A new study reveals that frequent cannabis use can damage the brain’s working memory—important for tasks like safety decisions, boss communication, and remembering details while multitasking. Researchers found heavy users showed reduced activity in brain areas responsible for decision-making, memory, attention, and emotional processing. Heavy users’ cognitive decline even after stopping use was significant, though the role of THC remains unclear. Smokers and chronic users were more affected than nonusers, but alcohol’s impact wasn’t ruled out. The study suggests that while some recovery may happen with abstinence from cannabis or alcohol, the long-term effects on memory for chronic users are still unclear.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/28/health/marijuana-working-memory-study-wellness/index.html