Over the past decade, traditionalism has taken a progressive turn. Things that were considered “taboo” were legalized to fit current social and economic trends. One of the more controversial legalizations is the accessibility of certain drugs, including marijuana, due to its medical and recreational usages. Cannabis, now legal across 21 states, proves a bigger impact on society as millions of Americans wish to seek its promised effects. A big portion of this population includes young adults, many of whom report having used weed at least once before they even finish high school. Concerningly, cannabis use during adolescence has been linked to long-term effects on impulse control and major executive functions, which prompts the countrywide legal age to purchase cannabis to be at least 21 years of age. However, this doesn’t stop the cannabis revolution, as thousands of dispensaries, or even illegal vendors who sell to those that don’t meet the legal criteria, emerge in hopes of satiating its popularity. With THC concentrations presumably higher than in previous decades, worries persist about whether repeated usage can lead to subsequent negative consequences on cognition.

Despite the negative light often associated with marijuana, there are some benefits of the drug. In medicine , cannabis can be an effective pain reliever, easing diseases ranging from Parkinson’s to general nerve pains. Medicinal cannabis is one of the leading reasons why people pushed to legalize this drug, as it can mimic the effects of the body's naturally occurring “happy” hormones. However, even though marijuana can provide almost instantaneous relief, patients should still treat it with caution.

As weed becomes increasingly popular, researchers are trying to evaluate the correlation between cannabis and long term cognitive changes. Amidst the developing studies, one thing remains clear: adolescence is a critical period for brain development. Young adults, especially teenagers, are one of the main consumers of this substance. In the brain, a signaling system called the endocannabinoid is responsible for stress regulation, motivated behavior, development, and the sculpting of neural circuits, all of which are processes that continue through adolescence.

The key players in the endocannabinoid system are molecules called anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol), which are primary activators that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain called type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2). THC, the main psychoactive found in many recreational and medical marijuana products, also binds to the CB1 receptor, which in turn activates the endocannabinoid system. Unlike anandamide and 2-AG, which are naturally produced by the body, consistent use of THC can overtax the CB1 receptors, disrupting the needed developmental signaling pathways to occur.

Use of cannabis may be first driven by curiosity, or simply a lack of awareness . Most people think that a marijuana overdose isn’t possible as it is with other hard drugs. This is partially true, as marijuana doesn’t impact the body the way fentanyl and other opioids do, but ingesting too much can lead to extreme intoxication. This phenomenon, known as “greening out,” is characterized by a variety of symptoms including panic, palpitations, and nonstop vomiting. Coming back from the high can also lead to an array of adverse effects, such as brain fog, which can impact crucial critical thinking and quality of life.

The misperceptions of marijuana have been debated for years. Many hope it will address health issues or enhance their well-being if other options have fallen short. Understanding the effects of marijuana is crucial as the cannabis market seems to boom year after year. In a society where stress, pressure, and burnouts are increasingly common, individuals turn to drugs as a form of relief. People celebrate it. Businesses’ profits grow. Celebrities endorse it and some even make it their brand. Figures such as Snoop Dogg have openly embraced cannabis culture, bridging a connection between marijuana and pop culture. Yet, as the stigma around cannabis fades, a question remains unanswered: is society really acknowledging the neurological costs of momentary leisure?