Recent research has highlighted a troubling link between smoking cannabis and potential damage to the brain’s lining, particularly among teenagers. The study reveals that individuals who smoked cannabis before the age of 16 exhibit a thinner cerebral cortex—the brain’s outermost layer—compared to their non-smoking counterparts. The cerebral cortex is essential for fundamental brain functions such as cognition, memory, and reasoning, making these findings particularly alarming.

The research, conducted by scientists at the Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine, suggests that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in cannabis, may be responsible for the shrinkage observed in the cerebral cortex. This discovery adds to the growing concerns regarding the effects of cannabis use, especially in adolescents whose brains are still developing.

Increased Health Concerns and Side Effects

The implications of these findings are significant, given the prevalence of cannabis use. In the UK, nearly one in ten individuals report having used cannabis in the past year, with usage rates climbing to 15% among those aged 16 to 24. This rise in cannabis use comes amidst heightened scrutiny over its potential dangers.

In the United States, where cannabis has been legalised in 24 states, medical professionals have reported an increase in severe side effects associated with chronic cannabis use. Among these is ‘scromiting,’ a distressing condition where individuals simultaneously scream and vomit. This surge in negative health outcomes highlights the urgent need for awareness and research into cannabis-related risks.

Cannabis Use and Psychotic Disorders

Previous studies have established a connection between adolescent cannabis use and an elevated risk of developing serious psychotic disorders later in life. A notable study from 2007 found that teenagers who had smoked marijuana at least five times were twice as likely to develop psychosis within the following decade compared to those who never tried the drug. These findings underscore the potential long-term mental health risks associated with cannabis use during adolescence.

Dr Tomas Paus, a psychologist and co-author of the study, has expressed concerns that cannabis use may impair the brain’s ability to learn, interact socially, and adapt to new situations. Such effects could render the brain more susceptible to the challenges encountered during a young person’s life, further compounding the risk of adverse outcomes.

Source: MSN