continues to expand.

The current research on marijuana use and cognition suggests that there may be a negative correlation between the two, particularly in adolescents who use cannabis regularly.

However, some studies suggest that medical marijuana could have therapeutic benefits for certain cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or traumatic brain injury. [1]

The conflicting evidence highlights the need for further research to fully understand how medical marijuana affects brain function, and whether it can indeed make you smarter.

In this article, we will explore the available evidence on this topic to help readers navigate through this complex issue.

Key Takeaways

Marijuana use may have lasting negative effects on cognitive abilities, especially during adolescence when the brain is still developing.
Studies have shown a correlation between marijuana use and a decline in IQ, but there are also other factors such as impulsivity and risk-taking behavior that may play a role.
Longitudinal studies and cohort studies are needed to better understand the cause and effect relationship between marijuana use and cognitive impairment.
It is important to address and treat any underlying psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents to prevent potential negative impacts on their cognitive development.

What does weed do to your body and brain?

The effects of marijuana on the body and brain depend on the consumption method and cannabinoids used.

THC, the intoxicating component of marijuana, is responsible for the sensation of being high that users experience. It can also provide benefits such as pain relief, nausea reduction, and increased appetite. However, THC can also cause negative effects such as short-term memory loss, impaired judgment, and weakened immune system.

On the other hand, CBD is non-intoxicating and has been utilized to treat more serious problems such as epilepsy and anxiety. People who consume CBD generally want to feel the medicinal benefits of weed without getting high.

Despite its potential benefits, marijuana use can have negative effects on various aspects of cognitive function including reaction times and judgment.

Ultimately, while marijuana may offer some medical benefits when used under proper supervision or prescribed by a medical professional for specific conditions like cancer or chronic pain management, it is important to weigh its potential risks against any possible benefits before using it recreationally or medicinally.

Can medical marijuana make you smarter? What Research says:

The relationship between frequent cannabis use by young people and a decline in IQ has been established by several studies, including one conducted at Harvard.

However, some research suggests that marijuana use can actually improve cognitive function.

Persistent cannabis users have also shown neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife.

Additionally, individuals who regularly use marijuana tend to have lower test scores compared to those who do not use the drug.

Frequent cannabis use by young people linked to decline in IQ

Frequent cannabis use by young people has been found to be linked to a decline in IQ, with reductions of approximately two IQ points over time according to a systematic review and statistical analysis on seven longitudinal studies.

The study conducted by researchers from the Department of Psychiatry, RCSI and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin followed 808 young people who used cannabis at least weekly for a minimum of six months and 5,308 young people who did not use cannabis until they reached age 18 on average.

The reduction in verbal IQ was primarily related to the loss of IQ points early in life which could have significant effects on performance in school and college as well as later employment prospects.

The findings suggest that young people who use cannabis frequently may have worse outcomes in life than their peers due to their increased risk for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

Moreover, the developing brain may be particularly susceptible to harm during cannabis use in youth.

Therefore, it is important for parents and educators to educate children about the potential risks associated with frequent marijuana use so that they can make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Harvard study finds cannabis improves cognition

A recent study conducted by Harvard researchers found that cannabis use may improve certain aspects of cognition.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, examined the cognitive effects of two different strains of marijuana with varying levels of THC and CBD on 24 healthy adults.

Participants underwent cognitive testing before and after using the marijuana, with results showing improved performance in tasks related to executive function, including working memory and decision-making.

While this study suggests that certain strains of marijuana could potentially enhance cognitive function, it is important to note that these findings are preliminary and require further research.

Additionally, the study was limited by its small sample size and short-term nature. It is also important to consider potential negative effects associated with marijuana use, such as impairments in attention and memory.

Overall, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between cannabis use and cognition.

Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife

Persistent cannabis use from adolescence to adulthood is associated with neuropsychological decline across multiple domains of functioning, particularly for adolescent-onset users, according to a longitudinal study conducted by researchers at Duke University.

The study followed the Dunedin Study cohort of 1,037 individuals from birth to age 38 and found that persistent cannabis users had lower scores on neuropsychological testing compared to non-users. Informants also reported noticing more cognitive problems among persistent cannabis users.

Furthermore, impairment was concentrated among those who started using cannabis during adolescence and persisted in their use throughout adulthood. The longer and more frequent the use, the greater the decline in neuropsychological functioning.

Even cessation of cannabis use did not fully restore neuropsychological functioning among adolescent-onset users. These findings suggest that there may be a neurotoxic effect of cannabis on the developing brain during adolescence, which highlights the importance of prevention and policy efforts targeting adolescents.

Marijuana users had lower test scores relative to nonusers

Individuals who use marijuana have been found to exhibit lower test scores compared to those who do not use the substance, according to various longitudinal studies.

One study conducted on adolescent twins in California and Minnesota showed that marijuana users had lower test scores and notable reductions in IQ over time.

Another study found that marijuana use caused steady IQ declines proportional to how long they had smoked and how much.

The relationship between marijuana use and cognitive abilities has been a topic of interest for researchers, particularly with regards to the effects of adolescent marijuana use.

It is important for individuals using or considering using marijuana to be aware of these findings, as it could have significant downstream impacts on education, employment, job performance, and income.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the relationship between medical marijuana and cognitive function is a complex issue that requires further research.

While some studies suggest negative effects on IQ and cognitive abilities, others argue that the evidence is incomplete and inconsistent.

It is clear that marijuana does have an impact on brain function and can lead to short-term memory impairment and decreased attention span.

However, it is still unclear whether these effects are permanent or reversible.

Overall, the debate surrounding medical marijuana use and cognitive function highlights the importance of conducting more rigorous research to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

As with any medication or substance, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against any possible negative impacts before making a decision about its use.

Ultimately, individuals should consult with their healthcare providers to determine if medical marijuana may be appropriate for their specific condition or situation.

Can medical marijuana make you smarter?