Does Weed Kill Brain Cells In Adults? Is It a Myth Or True

Ever heard a stoner or group of stoners talking about turkey? Well, they are not talking about the country. For stoners, turkey means a feeling of an uncontrolled urge to smoke weed. This can make you wonder, what does weed do to your brain that it makes you this dependable? Well, like this today, people wonder whether weed kills brain cells or not. Like always, there are mixed reviews on it because of a lack of research and studies. Well, this blog will help you get you. So, keep reading this blog to get the right information and answer to the question, “Does weed kill brain cells?”

Understanding Weed & Its Side Effects

Weed is a natural toxic substance smoked worldwide. It is banned in many countries, but now, in recent years, it’s started getting legal in some countries for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, it’s a toxic substance, but medically it can be used for dealing with anxiety and some other health problems. By the FDA, weed is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has high potential for addiction.

Side Effects Of Weed

Side effects come with weed, can’t be the same for everyone who uses it, but they can be similar. There are some factors on which the side effects depend. Like body composition, frequency of use, and amount used. Some of the commonly noticed side effects are listed below.

• Mood swings
• Short-term memory loss
• Slower reaction
• Sedation
• Red eyes
• Dizziness

These side effects generally make people think about the duration of weed in the body. Well, there are several factors on which it depends. And the effect of weed stays for a few hours only. The THC inside it stays for a long time.

Does Weed Kill Brain Cells Or Affect Brain Cells?

Well, there is no proper evidence that weed kills brain cells. More studies are needed on this to get a detailed answer. But till now, studies show that weed doesn’t kill brain cells, but its effects on the brain are very harmful. Also, if it doesn’t kill, it can hamper your brain with its other effects that indirectly kill your brain cells. This can all only be noticed in chronic use. 

Does Weed Affect Brain Cells?

With long-term use, weed can affect brain cells with its effects. It affects the brain cells by interacting with the CB1 receptor (cannabinoid receptors). This hampers the neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, which somehow hampers the cognitive function and memory. Also, there are chances it can make structural changes in the brain and reduce gray matter, which is responsible for emotion and motivation.

Effects Of Weed On The Brain

The effects of weed on the brain can be divided into two types: positive and negative effects. If  Weed is used medically under a doctor’s supervision. Then it can positively affect your brain by slowing down its function and giving a calm and relaxing sensation to the body. But smoking it just for fun make affect your brain very badly. There are chances of severe problems like psychosis. To understand this better, follow up on the “Can Weed Cause Psychosis?” page.

Short-term Effects Of Weed On The Brain

Short-term effects of weed on the brain are very common and easily noticeable. In short-term marijuana use, it directly affects the cannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for basic movements and memory in the body. Some of the short-term effects are listed below.

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Bad brain and body coordination
• Perception changes
• Sudden mood changes
• Minor memory problem

Long-Term Effects Of Weed On The Brain

Long-term effects come with long-term use. However in adolescence period, there are high chances of these effects. Because during the developing stage, the basic changes start to take place, and weeds hamper it. Some of the long-term effects are listed below.

• Causing Addiction
• CUD (cannabis use disorder)
• Cerebellum changes
• Damages the white matter, which is responsible for connectivity in the brain
• Heavily decreases the IQ level
• High risk of Schizophrenia

Addiction is a serious problem and needs to be treated in any case. To deal with addiction, consult a doctor and ask for a weed or marijuana addiction treatment. Addiction recovery is a long process. To boost it up, you can add some rehab programs to your schedule  like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).

Is Weed Bad For Your Brain?

Weed can be bad for your brain if it’s misused. But if you are using weed medically, then it’s not that bad for your brain. As weed comes with the chemical THC, a psychoactive compound that hampers brain development with heavy use.  Also, interferes with the brain activity and hampers its frequency. Somehow, people compare weed vs alcohol to find out which is more harmful to your brain. Surprisingly, weed is not more harmful than alcohol to the brain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

So we get to know that weed doesn’t kill brain cells, but somehow it affects the brain cells. With heavy use, there are high chances of structural and functional changes inside the brain. Also, these changes are highly noticeable in the adolescent period. At that time, the brain is at developing stage, and THC hampers brain development.