What are the effects of cannabis on memory and decision-making?
A groundbreaking study conducted in the U.S. tests high-THC cannabis on 80 people to identify effects on cognition and memory
Curated and edited by Sechat Content, with information from Washington State University
The study examined 80 people divided into four groups:
- 20 were sober
- 20 used cannabis concentrates vaporized with over 60% THC
- 20 used cannabis flowers containing at least 20% THC
- 20 used cannabis flowers containing 60% THC along with CBD.
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After consumption, researchers conducted a series of cognitive tests on participants to determine any effects on decision-making and memory.
The lead researcher Carrie Cuttler, a psychologist at Washington State University (WSU), said:
We were interested in comparing the relative effects of these high-potency cannabis products. The ones we were using in this study had to have at least 60% THC.
“The results were surprising; we had fewer effects than we expected, especially since we were dealing with these high-potency products that researchers in the United States, at least, have been largely prohibited from studying.”
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However, the data also shows that cannabis use can indeed have an impact on our memory, such as deficits related to free recall, source memory, and false memories.
Additionally, researchers asked participants from each group to rate their intoxication after consumption. They found that the ratings from participants in the concentrate group were statistically identical to those using the flower, which could indicate that participants were automatically defining the doses used.
Dr. Cuttler added: “What this tells us is that people using these very high-potency products know their limits, using much less of the drug to achieve the same level of toxicity, producing the same memory deficit.”
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The researchers revealed that they were cautiously optimistic about these results, and Dr. Cuttler adds:
I want to see much more research before we reach any general conclusions, but it is encouraging to see that the concentrates did not increase the damage.