Weed and the teen brain

The teen brain is an amazing thing. The brain fine-tunes connections as it matures and has a great ability to change and adapt based on what teens do and experience.
WATCH THE SCIENCE

Check out how the THC in weed affects different parts of the brain.

MEMORIES

MEMORIES

THC, the active chemical in weed, attaches to receptors in the hippocampus - the part of the brain responsible for processing information and may affect the brain’s ability to form memories.

DECISION-MAKING

DECISION-MAKING

The prefrontal cortex is one of the last regions of the brain to mature. It is responsible for complex decision-making, like planning, prioritizing, and controlling impulses. Using cannabis as a teen may increase the speed of cortex thinning.

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

The teen brain shows greater ability to change (plasticity) than that of adults based on what teens do and experience. Using weed as a teen may put their brain development at risk.

COORDINATION

COORDINATION

Weed affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for motor functions, like how you move around. Weed can harm its development.

STRESS/FEAR

STRESS/FEAR

Weed can harm the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, like processing anxiety, fear, and stress. That can make anxiety and stress harder to manage.

REDUCED MOTIVATION

REDUCED MOTIVATION

Weed impacts the basal ganglia. That’s the part of the brain where you get motivation from. Weed can reduce the production of dopamine, the chemical in the body that allows you to feel pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.

DEPENDENCE

DEPENDENCE

People who use weed to cope with negative emotions are likely to develop dependence and addiction, as frequent weed use can result in the receptors called CB1 becoming less sensitive to THC. That means more and more is needed to feel the same effects.

Check out how the
THC in weed affects
different parts of
the brain.

Check out how the THC in weed affects different parts of the brain.

MEMORIES

THC, the active chemical in weed, attaches to receptors in the hippocampus - the part of the brain responsible for processing information and may affect the brain’s ability to form memories.
‍

DECISION-MAKING

The prefrontal cortex is one of the last regions of the brain to mature. It is responsible for complex decision-making, like planning, prioritizing, and controlling impulses. Using cannabis as a teen may increase the speed of cortex thinning.

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

The teen brain shows greater ability to change (plasticity) than that of adults based on what teens do and experience. Using weed as a teen may put their brain development at risk.

COORDINATION

Weed affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for motor functions, like how you move around. Weed can harm its development.

STRESS/FEAR

Weed can harm the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, like processing anxiety, fear, and stress. That can make anxiety and stress harder to manage.

REDUCED MOTIVATION

Weed impacts the basal ganglia. That’s the part of the brain where you get motivation from. Weed can reduce the production of dopamine, the chemical in the body that allows you to feel pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.

DEPENDENCE

People who use weed to cope with negative emotions are likely to develop dependence and addiction, as frequent weed use can result in the receptors called CB1 becoming less sensitive to THC. That means more and more is needed to feel the same effects.
get the science behind the facts

Using Weed is Risky

Your brain is continuing to build connections as it develops, but weed can mess that up and may prevent your brain from maturing. Read more.

How weed affects the teen brain

When weed enters the body, it binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, the system of the brain that regulates and creates the balance of body and brain functions. Weed overwhelms the receptors and prevents them from doing their job on things like memory, coordination, alertness, coping with stress, and managing anxiety. Read more.
© 2022  |  Privacy Policy