Cannabis for Studying: Help or Hindrance
The increasing recognition of cannabis for its therapeutic potential suggests that the plant can improve human brain health
By Sofia Missiato
Traditionally, the use of cannabis for studying is not well accepted, as it would have negative effects on memory, which can lead to poor academic results. However, for some people, this statement is not true, many even find in the plant an extra help for increased concentration.
According to Bruno Hojo, a neurologist, the fear of using cannabidiol is closely related to a prejudice generated by the use of the plant and indicates that, in studies evaluating the safety of the medication, no cognitive alterations have ever been demonstrated by patients.
What are the evidences?
Medicinal cannabis comes in various presentations, and one of the most commonly used versions is pure cannabidiol, combining CBD and THC. It is from these that patients often show some improvement in their condition. For refractory epilepsy, treatment with cannabis is considered one of the best therapies for reducing seizures, using high concentrations of cannabidiol, and no cognitive alterations related to the medication have ever been reported, as explained by Dr. Hojo.
The topic may seem controversial to those who are not familiar with the issue. There is evidence that cannabis consumption can cause transient cognitive deterioration, which varies from one consumer to another. This is usually caused in the short term, although it does not affect long-term memory.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Bonn states that THC can slow down brain aging. In adult brains, it improves certain cognitive activities. However, the teenage brain continues to develop until, on average, 21 years old, and during this stage, development can be negatively affected by exposure to cannabis.
It is believed that medicinal cannabis may have a neuroprotective effect by reducing oxidative stress, that is, reducing neuronal death. With ongoing studies in the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, which are two neurodegenerative diseases, evidence of improvement has been observed, precisely related to the delay in the aging process of the brain.
What are the typologies and effects?
The psychoactive load of CBD is much lower when compared to THC. The former is effective in improving mood and sleep in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder or epilepsy. However, each organism responds differently to the effects of cannabis. In general, it can be concluded that there are fewer side effects when consuming strains richer in CBD, mainly.
The Indica type of the plant has a higher potential for user sedation, while Sativa has a stimulating potential and favors creativity and the performance of tasks that require intensive idea searching.
According to Dr. Hojo, most studies with cannabis are based on the pure molecule. The complaints mentioned by some people need to be differentiated between patients and users, as the effects felt are different when used recreationally/medicinally since medicinal cannabis comes from a different species, which is the hemp plant. 'Whenever we think about side effects, in any medication, we have to be careful and evaluate each person's profile and how they are using the medication,' he says.
An investigation from the University of Texas concluded that marijuana is capable of increasing the number of neural connections in our brain. To demonstrate this, the study included a sample of 48 adult marijuana users between 20 and 36 years old and compared them with a group of non-smokers with similar characteristics. After taking brain images of the subjects, through magnetic resonance imaging, the images of the THC users' brains showed an increase in their overall conductivity. This can bring improvements in studying or performing activities that require a lot of concentration.
Most of the effects experienced by individuals are subject to how different cannabis strains affect the body. THC levels can be an important factor in determining whether cannabinoid therapy will help the person, but always remembering that there is a distinct meaning and impact between the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis sativa.