How weed affects your brain?

Here's a weird one for LinkedIn. What's one the world's most controversial herbs? Whether you're an advocate for natural healing or a skeptic of herbal remedies, the conversation around marijuana and its impact on neurological and behavioral health is still being actively research (as well as a few other substances). With a countless of studies unfolding, I'm here to start a conversation about the long-term and short-term effects of marijuana use, backed by some of the latest studies I found and a few statistics that might change how you view this ancient plant ??. From enhancing cognitive function to the risks it poses, let's explore and discuss the science behind marijuana's effects on the brain. Plus, let's review why the debate on legalization has been going on for some time now.

Creativity and forgetfulness

Research reveals that marijuana influences creativity and some users report experiencing a burst of artistic and innovative thinking, suggesting that THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana) could be "tickling" the brain's frontal lobe. For context: that's the brain region responsible for creativity and problem-solving. But let's be real – for every stroke of genius, there's a good chance you'll forget what you were doing mid-thought. Studies underscore a paradox – short-term use might spark moments of vivid recall, but long-term indulgence could lead to a memory maze, where recollections fade faster than they're formed.

А study suggests that cannabis might lower inhibitions and allow for freer thought flow, which can be a component of creative thinking. But it's not a one-size-fits-all magic creativity bean. It's more like it removes the self-doubt monster whispering in your ear, giving you the confidence of a toddler in a superhero cape. То conclude, yes, marijuana can impact creativity – not by turning you into Da Vinci overnight but by making you believe you're him until the effects wear off. Remember, the line between genius and just being high is as thin as the rolling paper.

Opinion on legalization

For me it's clear that the conversation on marijuana's legalization is not black and white. Advocating for the medicinal use of active substances in marijuana, such as CBD and THC, underlines the importance of harnessing their potential benefits responsibly, while also recognizing the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny to mitigate risks. In a world where cigarettes are completely legal and they lead the score on a few very scary statistics like the fact that smoking causes more deaths each tear than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol Use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. And on top of that secondhand smoke kills over 600,000 non-smokers annually worldwide. So should weed be legal? Maybe. But we should definitely rethink cigarettes.

THC vs CBD

Generally, THC can impair cognitive function and has been scientifically proven to impair short-term memory and executive functioning, critical cognitive abilities that are essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and maintaining attention and concentration in professional settings. To relate it to work: regular consumption of THC can lead to diminished work performance, as it affects the brain's ability to process information efficiently, and can significantly increase the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace, particularly in jobs that require high levels of precision or the operation of machinery, undermining both individual safety and the safety of others.

On the other hand CBD is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis that has shown promise in reducing anxiety and stress, offering a potential therapeutic use for mental health conditions. Research indicates that CBD may exert neuroprotective properties, potentially aiding in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and MS.

In light of the compelling evidence regarding both the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis compounds such as THC and CBD, it becomes increasingly clear that, like other pharmacological treatments, cannabis deserves a place within medical research. The therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly in the realm of pain management and mental health disorders emphasizes the necessity of its inclusion in medical practice, provided it is administered with the same level of scrutiny and ethical consideration as other drugs. It's important to maintain a clear distinction between your professional life and your personal choices, obviously.

As to whether you should get high at work... probably not, not unless you're in a lab and you're being observed by a bunch of people in whitecoats.