In this article, we settle the ongoing debate about marijuana and its impact on intelligence. Contrary to popular belief, weed does not make you “dumb.” Let’s explore the facts and dispel the myths surrounding marijuana and cognitive function.
How Does Weed Affect Your Body and Brain?
The effects of weed on your body and brain can vary depending on how it’s consumed and the cannabinoids involved. For example, smoking weed produces quicker but often less intense effects compared to consuming edibles. The specific cannabinoids in marijuana, such as THC and CBD, also influence the experience, as each compound has distinct effects.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient that produces the “high” feeling. It also offers several potential benefits, including reducing pain, nausea, and insomnia, as well as stimulating appetite. A medical and recreational dispensary like DispensaryWorks can help provide more insight on various strains that will benefit you.
CBD (cannabidiol), on the other hand, is non-intoxicating. People who use CBD seek its medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effects. CBD has been used to treat conditions like epilepsy and anxiety, highlighting some of the positive therapeutic effects marijuana can have on the body.
However, like any substance, weed can have both positive and negative impacts on your health.
Negative Effects:
- Short-term memory loss
- Long-term memory impairment
- Slower reaction times
- Impaired judgment
- Weakened immune system
- Respiratory issues
Positive Effects:
- Pain relief
- Glaucoma relief
- Dopamine release
- Lowered blood pressure
- Reduced inflammation
- Anxiety relief
- Seizure prevention
- Nausea reduction
- Potential cancer-fighting properties
What Type of Drug Is Weed?
Weed can fall under multiple drug categories due to its wide range of effects. It can act as a depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogen. Our budtenders at DispensaryWorks are employed at a recreational dispensary that has expert knowledge of all of our products. They can help you find the right strain for you.
Weed as a Depressant
When used as a depressant, weed slows down communication between the brain and body, often making people feel relaxed or sleepy. It’s commonly used for anxiety relief but can also impair memory, which may affect academic performance.
Weed as a Hallucinogen
In larger doses, particularly with edibles, weed can cause hallucinations or delusions. These effects are less common with lower-potency strains but can become more pronounced with higher amounts.
Weed as a Stimulant
Weed can also act as a stimulant, boosting mood and energy levels, which is why it’s sometimes used to treat conditions like depression. It’s important to remember that everyone reacts to weed differently, so understanding your limits is crucial to safely experiencing its benefits.
What’s the Difference Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids at a Recreational Dispensary?
Indica strains are generally more relaxing, Sativa strains are more energizing, and hybrids combine traits of both. DispensaryWorks is a recreational dispensary that offers all different strains to suit your needs.
Can Weed Make You Smarter?
There’s conflicting information about whether weed enhances or impairs cognitive function. Here’s a breakdown of the myths and realities.
The Myths
A common myth is that weed makes you less intelligent, largely stemming from a 2012 Dunedin study. The study suggested that individuals who regularly smoked weed had lower academic performance and trouble retaining information. However, critics point out that the study didn’t account for other factors, such as socioeconomic background, mental illness, or the use of other substances, making it difficult to attribute the cognitive decline solely to marijuana.
The Reality
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no concrete evidence that weed damages your intelligence. Numerous studies have shown no significant differences in brain capacity between regular marijuana users and non-users. The calming effects of CBD can sometimes improve focus and reduce anxiety, helping people perform better in educational settings or during stressful situations. While weed won’t make you smarter, it doesn’t inherently make you “dumb” either.
Recreational Dispensary Near Me
Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland marijuana dispensary committed to providing the best cannabis product to our patients and clients. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. We are here to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
