Cannabis, which is commonly known as marijuana, or one of its variety of street names has become legal in several places for adults (typically 19yrs +) for non-medical purposes. This has created an upsurge in research in the drug, particularly on the effects of cannabis on the under-developed brain – an adolescent brain.
Like every other substance, cannabis is no different in the sense that it comes with both benefits and consequences, for any age. But the risks are often more significant the earlier you start using along with the amount and frequency one uses. Some effects may be short term, while others can have lasting, more long-term effects. One of the areas that can have risks for both short and long-term effects on the brain is the region responsible for Memory and Attention.
Memory and attention are areas affected by cannabis use because the chemicals from cannabis interferes with the control centres in the brain and therefore, affects certain parts from developing to its full potential.
Let’s take a look at some important factors around memory and attention if you start using cannabis in your adolescence or younger.
The Endocannabinoid System:
Memory and attention are two important circuits of the brain that are developing during adolescence. The endocannabinoid system is a complex brain system that ensures there is working communication within the various circuits of our brain- including circuits for memory, attention, learning, mood, motivation and more (NCPIC & Turning Point, 2014). It is during our adolescence that the endocannabinoid system is working hard to make sure all these circuits are wiring properly.
Our brain already produces a chemical called Anandamide that is similar to cannabis. Thus, when a youth smokes cannabis, it can flood the endocannabinoid system, disrupting the circuitry development and how structures get wired in the brain (NCPIC & Turning Point, 2014). This is what can cause short-term memory loss if there is heavy cannabis use early in life.
The THC chemical from cannabis also attaches to receptors in the brain that is critical for memory formation. Areas such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and cortex are parts of the brain involved in memory formation, thus the use of cannabis can inhibit the normal functioning of these memory circuits (Harvard Health Beat, 2019). To reduce the chances of having negative effects on your memory, try not to smoke cannabis with a high THC percentage and opt for higher CBD concentration instead.
Age, Form, Frequency and Other Health Conditions are All Factors
When it comes to effects on memory and attention, for some the effects may only stay short term, but for others, it could be long lasting and you just never know if you are going to be the one that it ends up being a long-term outcome.
Every person will have a different experience with a substance, even if it is the exactly same amount as what someone else uses. This is because factors such as the form of use (i.e., vaporizer vs. extracts vs. joint vs. edibles) to the age of first use, as well as the consistency and frequency, are going to be factors in how cannabis affects short or long term consequences. Like with any substance, the younger you start using, the greater the effects on physical and mental health. Long term, permanent effects on memory and attention are not as likely with occasional experimentation of cannabis, however, because the memory and attentional circuits play a role in how our brain can store and recall information, the heavier the use of cannabis, the greater the potential for less information to get saved as memory.
Impacts on Reactivity & Inhibition:
Cannabis can also affect our attention by reducing reaction times, which is why it is dangerous to drive if you use marijuana (CCSA, 2015). Cannabis use also decreases inhibition, making it more likely that one will engage in something risky (i.e. sexual activities, more substance use, delaying work) since cannabis disrupts the developing circuits of the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for executive functioning and attention.
While cannabis does provide some benefits, such as the pleasurable “high” or the feeling of relaxation, the boundary can be hard to navigate for a young person. For example, a youth may not realize how much cannabis will influence their inhibitions or reactivity to stimuli. In addition, a youth or even adults for that matter, may also not know when the amount they are using is crossing the boundary of dependency or is starting to have effects on their memory and attention. Therefore, it is important to remember that if you are at an age when your brain is still developing (under the age of 25), it is best not to use cannabis at all. But if you are going to use, use small amounts, exhale quickly as to not hold the smoke in your lungs as long, refrain from using a dab or bong form, and try not to smoke frequently or in heavy amounts.
Our memory and attention are important aspects of our brain and cannabis use during the period of brain development can potentially have significant effects on one’s memory and attention, amoung other things. By allowing the brain to work its operating system properly by not disrupting it with the interference of cannabis chemicals will in turn help you be able to receive, store and retain memories for a long, long time.
For more information on cannabis use in adolescence, check out the foundrybc.ca website or a short animated video on YouTube: The effects of Cannabis on the Teenage Brain – link in references.
References
References:
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, 2015. The effects of cannabis use during adolescence. https://ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-04/CCSA-Effects-of-Cannabis-Use-during-Adolescence-Report-2015-en.pdf
Harvard Health Publishing, 2019. The effects of marijuana on your memory. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-effects-of-marijuana-on-your-memory
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) and Turning Point (2014, Aug, 14). Effects of cannabis on the teenage brain NCPIC + Turning Point. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvszaF4vcNY
