Over the past couple of years and recent months, scientists have been eager to showcase the benefits of medical marijuana which (in all honesty) are very fascinating. At this time, Australian doctors are conducting the first clinical trial that will determine the effectiveness of marijuana-accompaniment therapy on brain cancer patients. Likewise, the U.S. government recently legalized Epidiolex, a CBD oil used to treat rare forms of epilepsy in young patients (2 years and older), and is treating it as a regular prescription drug. In similar cases, researchers are looking at possibilities for the drug’s use in sports medicine and PTSD treatment. While these are amazing breakthroughs, keep in mind that these experiments are taking place in controlled environments. Self-medication is never the answer to a problem, as many young people find out. Smoking cannabis for a long-term, particularly during the teenage years, can result in severe problems. However, a recent study has shown that (even for the avid young smoker) it is not too late to save your grey matter. Let’s take a look at how young people improved their memories after stopping marijuana use.
Memory and Marijuana
Time and time again, researchers have pointed out that long-term marijuana use can wreak tremendous havoc on the brain of a teenager or young adult. From birth to age 21, the brain is in a critical state of development and can sustain damage from mind-altering drugs like pot. Once marijuana is consumed, the psychoactive cannabinoid THC attaches to cells and neurons in the endocannabinoid system (a critical portion of the brain that controls balance and homogeny). Overall, this system is important in regular functions, including memory and organization. Interfering with this perfect program by smoking (or eating marijuana) would be the equivalent of pouring chocolate sauce on a V-8 big block engine while it’s running (in the case of a teenager).
Improvement
However, scientists have discovered that it is never too late for teens to save their brains. According to a study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, young cannabis users improved their memories after a short non-smoking term. As part of the experiment, researchers studied weekly marijuana users aged 16 to 25, who were successfully able to stop using the drug for the 30-day study. Only a week into the test, the abstainers demonstrated a boost in memory and performance, revealing that smoking weed can (and definitely will) impair teens’ and young adults’ cognitive function.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
