A study of over 20,000 people found that those who started using marijuana before the age of 18 were more likely to develop schizophrenia later in life than those who started using marijuana at an older age.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder characterized by distorted thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. People with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between reality and their own perceptions, leading to disruptions in thinking, communication, and daily functioning. Symptoms often include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and reduced emotional expression. Treatment usually involves a combination of medications, therapy, and support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world, and its use is increasing. In the United States, the number of people who have used marijuana in their lifetime has increased from 41% in 2002 to 48% in 2019.
There is a growing body of research that suggests that marijuana can have long-term effects on the brain. These effects can be different depending on the age at which someone starts using marijuana, the frequency of use, and the potency of the marijuana.
It is proved that Long-Term Marijuana Use Blunts Brain’s Reward System!
One of the most well-studied long-term effects of marijuana is on cognition. Marijuana use has been linked to impaired memory, learning, and attention. These effects can be seen in both adolescents and adults who use marijuana.
For example, a study of adolescents who used marijuana heavily found that they had lower IQ scores than those who did not use marijuana. Another study found that adults who used marijuana heavily had more difficulty with memory and attention than those who did not use marijuana.
Marijuana use has also been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. This risk is especially high for people who start using marijuana at a young age.
Marijuana use has also been linked to an increased risk of developing addiction. People who use marijuana heavily are more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana than those who use marijuana less often.
A study of over 40,000 people found that those who used marijuana heavily were more likely to meet the criteria for marijuana addiction than those who used marijuana less often.
The long-term effects of marijuana on the brain are still being studied. However, the research that is available suggests that marijuana can have a significant impact on cognition, mental health, and addiction risk.
It is important to note that not everyone who uses marijuana will experience these long-term effects. However, the risk of experiencing these effects is higher for people who start using marijuana at a young age, use marijuana heavily, and use marijuana with high THC content.
If you are considering using marijuana, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits. Marijuana can have both positive and negative effects, and it is important to be aware of both before making a decision.
If you are concerned about the long-term effects of marijuana, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your individual risk and make the best decision for you.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The potency of marijuana has increased significantly in recent years. This means that the amount of THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) in a single joint can be much higher than it was in the past.
- The way that marijuana is used also plays a role in its long-term effects. Smoking marijuana can damage the lungs, while vaping marijuana can damage the airways.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to avoid using marijuana. Marijuana use can have harmful effects on the developing fetus or baby.
If you are concerned about the long-term effects of marijuana on your brain, it is best to avoid using it altogether. There are many other ways to relax and have fun that do not pose the same risks.
