Research has revealed that long-term cannabis use can have a lasting impact on brain regions responsible for memory, despite being abstained from for extended periods. A study published in JAMA found that heavy users showed reduced activation in areas of the brain associated with working memory, even after 72 hours without using the substance.
The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 individuals and divided them into three groups based on their history of cannabis use: heavy, moderate, and non-users. The study found that heavy users had lower activation in areas like the anterior insula, medial prefrontal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during working memory tasks.
The findings suggest that long-term cannabis use can cause permanent damage to brain regions linked to memory, even if the individual has stopped using cannabis for an extended period. This warning comes as a surprise, given that cannabis is often perceived as a safer alternative to alcohol.
The study’s authors emphasize the need for public health policies based on accurate information about recent and long-term effects of cannabis use. They also suggest that educating users about the consequences of heavy cannabis use can motivate regular users to reduce their intake and encourage treatment.
The researchers used functional MRI to compare connectivity in the brains of participants as they completed memory-related tasks. Their findings provide evidence that THC exposure, a key component of cannabis, can reduce the density and sensitivity of CB1 receptors in areas of the brain linked to working memory.
Source: https://healthimaging.com/topics/medical-imaging/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/mri-shows-long-lasting-impact-cannabis-use-brain-regions-linked-memory