Marijuana is far more dangerous than users will accept, especially so among younger users under the age of 25. The brain continues to develop and prune itself until the age of about 25. It permanently interrupts the synapsis' between the brain cells.
'Marijuana in adolescence can cause permanent brain damage'
New research may give backing to parents telling teens to "just say no." A study in mice from the University of Maryland School of Medicine reveals that regular use of marijuana during adolescence could damage brain function, potentially increasing the risk for schizophrenia and other psychiatric problems.
'Marijuana in adolescence can cause permanent brain damage'
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What are marijuana's long-term effects on the brain?
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A large longitudinal study in New Zealand found that persistent marijuana use disorder with frequent use starting in adolescence was associated with a loss of an average of 6 or up to 8 IQ points measured in mid-adulthood. Significantly, in that study, those who used marijuana heavily as teenagers and quit using as adults did not recover the lost IQ points.
What are marijuana's long-term effects on the brain? | National Institute on Drug Abuse
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How marijuana causes memory loss
Researchers have long suggested marijuana can cause memory loss. Now, a new study provides insight on this association, revealing how cannabinoids in the drug activate receptors in the mitochondria of the brain's memory center to cause amnesia.
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Because THC and other cannabinoids present in marijuana and synthetic forms are similar to naturally occurring cannabinoids, they are able to
bind to cannabinoid receptors situated on neurons and activate certain brain regions.
As a result, cannabinoids can alter normal brain functioning, causing a number of negative mental and physical effects. One such effect may be memory loss; researchers have shown that THC can affect the function of the hippocampus - the brain region responsible for forming memories.
How marijuana causes memory loss