Marijuana And Its Psychological Impact

March 4, 2025

Dive into the world of marijuana and its psychological impact. Understand the short and long-term effects.

Understanding Marijuana's Effects

Marijuana, a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant, has been the subject of extensive studies due to its complex effects on the human brain. This section will delve into the impact of marijuana on cognitive function and its neuropsychological implications.

Impact on Cognitive Function

Marijuana is known to have a significant effect on cognitive functions. Studies have shown that cannabis can lead to overproductions in temporal production tasks, indicating a slowdown in the internal tempo of regular users after acute intoxication [1]. This essentially means that a person's perception of time can be distorted, causing them to experience time as passing more slowly than it actually is.

Further, it has been observed that different strains of cannabis can have varying effects on cognitive function. For example, users of the Indica strain reported significant underproductions compared to users of Sativa and hybrid strains, indicating a higher magnitude of effects after smoking Indica.

Neuropsychological Implications

The neuropsychological implications of marijuana use are also significant. Long-term usage of cannabis is perceived to cause cognitive decline, affecting specific neuropsychological parameters such as response time, word viewing time, basic oculomotor deficit, residual verbal memory, and executive functioning.

Most studies suggest a significant cognitive decline in cannabis abusers compared to non-abusers and healthy controls. Cannabis produces substantial acute effects on human cognition and visuomotor skills. Many recent studies have revealed rather long-lasting effects on basic oculomotor control, especially after chronic use [2].

Understanding the cognitive and neuropsychological implications of marijuana is crucial for both users and healthcare professionals. This knowledge can help inform decisions about marijuana usage and provide a basis for the development of treatment strategies for those experiencing the negative effects of the drug. It is important to remember that while marijuana may have recreational and medicinal uses, it also has potential risks that need to be considered.

Marijuana and Brain Development

Understanding the psychological impact of marijuana involves a thorough examination of its effects on brain development. Research indicates that marijuana use during adolescence and young adulthood, a crucial period for brain development, may have significant cognitive and structural implications.

Effects on Adolescent Brain

The brain continues to develop until around the age of 25, with adolescence being a particularly important phase for this development. Marijuana, being the second most widely used intoxicant during this period, can potentially harm the developing brain when used heavily.

This risk is further amplified by the quicker onset of effects when marijuana is smoked, as THC and other chemicals are rapidly carried to the brain. On the other hand, consuming marijuana in food or drinks leads to delayed effects with significantly less THC delivered to the bloodstream. This delay may cause individuals to unintentionally consume more THC than they intended [4].

Cognitive Alterations

Studies have shown that heavy cannabis use in adolescence is associated with poorer performance in cognitive domains such as attention, learning, and memory. This suggests that marijuana can potentially lead to neurocognitive disadvantages and impairments in brain functioning.

Moreover, adolescent marijuana users may experience alterations in gray matter macrostructure, including changes in brain volume and thickness. These structural changes, coupled with cognitive deficits, can have significant long-term implications, potentially affecting an individual's quality of life, academic performance, and mental health.

It's crucial to further understand these cognitive and structural changes to better comprehend the psychological impact of marijuana. These insights can also guide interventions and preventive measures to mitigate the potential harm of marijuana on adolescent brain development.

Psychological Impact of Marijuana

As we further our understanding of marijuana, it becomes clear that its consumption can have significant psychological effects. Specifically, it has been linked to conditions such as psychosis and delusions, as well as anxiety and depression.

Psychosis and Delusions

Studies have shown that regular cannabis users are more prone to psychosis and delusions. A significant link has been established between psychosis proneness and the CBD/THC ratio in cannabis for the first time [5].

Moreover, research has shown significant differences between cannabis users who had THC alone, THC and CBD, or no cannabinoids in terms of psychosis proneness and delusional thinking. This indicates that strains with CBD in addition to THC may protect against psychotic-like symptoms caused by THC alone.

Cannabis use has also been identified as a component cause of psychosis, with early and frequent use interacting with factors such as family history of psychosis, childhood abuse, and genetic expression. For individuals with established psychotic disorders, cannabis use can exacerbate symptoms [6].

Anxiety and Depression

The relationship between cannabis use and anxiety is complex. While evidence supports the coexistence of cannabis use and anxiety, there is limited evidence to suggest that cannabis directly causes anxiety.

The effects of cannabis on individuals can vary significantly. Some may experience a sense of well-being, happiness, and relaxation, while others may experience negative effects such as withdrawal, confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, fearfulness, paranoia, and delusions.

Understanding the psychological impact of marijuana is crucial for its safe and responsible use. As research continues to reveal the nuanced effects of this substance, it's important to convey these findings to the public to better inform their choices and promote health and safety.

Mental Health Risks

The potential mental health risks associated with marijuana use have been the subject of much scientific study. These risks include an increased likelihood of mental illnesses and earlier onset of psychotic disorders.

