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The relationship between cannabis and dementia has come under increasing scientific scrutiny as both the potency and use of cannabis have surged worldwide. With cannabis becoming more mainstream, questions have arisen about its long-term impact on cognitive health, memory, and the risk of dementia. Recent studies shed new light on these critical issues, challenging the common belief that cannabis is relatively harmless. This comprehensive blog explores the latest evidence, including major statistical studies, changes in cannabis potency, and the real implications for memory and brain health.
Working Memory and Processing Speed
A recent University of Colorado study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that:
- 63% of heavy cannabis users and 68% of recent users showed reduced brain activity on tests of working memory.
- Heavy users continued to show deficits even after six weeks without cannabis, suggesting a persistent impact.
- Reduced activation was noted in critical brain areas such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior insula, both vital for decision-making and attention.
These deficits are not just theoretical. Impaired working memory affects real-life tasks (like holding a conversation, learning new information, or solving quick problems) and leads to slower reaction times and reduced ability to adapt to change.(Source: WRD News)
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What do the following (and another 47 disturbing issues) have in common?
- Dramatically accelerates aging
- Has been found in 80 / 80 recent mass murderers
- Is a major driver of poor mental health in young adults (18-25 years)
- Is a major driver of poor mental health in older adults (> 26 years)
- Causes most major common mental disorders including anxiety,
depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia
- Is linked with rising suicide rates
- Increases the rate of failed major adult relationships
- Increases the unemployment rate
- Causes poverty and homelessness
- Drives drug overdoses from other drugs
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Cannabis use disorder (CUD), marked by problematic use, is linked to psychiatric comorbidities, cognitive dysfunction, respiratory complications, and immune system dysregulation. Given that cancer outcomes depend on both biological and behavioral factors, understanding whether CUD modifies survival outcomes is of substantial clinical importance.
Emerging evidence suggests that cannabis may exert immunosuppressive effects, particularly through the modulation of T-cell function, which plays a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance. The endocannabinoid system may also promote tumor progression, especially in gastrointestinal malignancies
The results of this study indicate that a history of cannabis use disorder prior to colon cancer diagnosis is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality, even after adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. These results suggest that pre-existing CUD may have a negative prognostic impact on cancer outcomes, warranting further investigation into potential biological, behavioral, and healthcare-related mechanisms.
Findings on the relationship between cannabis and cancer outcomes remain mixed and may depend heavily on patterns of use. While some preclinical studies suggest anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids such as THC , others associate chronic or high-intensity cannabis exposure with tumor progression, particularly in gastrointestinal malignancies. The endocannabinoid system is known to modulate inflammation and immune function, and cannabinoids may impair anti-tumor immunity by inhibiting T-cell proliferation, suppressing antigen presentation, and altering cytokine signaling
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Cannabis Use Associated with Poor Academic Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults
Cannabis has detrimental effects on brain development, cognition, memory, and attention in youth. This systematic review examined the association between cannabis use and academic achievement in adolescents and young adults ≤24 years old (63 studies with 438,329 individuals).
- Moderate-certainty evidence indicated that cannabis use in youth was associated with decreases in the following measures: school grades (odds ratio [OR], 0.61), likelihood of high school completion (OR, 0.50), university enrollment (OR, 0.72), and postsecondary degree attainment (OR, 0.69). Cannabis use in youth was associated with increases in school dropout rate (OR, 2.19) and school absenteeism (OR, 2.31).
- Low-certainty evidence suggests that cannabis use may be associated with increased unemployment.
- Subgroup analyses demonstrated worse academic outcomes for youth who initiated cannabis use at a younger age (≤16 years old) and with greater frequency (weekly or daily).
Comments: This systematic review strengthens the association between cannabis use and poor academic outcomes in youth. It remains unclear whether cannabis use is a cause, correlate, or consequence of suboptimal academic achievement. Future studies could help clarify this dynamic and drive the development of interventional strategies, particularly as cannabis potency and legalization are on the rise and perceived risk is dropping in youth.
Emily Nields, DO
Reference: Chan O, Daudi A, Ji D, et al. Cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood and academic achievement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(12):1280–1289.
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The impact of using cannabis during pregnancy on the infant and mother: An overview of systematic reviews, evidence map, targeted updates, and de novo synthesis
Results: There were 89 studies/reviews eligible for inclusion in this review. There was a potentially harmful impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on all fetal growth and development outcomes, some neonatal outcomes, some later-life outcomes, and some maternal outcomes. The evidence regarding other neonatal conditions, later-life, and maternal outcomes was mixed.
Conclusions: The evidence suggests cannabis should be avoided during pregnancy.
(Click Here Research)
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