What Does Weed Do to Your Brain Over Time?

With the legalization of marijuana in many states, more and more people are using it, some for medical reasons and others just for recreation. While there is some evidence around the medical uses of marijuana, there is also evidence of negative effects on the brain over time. If you are weed user, you should understand the risks so that you can make an informed decision about continuing to use it or not.

How Weed Affects the Brain

Weed affects the brain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions like mood, memory, sleep, and appetite. This system uses natural chemicals in the body to send signals between brain cells and keep things balanced.

The main active ingredient in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), mimics these chemicals and binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This alters normal communication between brain cells, which causes relaxation, euphoria, and changes in perception. However, THC can also disrupt functions like short-term memory, attention, and coordination.

Several areas of the brain are affected. The hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning, is negatively impacted, making it harder to retain new information. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, may also be impacted, leading to changes in judgment.

Long-Term Effects of Weed on the Brain

Using weed can have a host of long-term effects on the brain.

Changes to Brain Structure and Development

The brain continues to develop into the mid-20s, particularly in brain areas that control judgment, planning, and self-control. Long-term weed use can alter these areas, including the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making. The hippocampus, responsible for memory and learning, may also decrease in volume with chronic use of weed. Additionally, the brain’s communication network can be disrupted, making it harder for different regions to communicate.

Memory and Cognitive Function

Regular weed use can interfere with cognitive abilities over time. Users may experience short-term memory problems, difficulty concentrating, slower processing of information, and difficulty learning new things.

Mental Health

Chronic weed users may be more prone to anxiety and depression, and while some use the drug to cope with these conditions, in the long run, they may get worse. There is also evidence linking high-THC weed and psychotic episodes, particularly in people with a genetic predisposition. Symptoms can include hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.

Addiction

Weed has the potential to be addictive, with around 9–30% of users developing cannabis use disorder. THC alters the brain’s dopamine system, which is involved in feelings of pleasure, and begins to need THC in order to produce pleasure at all. This leads people to continue using in order to feel good.

Motivation

Some long-term weed users report decreased motivation and a reduced interest in pursuing goals. This is thought to result from changes in the brain’s reward system, as it responds less strongly to naturally rewarding activities, making goals less motivating.

IQ and Long-Term Cognitive Decline

Some research suggests that long-term heavy weed use, particularly when started during adolescence, may lead to a decline in IQ over time. These cognitive effects may affect problem-solving, reasoning, and academic or job performance.

Emotional Regulation and Decision-Making

Chronic weed use can affect emotional control and the ability to make decisions, leading to impulsiveness and risk-taking. These emotional changes can affect relationships, work performance, and daily functioning.

Tolerance

With repeated use, the brain adapts to THC, leading to tolerance, meaning that more THC is needed to produce the same effect. Over time, this can further reinforce regular use, increasing the risk of addiction.

Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder

If you are a regular weed user and have trouble stopping, you may have a marijuana addiction, known as a cannabis use disorder. You can self-evaluate by looking at the 11 criteria for cannabis use disorder from its formal definition. These are:

1. Using more marijuana than intended or for longer than intended
2. Wanting to reduce or stop marijuana use but not being able to
3. Spending excessive amounts of time using marijuana or recovering from using
4. Feeling cravings for marijuana
5. Failing to live up to responsibilities due to marijuana use
6. Having relationship problems because of marijuana use
7. Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to use marijuana instead
8. Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while under the influence
9. Continuing to use marijuana in spite of negative consequences like health issues
10. Needing more marijuana to get the same effects
11. Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not using marijuana

Having two to three of these symptoms indicates a mild cannabis use disorder, four to five is considered moderate, while six or more is severe.

Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Programs

Inpatient Treatment

A 30 to 90 day inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, during which you are kept as comfortable as possible through your withdrawal period, and intensive therapy, both individually and in groups. Most of your time will be spent in group therapy.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs usually come in two forms.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours per day, five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four to ten weeks. The treatment involves therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment, both in groups and individually.

A PHP program is often a transitional treatment that occurs after inpatient treatment, although it can be an alternative to inpatient treatment.

The other option is an intensive outpatient program (IOP), which generally involves two to three hours of therapy three days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, treatment sessions are in the evenings so that you can still go to work or school during the day. Treatment, again, involves individual and group therapy.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be attended after inpatient treatment, a PHP, or both.

Support Groups

Some people with cannabis use disorder don’t attend treatment at all but instead attend support group meetings. While this may be effective for some people it’s not a standalone option for those who have a severe addiction. It can, however, complement other forms of treatment for everyone.

In Closing

Using weed can negatively impact your brain over time and can even lead to addiction in some people. If you want to stop using weed but are having trouble, Bridges of Hope is here to help with several treatment options. We are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to get you on a path to a healthier life. Reach out today to learn more.