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3mo ago

Heavy Cannabis Use Linked to Persistent Working Memory Deficits

A major study finds reduced brain activity in memory-related regions among frequent users, with impacts lingering even after cessation.

Cropped shot of a man rolling a marijuana joint at home
Can’t remember things after quitting weed? Here’s the science behind it.
New research from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus suggests that heavy lifetime cannabis use may harm working memory in young adults.
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Overview

  • Researchers analyzed brain scans of over 1,000 young adults aged 22-36, categorizing participants by cannabis usage levels.
  • Heavy lifetime cannabis users (more than 1,000 uses) showed significantly reduced brain activity in regions critical for working memory, including the prefrontal cortex and anterior insula.
  • Working memory deficits were observed in both recent and chronic users, with chronic use showing a stronger correlation to long-term impairment.
  • The study found no significant effects of heavy cannabis use on other cognitive functions like emotional processing, language, or logical reasoning.
  • Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to determine if working memory can recover after prolonged abstinence from cannabis.