A feeling of relaxation. An altered sense of time and space. A slowed reaction time. These effects are all associated with cannabis, but what else do we understand about the drug’s effects on the brain?
Investigating the impacts of the drug, recent research in JAMA Network Open has revealed that heavy cannabis use is associated with reduced brain activity during working memory tasks. Representing the largest of any such study so far, the research indicates that the negative outcomes that are linked with heavy cannabis use are not as inconsequential as commonly thought.
“As cannabis use continues to grow globally, studying its effects on human health has become increasingly important,” said Joshua Gowin, a study author and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, according to a press release. “By doing so, we can provide a well-rounded understanding of both the benefits and risks of cannabis use, empowering people to make informed decisions and fully comprehend the potential consequences.”
