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The Real Science of CBD Oil Cannabis and IQ: Dispelling the Myths Leave a comment
The Real Science of CBD Oil Cannabis and IQ: Dispelling the Myths. Many myths and misconceptions exist around cannabis, particularly with regard to its effects on the brain. The idea that cannabis usage reduces IQ is among the most prevalent (and alarming) myths. What if I told you, however, that new research is dispelling this myth and revealing a more complex reality?
Cannabis use on occasion is actually not connected with reduced IQ; in fact, it may even be linked to higher cognitive functioning, especially in some populations such as young people who are at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. Let’s examine the science and dispel some of these widespread myths about cannabis.
The Real Science of CBD Oil Cannabis and IQ: Dispelling the Myths
What the Research Really Says About Cannabis and IQ
Recent studies are shedding light on how cannabis impacts the brain, and the findings may surprise you:
1. Occasional Cannabis Use & Higher Cognitive Function
A recent study focusing on youth at clinical high risk for psychosis found that occasional cannabis users actually performed better on IQ tests than other groups, including frequent users and non-users. These occasional users also showed better social functioning, global cognitive health, and pre-morbid functioning (essentially how well a person functions before illness). They even experienced less severe symptoms compared to those who used cannabis more frequently.
Translation? Occasional cannabis use might not just not harm cognitive function—it might even have some surprising benefits for certain individuals.
Read the study here.
2. No Evidence of Cognitive Decline
Another study using a twin design (which is a cool way to control for genetic factors) found no significant evidence that cannabis use causes cognitive decline. This research supports earlier findings that occasional or moderate cannabis use is unlikely to hurt your brainpower.
In short, cannabis use may not lower IQ or cause cognitive deficits in normative users.
Check out the study.
The Real Science of CBD Oil Cannabis and IQ: Dispelling the Myths
3. Socioeconomic Status Might Be the Real Culprit
One of the most surprising findings in recent cannabis research is that socioeconomic status (SES) might actually be the underlying factor behind the perceived link between cannabis use and IQ declines.
Studies, including the influential Dunedin cohort study, suggest that any apparent connection between cannabis use and lower IQ might be due to confounding variables, such as a person’s background, access to resources, or educational opportunities, rather than cannabis use itself. In simpler terms, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds might have fewer opportunities for cognitive development due to environmental and social factors, not because they use cannabis.
So, if you’ve heard that cannabis causes IQ drops, it’s worth considering other factors at play.
More details on this study here.
4. No Link Between Adolescent Cannabis Use and IQ Decline
For parents concerned about the effects of cannabis on their teenagers’ developing brains, here’s some reassuring news: recent studies show no direct link between adolescent cannabis use and long-term IQ decline or poor educational outcomes, provided other factors like cigarette smoking are taken into account.
Early research suggested that cannabis use in adolescence could negatively impact cognitive function, but these studies often didn’t adjust for key confounding factors. Once variables like cigarette use, socioeconomic status, and alcohol consumption were considered, the supposed link between cannabis and lower IQ became much weaker—or disappeared altogether.
This means that occasional or moderate cannabis use during adolescence, in isolation, may not be as harmful to cognitive development as previously feared. While it’s still important to approach cannabis use with caution, especially during the teenage years when the brain is still maturing, these findings suggest that moderate use may carry fewer risks than previously thought.
For a deeper dive into this research, you can check out the study here.
So, Does Cannabis Lower IQ?
The short answer is no—cannabis use doesn’t automatically lower IQ, despite long-held myths. The latest science paints a much more nuanced picture, particularly when we differentiate between occasional, moderate, and heavy use.
Occasional or moderate cannabis use, especially when done in controlled environments or for medical purposes, has not been shown to negatively impact cognitive ability in most people. In fact, as recent studies reveal, it might even be associated with better cognitive performance in specific populations. For example, youth at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis who occasionally use cannabis were found to have better pre-morbid functioning, higher IQ scores, and improved social functioning compared to both frequent users and non-users. This suggests that occasional cannabis use, when balanced, may not impair brain function and could potentially support certain cognitive benefits.
The Real Science of CBD Oil Cannabis and IQ: Dispelling the Myths
