Study finds cannabis use can slow your memory and affect concentration

Using cannabis can have a long-term affect on your memory, concentration, and decision-making, according to a new study by the University of Montreal.

Scientists who carried out the research found that people who smoke cannabis – or marijuana – can be impacted by the effects of intoxication long after they have used the drug.

As a result, children who smoke cannabis may perform worse at school, while adults could find their driving and work ability impaired in the long run.

More prevention measures are needed

The study, published in the Addiction journal, examined existing studies into cannabis use involving more than 43,000 people, with a focus on how attention, language, motor function, memory and processing speed were affected by the drug.

Researchers looked at the immediate effects as well as longer-term impact, concluding that heavy and frequent use had a detrimental impact on decision-making and self-control.

Adults who were given THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis, also performed worse in memory tests.

Dr Alexandre Dumais, psychiatrist and co-author of the study, said that cannabis can impair ‘several areas of cognition’.

“Cannabis use in youth may consequently lead to reduced educational attainment and, in adults, to poor work performance and dangerous driving,” he added.

“These consequences may be worse in regular and heavy users.”

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