How does Cannabis use impact brain development?

Cannabis & brain development

The human brain is a remarkable organ that is constantly changing and adapting. This ability to change is known as neuroplasticity, and it is most pronounced during early life. In fact, the brain undergoes rapid development in the first few years of life, with some estimates suggesting that 700-1,000 new neural connections are formed every second!

During this time, the brain is particularly sensitive to environmental factors such as nutrition, sleep, and stress. For example, an unhealthy diet during this critical period can lead to developmental delays and long-term cognitive deficits. Similarly, lack of sleep negatively impacts brain development, as it is during sleep that the brain consolidates and strengthens new neural connections. Research shows that children who get less than the recommended amount of sleep are more likely to have behavioral problems and academic difficulties.

Substance use

Substance use is another factor that can have a profound impact on brain development during early life. Research has shown that regular drug use can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function, which can result in issues with attention, memory, and decision-making.

Cannabis use during adolescence and early life has been shown to have both short-term and long-term effects on brain development, biology, and physiology. Let's get more specific.

Short-term effects:
Studies have shown that cannabis use during adolescence can impact brain development, especially in regions such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. These regions are involved in cognitive processes, memory, and emotion regulation, respectively. Short-term effects of cannabis use in adolescents can include impaired attention, memory, and learning, as well as altered mood and increased risk-taking behavior.

Long-term effects:
Long-term effects of cannabis use during adolescence and early life have also been linked to alterations in brain structure and function. Chronic use has been associated with reduced gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex, as well as changes in white matter integrity. These structural changes are connected to cognitive impairment, including decreased IQ and reduced executive function abilities. Long-term cannabis use during adolescence can also increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

How is SEL related?

Social and emotional factors can also play a role in brain development. Social and emotional learning (SEL) programs are one way to support healthy brain development during early life. These programs teach children and youth important skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 

Research has shown that children who participate in SEL programs have improved social and emotional skills, better academic performance, and decreased behavioral problems. These programs can also have a positive impact on brain development, as they can strengthen neural connections in areas of the brain associated with social and emotional functioning.

When we are emotionally well, we are more likely to feel better, too!

Conclusion

The human brain is constantly changing and adapting, and this ability to change is most pronounced during early life. Environmental factors such as diet, sleep, and substance use can have a profound impact on brain development, as can social and emotional factors. Using drugs during adolescence has been connected with many negative outcomes for brain development in both the short- and long-term.

Overall, we know that regular drug use, including that of Cannabis, can impact the growth of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. This is particularly problematic because these regions are involved in cognitive processes, memory, and emotion regulation. Cannabis use in adolescence can also impaired attention, the ability to remember, and academic achievement, as well as negatively impact mood and increased risk-taking behavior.

Social and emotional learning programs are one way to support healthy brain development during early life, and they can have positive outcomes for children and youth. We must prioritize healthy brain development to set up our youth for success in all areas of life. By giving youth the skills and knowledge to make healthy decisions for themselves - our mission with YESS Academy Healthy Lifestyle courses - we improve their responsible decision-making skills and help student understand why responsible decision-making matters.

5 Key Takeaways 

1. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt, and this ability is most pronounced during early life.

2. Environmental factors like nutrition, sleep, and stress can have a significant impact on brain development during early life.

3. Substance use during early life can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function, causing issues with attention, memory, and decision-making.

4. Social and emotional factors also play a crucial role in brain development, and social and emotional learning programs can have positive outcomes for children and youth.

5. Prioritizing healthy brain development during early life can set up youth for success in all areas of life.

Want to teach your kids about the dangers of Cannabis abuse? Check out our interactive Cannabis Education course

References:
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National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Drugs and the Brain. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
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