On October 17th 2018, the sale and consumption of recreational marijuana was officially legalized in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, 42.5% of Canadians ages 15+ have consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetime. So while this is great news for many, it is important to understand what cannabis is and the neurological effects that it may have on you. Marijuana, commonly known as weed and/or pot, is a psychoactive drug derived from cannabis plants. Cannabis can be inhaled through smoke and vapors, ingested through edibles and capsules, sprayed and dissolved under the tongue (sublingual), and topically through bath salts, lotions, and oils. The three main types of cannabis plants include Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Along with physical differences, the effects of each type of plant varies.

Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Ruderalis

What many people do not know is that the key psychoactive component in cannabis is a cannabinoid called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) . When a person consumes marijuana, THC travels throughout a person’s brain and secures itself onto cannabinoid receptors across the brain. Ultimately, the THC pushes out endocannabinoids which causes a disruption in the regulation of the nervous system.

The following 8 brain structures are packed with cannabinoid receptors which make them vulnerable to THC.

1) Nucleus Accumbens

2) Cortical Structures

3) Basal Ganglia

4) Hypothalamus

5) Cerebellum

6) Spinal Cord

7) Hippocampus

8) Amygdala

In addition, there is a common misconception that marijuana is completely harmless and cannot be detrimental to your health. The National Institute of Drug Abuse states otherwise. Animal research along with human studies have provided a considerable amount of evidence that exposure to marijuana during development can cause long-term damage to the brain. These impairments may even be permanent, which is why you should not be consuming cannabis if you are under the age of 19 (unless prescribed by a medical doctor and used for medicinal purposes).

Now that you’ve learned a few things about cannabis, it is your job to spread this information with others. If you are over 19 years of age and are planning on consuming cannabis, please do so responsibly. We know that the basal ganglia, cortical structures, and cerebellum are all affected by cannabis. This means your perception and judgement may be altered, you may have a slow reaction time, and your coordination may be impaired. Therefore, if you consume cannabis, please do not operate a vehicle under any circumstance. Remember, you are not only risking your safety, but the safety of others as well.