Cannabis Use Reduces Brain Activity in Key Memory Regions

[Chip (OP)]

Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/cannabis-working-memory-neuroscience-28388/

Summary: A study of over 1,000 young adults reveals that both recent and heavy lifetime cannabis use reduce brain activity in regions critical for working memory, including the prefrontal cortex and anterior insula. This reduced activity correlates with poorer performance on memory tasks like following instructions or solving problems.



While other cognitive areas showed minimal impact, the findings emphasize the potential risks of cannabis on decision-making, memory, and attention. Researchers highlight the need for more long-term studies to explore the effects of cannabis on brain function across different age groups and usage patterns.

Key Facts:

Working Memory Impact: 63% of heavy users and 68% of recent users showed reduced brain activity during memory tasks.

Affected Brain Regions: Key areas like the prefrontal cortex and anterior insula exhibited lower activity.

Abstinence Advice: Avoiding cannabis before cognitive tasks may improve memory performance.

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