Working memory, which retains and manipulates information during problem solving, is the most affected. Even large consumers who had not consumed recently had lower cognitive function.
Excessive consumption of cannabis In the long run it can negatively affect work memory, even when those who consume it are not under the influence of the plant.
These are the conclusions of a large study of brain imaging, the largest of this genre ever performed, which analyzed brain exams of 1003 participants with ages between 22 and 36, between 2010 and 2015.
The University of Washington investigation suggests that cannabis abusive consumers have a reduced activity in key brain regions associated with cognitionwhich results in worse performance in memory tasks.
The study participants on Tuesday at Jama Network Open were classified into three groups: frequent users (those who consumed cannabis more than 1000 times in their life), moderate users (between 11 and 1000 times) and non-users (10 times or less). All participants provided urine samples on the day of the test to determine the recent consumption of cannabis.
The volunteers underwent a series of cognitive tests aimed at seven key domains, namely memory, decision making, motor skills and emotional processing. The most significant differences were observed in the work memory – The ability to retain and manipulate information during problem solving.
The results showed that 63% of cannabis abusive consumers and 68% of recent consumers had a reduced brain activity In areas responsible for cognition, namely the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and the anterior insula, according to.
These regions are rich in cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1), which bind to THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Previous studies have shown that frequent exposure to THC can decrease the density and sensitivity of CB1 receptors, potentially leading to cognitive deficiencies.
The study concluded that even large consumers who had not consumed recently had a lower cognitive function.
Despite these results, the study did not detect any significant deficiencies related to cannabis in six other areas of cognition. Investigators suggest that the prolonged abstinence can help restore cognitive functionalthough the exact duration required is not yet clear.
“The exact duration of this period of abstinence is unclear, but studies suggest that the residual cognitive effects of cannabis can remain for 2 to 4 weeks after abstinence,” the authors write.
But investigators warn that stop consuming cannabis suddenly it may even get worse the cognitive function before improvements occur. “People have to be aware of their relationship” with the plant, explains the main author, Joshua gowin.
