Marijuana’s Impact on Thought and Memory
This chapter shows that acute intoxication with marijuana impairs a number of cognitive tasks, including aspects of memory, perception, reading aloud, arithmetic, and complex reaction time. Acute intoxication may or may not alter other facets of thinking, including simple reaction time, disinhibition, and vigilance. Some research shows deficits in these tasks, but other studies do not. More research with larger samples and multiple measures of these abilities could help establish whether or not marijuana impairs reaction time, disinhibition, and vigilance. Other cognitive abilities remain intact during intoxication, including the ability to learn simple tasks and to remember material mastered prior to using the drug. Users should avoid certain tasks during intoxication if optimal performance is essential.
Keywords: cannabis intoxication, marijuana use, drug use, cognition, memory
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