Marijuana Questions- Vedika Chaudhary

1. How—and why—does THC alter the parts of the brain related to learning and
memory?

Cannabis in its entirety has 400 chemicals in it. THC is a chemical found in cannabis that
makes people feel high. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors inside and outside the brain and
after binding, the cells behave differently. Cannabinoid receptors bind with their own
cannabis-like molecules called endocannabinoids, which regulate functions like sleep, cognition,
memory, and mood. All this happens in the endocannabinoid system. Marijuana interferes with
the normal function of this system and negotiates with the learning and memorizing capabilities
of the brain. THC also disrupts the neuro-transmitting process release, disrupting the signaling
process of memory and learning. Overall, the main goal of the endocannabinoid system is to
create balance in the body which is disturbed by THC and causes problems in learning and
memory between frequent marijuana users.

2. Is there a difference between how THC affects the brains of teens versus
adults?
Yes, the difference occurs due to the brains of teens not being fully developed yet. In teens and
adolescents, two types of tissues are rapidly changing that support cognitive functions. Gray
matter (shown in the video’s MRI scan), contains cell bodies and makes up the cerebral cortex
of the brain. The white matter allows the gray matter to communicate quickly and efficiently.
Usually during teenage years, the white matter increases and the gray matter decreases. Teen
cannabis users have a thicker cerebral cortex, which means the natural way of growth in the
brain has been disrupted. Research has shown that teens who struggle with marijuana use are
more likely to have difficulty with learning and memory tasks. Teens are also more likely to get
addicted to substance abuse than fully matured adults.

3. What types of experiments have been done to learn more about the short- and
long-term effects of marijuana use on the human brain?

Although cannabis has not gone through a vigorous research process by the FDA, scientists
have been doing experiments to see the short-term and long-term effects of marijuana use on
the human brain. In this video, they have shown two types of experiments done to see the
effects: MRI scans and data from a wide range of people. In the MRI scans, scientists have
discovered the short-term effects of marijuana like struggles with memory and learning. Next,
the scientists have followed a large group of individuals including teens, who use marijuana to
see how everyone’s experiences are similar or differ. There also have been experiments on how
marijuana can help medically for people with epilepsy, autism, and PTSD which have improved
people’s quality of life in the long run.
4. Details continue to emerge about how marijuana use is connected to the onset of
mental illnesses like depression, schizophrenia, and more. It’s still uncertain whether
marijuana causes these illnesses or simply makes them more prominent in people who
are already predisposed to mental illness. What are the newest findings?

The reason studies show that there might be a correlation between mental illnesses and
marijuana is that marijuana disrupts the natural way of how the brain works. It causes some
parts of the brain to underperform or overperform. Due to a lack of research on this topic,
researchers aren't sure if this should be blamed on marijuana or if this is related to genetics and
would have happened even without marijuana. Dose is the solution in the case of marijuana,
marijuana can help reduce stress and give ease to people with health problems. Similarly, if
taken in too much quantity, it can increase anxiety. Marijuana affects different people differently,
age and mental health situations are significant factors to consider. Sometimes the issues are
also blamed on alcohol but the research is ongoing for figuring out the true side effects of
marijuana.

5. What is the relationship between the vastly greater strength of today’s

marijuana (with THC content rising from 1% in 1972 to 13% or more today) and
the occurrence of psychological problems among marijuana users?

Although it is research in progress, more dosage of THC simply means more possibility for the
occurrence of psychological issues. THC throws off the balance of the endocannabinoid system,
which regulates functions like sleep, cognition, memory, and mood. This causes anxiety,
paranoia, and psychosis. THC can make some parts of the brain overreact and some to
underreact which causes this disparity. Greater strength in marijuana and lack of research can
adversely affect current marijuana users’ lives.

6. What could happen to people who start using marijuana as teenagers in terms
of their intellectual abilities?

Marijuana stunts the growth of the brain for teens, which specifically causes trouble in
memory-based tasks. These events cause trouble in learning new concepts in school as well as
may cause problems in work life and jobs in the future. Jobs can also be affected if the teen gets
caught and gets a criminal record. Marijuana also makes them less likely to have good depth
perception and decision-making, which means that if they drive while being high, they are at a
high risk of a car accident. As the brain is less developed they may have problems with
cognitive tasks, worse IQ, and might be more likely to get addicted. There seems to be a
relationship between mental health problems and marijuana as well which means that a teen is
more likely to go through psychotic issues if they use marijuana.
7. Why are teens so much more vulnerable to drug addiction than adults are?
What role does the brain play in this heightened risk? At what point does the
human brain fully mature?

There’s a saying, the best way to quit is to never start. Teenagers are more likely to be addicted
to substance abuse and addiction because their brain has fully developed yet. The prefrontal
cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment, is still growing
and not fully mature. They may not be aware of the dangers of marijuana in the long run.
Teenagers are more impulsive and crave pleasure and reward without critically thinking through
the consequences. Teenagers are also more likely to be under the influence of peer pressure
which makes them way more likely to get addicted. The brain doesn't fully mature till mid 20s
which proves as a disadvantage for flourishing teens, making many fall into the abyss of
addiction.