Long-term neurological impact of chronic marijuana use

Chronic marijuana use has several neurological impacts, specifically on memory, mood, and cognitive function, as discussed by Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab.

1. Memory and Cognitive Function: Acute use of marijuana typically impairs short-term memory and cognitive processes due to its effects on the hippocampus. However, there is limited evidence to suggest long-term cognitive deficits in regular users once the intoxication has worn off. It appears that regular users might adapt to these effects over time, mitigating some potential memory impacts 1 2.

2. Mood Effects: Initially, THC may reduce anxiety, but with continued use (more than twice a week), its anxiety-relieving effects diminish due to habituation. Over time, users might need increasing amounts to achieve the same effects, which can lead to heightened anxiety and even depression. Notably, cannabis use appears to make individuals four times more likely to develop chronic depression, particularly those who weren't depressed at the outset of their use 3.

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     Cannabis and Memory

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     Cannabis and the Brain

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     THC and Anxiety

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     Cannabis and Communication

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     Cannabis and Cognition

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3. Speech and Movement: Regular cannabis use can alter neural circuits involved in speech and movement. Changes in speech patterns, such as a more drawn-out manner of speaking, are common and can be indicative of regular cannabis use by affecting the motor circuits 4.

Overall, while chronic cannabis use affects certain brain functions and may lead to increased anxiety or depression over time, significant long-term impairments in cognitive function, like memory, remain less well-documented and might vary across individuals 5.