004 Toking up Part 2: Today's cannabis and your brain-Dr. Jodi Gilman

May 22, 2019

It's not your parent's weed. In fact, it's much stronger. Today’s guest is neuroscientist Dr. Jodi Gilman of Harvard University, who has appeared on NPR, Science Friday, and the BBC. She studies the differences in the mental performance, brain structure and risk for psychoses between adolescent cannabis users and nonusers. In this episode, Therese Markow and Jodi Gilman discuss the two main components of cannabis and their function, medical research on marijuana use and harmful effects and the importance of understanding THC and CBD distinctions and related health assumptions.

 

Key Takeaways:

• The THC concentration has increased from 2% in the 1960’s to 80% in high potency THC products now.
• It is not cut and dry whether marijuana always is harmful. There are multiple factors including the user’s age, the potency and frequency of use.
• Adolescent marijuana use alters brain structure, function and cognition only partially recover after six weeks of abstinence.

 

"The commercial market has driven an increase in potency to provide the best, the bigger high and financial interest." —  Jodi Gilman

 

 

 

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Twitter: @CritiSpeak