Heavy Cannabis Use Linked to Reduced Brain Activity in Memory Tasks

Research shows that up to 68 percent of regular users experience decreased brain activation, particularly affecting cognitive processing. 

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Heavy cannabis use is linked to significant lower brain activity in certain regions, a new study has found.

The research, which analyzed brain scans of more than 1,000 young adults, suggests that frequent users had lower activity in key memory and decision-making regions.

High Rate of Memory Problems Found in Users

New research involving more than 1,000 young adults finds that extensive use of cannabis over a lifetime is linked to decreased brain activation, especially during tasks that require working memory—the cognitive ability that allows us to work with information without losing track of what we’re doing.