Marijuana on the Brain

Recreational drug use has grown increasingly common in the past decade, with marijuana being the typical drug of choice. Given its frequent medical application, many people consider marijuana a ‘safe’ drug. While marijuana has shown to assist individuals with chronic pain and insomnia, its effects on the brain can be highly detrimental to your mental and physical health.

A Decrease in Brain Function

The feeling of getting high has a few obvious short-term effects. It can also bring about more long-term consequences, which are more pronounced in infants, children, teenagers, and babies in utero. Studies show that before the brain has fully developed, marijuana can:

Lower attention span
Inhibit learning, problem-solving skills, and memory
Lead to behavioral issues

But these effects extend to adults as well.

Working memory is the ability to manipulate recently learned information to complete a task; it is critical for decision-making. In a recent study on new and lifetime users of marijuana, both groups showed reduced brain activity during decision-based tasks. The areas of the brain affected by this decrease in activity are crucial for working memory, attention, and emotions.

Depression, Psychosis, and other Mental Health Concerns

Users of cannabis have reported paranoia as a side-effect of their high. This paranoia is one of several psychosis related symptoms of marijuana use, which can ultimately lead to “the development or worsening of chronic psychotic conditions like schizophrenia." While serious breaks from reality are rare when using marijuana, a far more prevalent consequence is the magnification of pre-existing mental health issues.

Although cannabis may temporarily alleviate side-effects of trauma, such as nightmares and memory flashbacks in individuals with PTSD, the drug ultimately "worsens" such symptoms "over time." Much like the brief relief brought about by alcohol, cannabis can only numb pain for so long, and over-dependence on it can lead to Cannabis Use Disorder. Withdrawal from cannabis use can be similarly harmful, causing symptoms such as:

Aggressive behavior
Irritability
Anxiety
Restlessness
Insomnia
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)

This illness, characterized by cyclical vomiting and abdominal pain, is not exclusive to cannabis withdrawal; simply using cannabis on a chronic basis can lead to it, and "patients [who] continue using marijuana products...often will have repeat episodes."

Cannabis has also shown associations "with depression; social anxiety; and thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicide."

Drug-to-Drug Interactions

It is common knowledge nowadays that alcohol and most medications don’t mix; combining the two is incredibly dangerous and life-threatening. Similarly, cannabis can create adverse effects when paired with other medications. The cannabidiol (CBD) in marijuana "can inhibit the liver enzymes that metabolize medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics", meaning that they stay in the body for a longer period of time. This tends to reduce the efficacy of prescribed medications, and can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, low blood pressure, and other such effects. Some combinations of drugs with marijuana, especially controlled substances like opioids, can even prove fatal.

Conclusion - Why It’s Better to Stay Sober on Meds

Cannabis use can impact brain development, impair cognitive functions such as working memory, and worsen pre-existing mental health issues. When used alongside prescription drugs, it can bring about a whole host of problems, including a decrease in the effectiveness of said drugs. When engaging in psychiatric treatment, we want the medications we prescribe to work as intended. The best way to keep yourself safe is to stay sober. In doing so, your treatment is more likely to be effective, and you are more likely to attain the mental wellness you desire.

If you are considering an assessment, booking a telepsychiatry appointment can be a great next step toward clarity and effective care. Reach out at 888-823-5733 to book an appointment or you may also fill out the form below with your details and concerns.