POT-SMOKING MAY HAVE LITTLE LASTING EFFECT ON THE BRAIN, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

Despite fears to the contrary, recreational marijuana use apparently
has little lasting effect on the brain.

UC San Diego researchers came to this conclusion after analyzing the
results of 15 studies comparing brain function in cannabis users and
nonusers. The study included data on nearly 2,000 people, 704 of whom
ranged from heavy users to those who smoked two to three times a week
for a few years.

Researchers looked at data from tests of memory, perception and
reasoning, including reaction time, verbal and motor skills, and the
ability to evaluate information and take action on it. Except for a
small deficit in users' learning and memory tests, results were
similar in pot smokers and nonusers. The researchers question whether
the minimal difference in learning and forgetting (failure to recall
or recognize something) would even be noticeable in real life.

"The results provide some reassurance that if cannabis were found to
be useful as a medicine, the adverse effects on the brain are likely
to be minimal to nonexistent," says the lead author, Dr. Igor Grant,
director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San
Diego. The study was published in July's Journal of the International
Neuropsychological Society.