FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 11, 2025·4 min readUsing Cannabis While Drinking May Lead to Riskier BehaviorYoung adults often use alcohol and cannabis together, a behavior that may dull the perceived negative effects of drinking and increase the risk of alcohol-related harm. A recent study found that simultaneous use can reduce users’ awareness of alcohol’s effects, potentially leading to alcohol use disorder and dangerous behaviors like drunk driving.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 9, 2025·5 min readElevated Dopamine in Cannabis Users May Explain Psychosis RiskNew research reveals that people with cannabis use disorder (CUD) have elevated dopamine levels in a brain region associated with psychosis, such as schizophrenia. This may help explain why frequent cannabis use can increase the risk of hallucinations and delusions.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 28, 2025·6 min readCannabis Use Reduces Brain Activity in Key Memory RegionsA study of over 1,000 young adults reveals that both recent and heavy lifetime cannabis use reduce brain activity in regions critical for working memory, including the prefrontal cortex and anterior insula. This reduced activity correlates with poorer performance on memory tasks like following instructions or solving problems.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·December 6, 2024·6 min readPsychosis Risk Tied to Heavy Cannabis Use and Genetic FactorsHeavy cannabis use and genetic risk for schizophrenia independently contribute to the likelihood of developing psychosis. Researchers used two large datasets to analyze the relationship between cannabis use, schizophrenia polygenic risk scores (PRS), and psychosis.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 5, 2024·4 min readTeens’ Views on Cannabis Tied to Perceptions of Parental UseTeens who perceive their parents use cannabis are more likely to hold favorable views toward the drug and express intentions to try it. The impact of parental cannabis use perception varies by parent gender, with closeness to mothers and fathers influencing teens’ attitudes differently.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 23, 2024·5 min readAlcohol Use Predicts Escalating Cannabis Vaping Among YouthA recent study highlights alcohol as the strongest predictor of cannabis vaping initiation and experimentation among youth and young adults, regardless of demographic factors. Conducted over three years, the research found that alcohol consumption increased the likelihood of transitioning from non-use to cannabis vaping.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 21, 2024·4 min readCannabis Worsens Brain Connectivity Deficits in Psychosis RiskYoung adults at risk of psychosis show reduced synaptic density, a critical brain connectivity deficit that cannabis use appears to exacerbate, according to new research. The study revealed lower synaptic density linked to social withdrawal and motivational deficits, symptoms poorly addressed by current medications.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 13, 2024·4 min readMetabolic Pathways Link Cannabis to Psychosis in TeensA study investigated how cannabis use influences metabolomic patterns linked to psychotic-like experiences in adolescents. Blood samples revealed that non-cannabis users showed inflammatory metabolic changes associated with hallucinations, while cannabis users exhibited shifts in energy-related metabolites tied to brain ketogenesis. These findings suggest that cannabis use may trigger distinct molecular pathways in psychotic-like experiences.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 28, 2024·5 min readPrenatal Cannabis Use Linked to Child Aggression and Cognitive DeficitsPrenatal exposure to cannabis can negatively impact children’s thinking and behavioral skills, including impulse control, attention, and aggression, which are key for academic and social success. The study observed preschool-aged children with prenatal cannabis exposure and found they showed poorer control over impulses and emotions.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 23, 2024·5 min readCannabis Use Linked to Thinner Cortex in AdolescentsCannabis use in adolescents may lead to thinning of the cerebral cortex, a key brain region for cognitive function. Researchers found that THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, causes the shrinking of dendrites, which are crucial for neuron communication.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·October 17, 2024·6 min readCannabis Leaves Molecular Marks on DNA Linked to PsychosisFrequent use of high-potency cannabis leaves unique molecular marks on DNA, particularly affecting genes related to energy and immune function. Researchers found that DNA methylation—an epigenetic modification—differed between frequent cannabis users who had experienced psychosis and those who had not, suggesting a possible genetic link to psychosis risk.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 4, 2024·5 min readLong-term Impact of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure ExploredA study examining the effects of prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoids in rats found that the drug leads to long-term health issues in their offspring. Male rats showed an increased sensitivity to CO2, making them more prone to panic-like behavior, while females exhibited cardiovascular problems like hypertension and tachycardia.Read More
