How does chronic use of cannabinoids affect cognitive function, particularly in young adults?
How does chronic use of cannabinoids affect cognitive function, particularly in young adults? Chronic use of cannabinoids, especially during adolescence and early adulthood, can negatively impact cognitive function, leading to deficits in memory, attention, and executive functioning. Research indicates that regular cannabis use can impair neural connectivity in brain regions associated with cognitive processes, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive decline. Young adults may be particularly vulnerable due to ongoing brain development, which can be altered by cannabinoid exposure. Additionally, the degree of cognitive impairment may depend on factors such as the potency of the cannabis used, frequency of use, and individual susceptibility. Understanding these effects is essential for informing public health initiatives and harm reduction strategies related to cannabinoid use in young populations (Meier et al., 2012).