Study Links Heavy Cannabis Use to Memory Impairments and Reduced Brain Activity

Research involving over 1,000 young adults suggests long-term cannabis use may lead to lasting deficits in working memory and brain function.

A study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed brain scans and cognitive task performance of 1,003 participants aged 22 to 36 to assess the effects of cannabis use.
Heavy lifetime cannabis users, defined as those with over 1,000 uses, showed reduced brain activity in regions critical for working memory, such as the prefrontal cortex and insula.
Recent cannabis use was associated with temporary impairments in memory and motor skills, though these effects diminished when controlling for variables like race and education.
The study could not establish causality but highlighted potential long-term impacts of frequent cannabis use on brain function, particularly in memory-related areas.
Researchers emphasized the need for further long-term studies to explore whether cognitive function can recover after cessation of heavy cannabis use.