Risk Factors for Mental Illness

Cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of mental illness. Factors such as the amount of cannabis consumed, frequency of use, THC potency, type of cannabis product, and age of first use can all influence this relationship.

Beyond the realm of cannabis use, genetic factors, trauma, and stress also play significant roles in both mental health conditions and drug use. These interconnections necessitate further longitudinal research to understand the full impact of cannabis on mental health.

While the connection between cannabis use and other mental illnesses is less conclusive, research suggests an elevated risk of depression in adolescents who use cannabis. Additionally, there is robust evidence linking cannabis use to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers and military veterans in the United States.

Early Onset of Psychotic Disorders

Cannabis use has been associated with an earlier onset of psychosis in individuals with genetic risk factors for psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. The symptoms of these disorders can also be exacerbated in those already diagnosed with these conditions.

Temporary psychotic episodes can be triggered by cannabis intoxication, which may potentially increase the risk of developing a psychotic disorder later on. The role of genetics in this relationship is also acknowledged, emphasizing the complex interplay between genetic factors and substance use.

As of May 2023, the National Institute on Drug Abuse highlighted the complexity of the relationship between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the short- and long-term impacts of cannabis on mental health, reinforcing the need for a cautious and informed approach to marijuana use.

Short-Term Effects of Marijuana

Understanding the short-term effects of marijuana is vital to grasp the comprehensive picture of marijuana and its psychological impact.

Immediate Physical and Cognitive Effects

Marijuana's short-term effects can be significant, especially on cognitive functioning and perception. The main psychoactive chemical in marijuana, THC, attaches to receptors in brain regions vital for memory formation. This interaction can cause issues with thinking, working memory, executive function, and psychomotor function.

Additionally, marijuana use can result in changes to the perception of time and space, difficulties with coordination, thinking, concentration, problem-solving, and memory. THC disrupts the functioning of the brain areas responsible for pleasant experiences. However, these experiences are not universal and can vary among different people.

Variability Based on Consumption Method

The method of marijuana consumption can significantly influence its short-term effects. For example, inhaled marijuana typically has an effect within seconds to minutes, with full effects peaking within 30 minutes. Effects can last up to 6 hours, with some residual effects up to 24 hours.

On the other hand, cannabis products consumed orally take longer to have an effect - typically 30 minutes to 2 hours. The full effects usually peak within 4 hours but can last for up to 12 hours, with some residual effects lasting up to 24 hours [7].

Consumption Method	Time to Effect	Peak Effects	Duration
Inhaled	Seconds to minutes	30 minutes	Up to 6 hours (residual effects up to 24 hours)
Consumed Orally	30 minutes to 2 hours	4 hours	Up to 12 hours (residual effects up to 24 hours)

These variable effects based on consumption method underscore the complexity of understanding marijuana's psychological impact. This variability highlights the importance of considering the method of consumption when discussing the short-term effects of marijuana.

Long-Term Implications

While the short-term effects of marijuana are well-documented, it is also crucial to understand the long-term implications, particularly the cognitive decline and neuropsychological changes, and its association with mental illness.

Cognitive Decline and Neuropsychological Parameters

The majority of studies suggest a significant cognitive decline in cannabis abusers compared to non-abusers and healthy controls. Acute effects on human cognition and visuomotor skills have been observed, with long-lasting effects on basic oculomotor control after chronic use [2].

Cannabis, particularly with long-term usage, causes cognitive decline. Specific neuropsychological parameters, including response time, word viewing time, basic oculomotor deficit, residual verbal memory, and executive functioning, have been affected [2].

Heavy cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with poorer performance in cognitive domains such as attention, learning, and memory. Cannabis use during this period may also lead to alterations in gray matter macrostructure, including changes in brain volume and thickness. Changes in white matter microstructure, including myelination and coherence of fiber tracts, have also been observed. Cannabis users also exhibit different patterns of brain activation during cognitive tasks, suggesting altered neural functioning.

Association with Mental Illness

Marijuana's long-term usage has also been associated with mental health risks. Cannabis use has been linked with an increased risk for earlier onset of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with predisposing genetic factors. Moreover, cannabis intoxication can trigger temporary psychotic episodes, potentially leading to a higher risk of developing a psychotic disorder later on.

The connection between cannabis use and other mental illnesses, while not as conclusive, suggests an elevated risk of depression in adolescent cannabis users. Robust evidence also links cannabis use to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers and military veterans in the United States.

Cannabis use is a component cause of psychosis, with early and frequent use interacting with factors such as family history of psychosis, childhood abuse, and genetic expression. It can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with established psychotic disorders.

The frequency, dose, and duration of cannabis use can impact mental health. Higher doses of cannabis lead to more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ingestion, affecting brain areas involved in regulating emotional experiences. Factors such as the amount of cannabis consumed, frequency of use, THC potency, type of cannabis product, and age of first use can influence the relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes. Additionally, genetic factors, trauma, and stress play roles in both mental health conditions and drug use, necessitating further longitudinal research to determine cannabis's impact on mental health.