How Cannabis Improves Memory

Cannabis and Memory

Cannabis affecting the endocannabinoid system plays a role in memory and cognitive functioning. This is due to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system contributing to retrograde signaling in the brain. Researchers are studying how this relation can aid in treatment to depression and PTSD.

A main study to discover this relation is from mice that were engineered to not have the CB1 receptor. The mice were impaired in short-term and long-term extinction of memories. Their cognition of new hidden mazes also showed their disability in learning.(Source)

Extinction of memories may seem at first as a bad thing. However, our brain does this continually to allow us to see new avenues of thinking. In the mice example the CB1 deficient mice continued to look for the old way out of their cage. They weren't able to allow themselves to discover a new door. Depression and PTSD may improve the ability to forget long term memories.(Source)

The ability to improve cognitive thinking has given cannabis a reputation to flourish creative thinking. CB1 receptors play a role with use of marijuana to increase dopamine levels. This change allows for white noise of the environment to be reduced to give rise to focus and concentration.(Source)

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_and_memory

http://veteransformedicalmarijuana.org/content/general-use-cannabis-ptsd-symptoms

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2571074/