In light of the changing laws in Colorado, I thought it was appropriate to write a blog about marijuana. So how does marijuana affect the brain? I found this article in the New York Times and thought it might be helpful to those looking for more information and research on specifically, the use of marijuana. I decided to post this article not because I am for or against drug usage; I am more interested that information is available. I wanted to share some of the research in how the brain is affected by the drug. This is what they found:
“The most disturbing new studies about early teenage use of marijuana showed that young adults who started smoking pot regularly before they were 16 performed significantly worse on cognitive tests of brain function than those who had started smoking later in adolescence.”
“Imaging scans found alterations in the frontal cortex white matter tracts of the brain in the early-starters, (she said), that are associated with impulsiveness.”
“A recent study showing a drop in IQ scores among teenagers who are regular pot smokers.”
“At the very least, the new studies suggest parents who recall their own pot parties may want to suggest greater moderation to their children. And teenagers who insist on trying marijuana are better off waiting until they’re older.”
There is much more and I recommend reading the entire article. To read the entire article, please click the link below.
Source: Legalizing of Marijuana Raises Health Concerns, New York Times
