Challenging Myths: Cannabis
Despite the fact cannabis has been legalized recreationally in 18 states and medicinally in 38, there are still a number of myths and misinformation out there about the drug. This article is the second in a series that explores some of these common myths and their validity. Check out the first article here. And see a piece on the myths surrounding the medical cannabis program in Utah.
MYTH: Cannabis Kills Brain Cells and Lowers IQ
One of the oldest and most common myths about cannabis use is that it will potentially destroy your brain cells and lower your IQ. This myth was popularized in the 1980s under the Reagan administration and illustrated in the now infamous and somewhat humorous PSA put out by the Partnership For A Drug Free America that compared your brain on drugs to an egg in a hot frying pan.
The origin of this myth can be traced back to a study conducted by Dr. Robert Heath under the Nixon administration. The study allegedly found structural changes in the brain cells of monkeys who were exposed to high doses of cannabis. However, the findings and validity of the study were later dismissed by experts who pointed out that the amount of smoke taken in by the monkeys would have been too much for humans, let alone monkeys who have a lot smaller lung capacity. In addition, the monkeys were strapped into a chair with an airtight mask on their heads that had no oxygen, just heavy doses of cannabis smoke. Consequently, the brain damage suffered by the monkeys was a result of lack of oxygen to the brain, not from the cannabis itself.
By contrast, more recent studies have shown cannabis may actually have a positive effect on the brain and memory. In a 2014 study, scientists in Australia linked cannabis use to an increase in brain cell growth and activity in mice.
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In another study from 2017, researchers compared the differences in working memory between adult rats that were exposed to a synthetic cannabinoid to those who were just exposed to glucose. It was found that the rats exposed to the cannabinoid had a better working memory than those who weren’t. Similarly, a study in 2018 found improved memory and an increase in brain tissue growth among rats who were exposed to THC.
Finally, a study in 2020 found cannabis use could be very therapeutic in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Adolescence
It should be noted that when it comes to teenagers and the developing brain, there may be some truth to this myth. In a 2015 review, it was concluded that cannabis use among adolescents could potentially be associated with attention and memory deficits, in addition to structural brain changes. Similarly, a 2017 longitudinal study found heavy cannabis use among adolescents was associated with decreases in IQ and cognitive function. However, as pointed out in the studies, these changes could be associated with other factors such as alcohol use, family background and genetics. For this reason, the long-term effects cannabis has on the developing brain are still unclear and further research needs to be done.
When it comes to cannabis use among adults though, evidence shows there is no validity to the belief that using cannabis will destroy brain cells or lower your IQ. Instead, studies have shown just the opposite—that cannabis may actually promote brain cell growth and improve memory function, in addition to being helpful in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease, two very mentally disabling conditions.
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