Does Marijuana Abuse Kill Brain Cells?

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 52.5 million people in the United States used marijuana in 2021.[1]

Many people believe it is harmless, especially because it is used recreationally and medically in many states. While it might not cause immediate health concerns like heroin or crack, it is possible to become addicted to weed and develop long-term physical and mental health effects.

One of the risks of regularly using marijuana is cognitive issues stemming from damage to the brain. It has been claimed that the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) kills brain cells. But is this true?

While studies have not found that weed directly kills brain cells, it does affect brain development and functioning. If you abuse marijuana frequently as an adolescent, the effects on your cognition and memory are more profound than those that began as an adult.[2]

In this article, you will learn:

• What smoking marijuana does to your brain
• Whether weed kills brain cells
• How cannabis use affects underage users
• What are the short and long-term effects of weed abuse on the brain

What Does Marijuana Do to Your Brain?

The active ingredient in marijuana that causes you to feel high is known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This substance is considered a cannabinoid, which occurs naturally in your body. When you smoke weed, these cannabinoids bind to specific receptors in your brain known as CB1 and CB2 receptors.

When THC binds to these receptors, they begin to affect the following functions:[3]

• Appetite and metabolism
• Pain
• Learning and memory
• Mood
• Reward and addiction behaviors
• Sleep
• Coordination and motor control
• Muscle and bone formation
• Cardiovascular functions
• Immune system functions
• Reproductive functions

Since THC affects CB1 receptors, smoking weed can have huge impacts on brain function and development. While some studies have found conflicting results, the current consensus is that regular and chronic abuse of marijuana can lead to permanent neurotoxic effects on learning, memory, and the ability to focus.[4]

Does Marijuana Kill Brain Cells?

While there have been countless studies conducted to determine how marijuana affects your brain cells, we do not fully understand whether it kills them.

Some studies have found that marijuana actually improves cognitive functioning. For example, a study published in the National Library of Medicine reports that “Cannabis use has been shown to impair cognitive functions on several levels—from basic motor coordination to more complex executive function tasks, such as the ability to plan, organize, solve problems, make decisions, remember, and control emotions and behavior.”[5]

On the other hand, others have found it leads to deterioration in memory, learning, and other cognitive functions. This might suggest that cannabis use can lead to different effects on the brain based on the people who are using it. One person might benefit from marijuana consumption, while another might experience cognitive decline, making it more risky to abuse it than abstain from its use.

Youth Cannabis Use and the Brain

There is conclusive evidence that cannabis use is detrimental to the health of adolescents. It can have damaging effects on the developing brain, making it risky to smoke weed before you are around the age of 25. Young people who consume cannabis might experience harmful effects like memory problems, issues learning, trouble focusing, and even lowered IQ points.

According to a study on adolescent marijuana use and IQ, the young people who used marijuana use had an average IQ deduction of 4 points, while the others did not.[6] This suggests that early exposure to THC can limit your intellectual abilities.

It is also possible for early marijuana use to lead to or exacerbate mental health issues. Some young people develop issues with anxiety, while others experience their first psychotic episode because the cannabis triggered a pre-existing mental health condition. In fact, a study found that teens who smoke weed are 11 times more likely to experience a psychotic disorder.[7]

What are the Short and Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Abuse on the Brain?

When you smoke weed, you might experience feelings of euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, and an increased amount of laughter. You might also find that you feel hungry, your mouth is dry, and you are slightly nauseous. While these are normal and widely-known effects of marijuana use, there are some short-term effects that smoking weed can have on your brain.

The short-term effects of cannabis on the brain include:

• Difficulty with depth perception
• Memory issues
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Anxiety and paranoia

Unfortunately, frequently using weed can lead to long-term and chronic issues. Being aware of these risks might prevent you from beginning the cycle of marijuana abuse. The long-term side effects of marijuana on the brain include:

• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
• Trouble learning new information
• Coordination issues
• Reduction in IQ

It is important to note that you can develop a marijuana addiction. Long-term and chronic weed use will increase your risk of experiencing cognitive issues. Thankfully, drug rehab programs can help you address the root causes of your addiction, overcome withdrawal, and learn vital relapse prevention methods to keep you sober long-term.

Find Help for Weed Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from a cannabis use disorder, it’s time to seek help. The longer you abuse weed, the more likely it is that you will struggle with learning, memory, and other cognitive issues. Thankfully, the Mandala Healing Center is here to help you overcome addiction and strengthen your cognitive abilities over time.

At our marijuana rehab center, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment methods. You can count on us to provide you with the tools and support you need to recover.

Contact the Mandala Healing Center today for more information on our treatment programs.

References:

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis Facts and Stats
2. The American Psychological Association (APA): How does marijuana affect the brain? Psychological researchers examine the impact on different age groups over time
3. Harvard Health: The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious
4. Research Gate: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) Induce Neurogenesis and Improve Cognitive Performances of Male Sprague Dawley Rats
5. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): An Evidence-Based Review of Acute and Long-Term Use on Executive Cognitive Functions
6. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS): Impact of adolescent marijuana use on intelligence: Results from two longitudinal twin studies
7. NBC News: Teens who use marijuana are more likely to suffer psychotic disorders, study finds