Does Marijuana Kill Brain Cells?

According to experts, marijuana does not kill brain cells. In fact, marijuana has certain medicinal properties. The plant can be used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and nausea caused by chemotherapy. Research has confirmed the neuroprotective effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-toxic compound found in marijuana. CBD helps prevent the death of nerve cells, which is why it is prescribed to patients suffering from neurological conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD also accelerate the regeneration of neurons, helping the brain recover from injuries. Professor Lester Grinspoon has even suggested that cannabinoids should be given to athletes, especially American football players, who frequently suffer concussions. Autopsies of 111 football players revealed that 110 of them had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition caused by repeated brain injuries. Since CTE cannot be diagnosed in living people, Grinspoon believes that all athletes should take THC and CBD as a preventive measure.

Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use

While marijuana may have some benefits, long-term use can lead to negative consequences. Prolonged marijuana smoking can impair memory, reduce motivation, and increase the risk of mental health disorders such as psychosis, paranoia, and schizophrenia. There is a proven link between marijuana use and schizophrenia, but researchers have not established a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It is still unclear whether marijuana use leads to schizophrenia or if people with schizophrenia are more likely to use marijuana to cope with their symptoms.

Marijuana is especially dangerous for minors. In addition to mental health issues, early and excessive marijuana use can lead to a significant drop in IQ, and, most concerning, these intellectual abilities may not recover later in life. However, this effect is not linked to a reduction in the number of neurons. Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of this phenomenon, and many medical professionals dispute the idea that marijuana lowers IQ. Critics of this hypothesis point out that most study participants also used tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, making it impossible to say for sure that marijuana alone is responsible for decreased cognitive function.