Does Smoking Cannabis Kill Your Brain Cells?

There are many myths surrounding cannabis. From the gateway drug to the laziness drug, many behaviors have been attributed to cannabis. Does Smoking Cannabis Kill Your Brain Cells? Is it a myth that weed makes you stupider, or is it just a Prohibition-era misconception?

Despite the prevalence of this stereotype, there is little evidence to support or discredit this belief. Many believe this started with the infamous fried egg commercial that aired in the ’80s, which portrayed a fried egg as encapsulating your drugged brain. Although there are terrible drugs out there, moderate use of cannabis won’t burn out your brain.

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When it comes to scientific evidence, there is a study that shows a link between a smaller hippocampus and chronic cannabis use. The hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning, is not directly related to brain cells, but shows a negative association between chronic cannabis use and brain impairment.

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Another study conducted over a 38-year period linked cannabis use to cognitive decline. It was found that adolescents who used cannabis intensively and continued to do so as adults lost six to eight IQ points by midlife. Those who used heavily and stopped later in life did not regain their lost IQ points. However, adults who consumed cannabis intensively did not lose any IQ points.

Other studies show the opposite effect. A study conducted on mice shows that low doses of THC can reverse age-related cognitive impairment. This connection was found in another study of people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, which showed that THC and CBD could have therapeutic effects.

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There is no clear answer to cannabis and brain cells. While there have been negative associations between heavy cannabis use and the brain, moderate cannabis use has been linked to therapeutic effects.

RELATED: Marijuana Doesn’t Make You Dumber, Science Says

To consume cannabis in a smart and health-promoting way, moderation is key. Instead of consuming cannabis daily, it might be better for your health and enjoyment to view cannabis as something enjoyable rather than a habit.