There is a persistent and common belief throughout society that using cannabis over an extended period of time (or, in some cases, even once) can lead to a decline in mental abilities and function. However, a recently published Australian cannabis study is helping to dispel this stigma and show the potential cognitive benefits of medical marijuana.
It’s not difficult to find studies promoting fear-mongering over cannabis use, particularly ones working against the ongoing legalization and societal acceptance of medical marijuana. This stigma has been problematic for cannabis consumers for years and often leads to unfair stereotypes against people who benefit from cannabis treatment for mental or physical health issues.
These stereotypes have consequences, whether political, legal, or within the medical system, and may prevent people from seeking care that can help.
When studies look at cognitive function, they refer to a person’s ability to perform tasks like driving, solving puzzles, or remembering patterns. While some of these, like driving, are not recommended after consuming cannabis, it doesn’t necessarily mean that medical marijuana will lead to a long-term decline in mental abilities.
In recent years as medical marijuana has become more widely available, we are finally learning more about the potential long-term benefits of cannabis and dispelling these old, harmful beliefs.
The study, published in CNS Drugs, tested 40 participants on their ability to complete neurological-based tests on pattern recognition, multitasking, reaction time, information processing, and working memory. These tests were done before and after the participants self-administered either oil (cannabis concentrates) or flower variants of prescribed medical marijuana.
Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits
The results were pleasing – researchers found no significant difference in cognitive ability before and after participants consumed cannabis. The participants also reported that medical marijuana has been beneficial for their various health conditions, which include chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
All participants are regular users of medical cannabis, which could be additional confirmation that sustained cannabis consumption doesn’t have serious negative consequences. However, this claim needs further research to confirm.
Fortunately, this type of study is becoming more common. Another study on cannabis use among older adults published in early 2023 reported that long-term cannabis users between the ages of 50 and 84 had better cognitive function than people of the same age who don’t consume cannabis. Researchers examined more than ten years of data and concluded that cannabis use doesn’t have any significant impact on mental abilities, which is great news for medical marijuana patients.
Studies and research on the mental and physical health benefits of cannabis have made medical marijuana products with life-changing potential more easily accessible than ever.
The ramifications of this could be far-reaching and eventually impact countless lives across the country and the world. Just as harmful beliefs and stigmas have made it challenging to get prescriptions for medical marijuana, positive news and studies can do the exact opposite.
Having a medical marijuana card can help with a wide range of physical and mental health disorders, and laws are changing frequently to allow them in more and more states. If you’d like to learn more, our medical practitioners are available to help.
With the arrival of 4/20 comes the promise of festivals, mass smoke sessions, and camaraderie with fellow cannabis enthusiasts. But, while cannabis may promote social gathering for some, others prefer to consume their cannabis in the way of the introvert – that is, completely alone. If you’re not exactly a social smoker and still want…
It’s become increasingly common to hear stories of those suffering from serotonin syndrome, but for some, the full scope and depth of this mysterious condition remain shrouded in mystery. Are psychedelic drugs and cannabis capable of triggering this serious medical issue? In this post, we’ll dive into what serotonin syndrome is, how you may be…
The legendary stoner holiday 4/20 is upon us, and so are the transits and astrological happenings associated with it. As spring and warm weather begin to roll in, spirits lift, and people spend more time outside under the sun—and, of course, the stars. Smoking under the night sky is a thrilling experience. Whether you’re a…
Hash is more than just a hot trend with ancient origins: it’s the future of medical cannabis consumption. Because this form of concentrate is deliberately engineered to preserve the natural terpenes and cannabinoid profile of the cannabis plant, dabbing hash is perhaps the most efficient way to seek the potential benefits of medical marijuana –…
Cannabis use is increasing all around the world. The American marijuana industry was worth about $57 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $444 billion by 2030, a staggering growth that reflects it as the fastest-growing industry anywhere in the world. Veriheal consistently stays abreast of current trends by conducting routine surveys among our…
Get your medical marijuana card today
Sign up in under 5 minutes
