Can Marijuana Cause Memory Loss?

When people use marijuana, the active compound called THC affects parts of the brain that are important for memory, such as the hippocampus. This can make it harder to remember things that just happened or store new information while under the influence. Research has shown that even short-term use can lead to noticeable problems with immediate and working memory. For example, one study looked at older adults and found that regular cannabis use may worsen memory performance. Another study showed that using marijuana can create acute changes in how the brain processes and recalls information. However, memory problems are not the same for everyone. The level of memory loss can depend on the dose, how frequently a person uses marijuana, and individual differences in brain chemistry. For many, these effects are temporary and improve after the marijuana wears off. Still, heavy or long-term use might lead to more noticeable or lasting changes in memory over time. It’s important to understand these effects when considering marijuana use.