Marijuana Produces Persistent Cognitive Loss

Source: "Cannabis Use Produces Persistent Cognitive Impairments," Neuroscience News, 20 January 2022.

"A systematic review published today in the scientific journal Addiction has found that cannabis use leads to acute cognitive impairments that may continue beyond the period of intoxication."

"The study found that cannabis intoxication leads to small to moderate cognitive impairments in areas including:

• making decisions,
• suppressing inappropriate responses,
• learning through reading and listening,
• the ability to remember what one reads or hears, and
• the time needed to complete a mental task."

Source: Laura Dellazizzo, “Evidence on the acute and residual neurocognitive effects of cannabis use in adolescents and adults: A systematic meta-review of meta-analyses," Addiction, 11 November 2021.

"Although acute intoxication can last several hours, research has revealed that THC is a fat-soluble compound that may be stored in body fat and, thus, gradually released into the bloodstream for months. ... studies have shown impaired cognition that persists beyond the acute intoxication period in both adult and adolescent cannabis users, particularly in tasks related to learning and memory, attention and executive function."