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Effects Of Marijuana On The Brain

As an illicit drug, marijuana is most common in many countries around the world. It remains on a steady increase among the youth over the last few years. It is important to note that the use of marijuana may be medicinal or recreational. However, the latter may result in a number of unfavorable impacts on the brain and subsequently the entire body. There exist varying ways in which marijuana enters the body. These include smoking, ingestion through food and/or inhalation. As such, the types of effects experienced by those using marijuana also vary. Smoking allows direct entry of marijuana into the bloodstream while inhalation undergoes fast processing in the liver. Expectation and research findings have it that indeed, marijuana has effects on the functionality of the brain.

According to Young (p.1), a recent publication in the Journal of Neuroscience shows that researchers examined 40 young people between the age of 18 and 25 in colleges within Boston. Half the total smoked marijuana at least once every week while the other half did not smoke at all. As shown by the findings, early onset smokers carry out tasks at a slower pace and have lower IQs later in life. Additionally, they have a higher risk of stroke. These result from the general impact of marijuana on the functionality of the brain.

Marijuana causes distortion in the internal and external coordination that occurs in the cerebellum of the brain. Furthermore, marijuana disables the brain from distinguishing between important and unimportant information and details. The hippocampus fails to store or connect any new information whilst under the manipulation of marijuana. Moreover, marijuana results in reduced sensitivity to novelty by the brain. In addition to the impact on novelty, marijuana users seem unexcited about new ideas or innovations. The reason for this is the negative impact of marijuana on the Amygdala of the brain. Consistent use of marijuana force the brain into releasing large amounts of dopamine.

The most notable effect of marijuana on most users is the loss of short-term memory. This makes communication with users rather difficult or impossible. In conclusion, marijuana has adverse effects on the user except when the use is for medicinal purposes. The damages it causes have a longer-lasting effect compared to the short-term ‘good feeling that most people are after.

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