Can cannabis help students focus better while studying? This is a question that has started to appear in many aspects of a student’s life these days. Such as the university students who appear for exams to shape their future. The connection between cannabis use and how students use it to help them get through the studying process is a matter of great concern. In this post, you will learn whether or not cannabis is an effective tool for increasing productivity and school performance.
Today, many students look for alternatives to help them focus better during exams because of academic pressure. According to the common cannabis culture we have perceived in the past few years, there are two forms of cannabis, medical and recreational. Experts and some studies suggest that cannabis can help alleviate the symptoms of certain medical conditions. This aspect of the cannabis industry allures a large no. of people. Especially those who look for more natural ways and fewer pharmaceuticals to give their brain a push during the exams, which according to some mainstream doctors and experts is not a good idea. Here’s why.
Cannabis and the Brain
With more states legalizing cannabis, scientific research and studies regarding cannabinoids have improved in the past few years. The University of Mississippi carries out authorized research on cannabis and some institutions or research centers cultivate cannabis for scientific purposes. While cannabis is said to help patients with severe forms of epilepsy, most medical cannabis patients in the US get a medical marijuana card to avail of high-quality products. Anecdotal evidence suggests that products engineered to meet specific medical requirements help patients alleviate symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Perhaps there is a specific reason behind so many people using cannabis for medical purposes. However, the main question is whether or not cannabis can help improve attention and focus? According to a study, cannabis can help improve neural connectivity. The study suggests that cannabis use may lead to brain shrinkage over a certain period of time but at the same time it also increases neuron connections.
The authors of the study went on to say that with 48 adult cannabis users as subjects and a controlled group of non-cannabis users, MRI scans provided them certain insights into how marijuana affects the brain. The MRI scans showed that THC may shrink the grey matter inside the brain – the orbitofrontal cortex being the most vulnerable part. The study also suggested that the orbitofrontal cortex regulates functions such as reward and adversity. This means brain shrinkage imposes a greater threat.
The only good news according to this study was that neural connectivity improved in most cannabis users than those who didn’t consume marijuana at all. However, the problem was with regular over occasional cannabis dosage. Occasional users may find it easy to focus under the influence of cannabis, but it’s hard to say the same for regular users.
Advantages of Studying Under the Influence of Cannabis
Getting high after a hectic day at the office is a nice way to activate the reward mechanism. After all, it helps people release stress into oblivion. As far as studying under the influence of cannabis is concerned, those suffering from severe epileptic seizures might actually benefit from cannabis use. Ideally, patients with pediatric epilepsy take CBD to reduce the shocks. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. CBD not only helps decrease seizures but it also improves mood and sleep. This, in turn, can be beneficial for patients who find it difficult to focus on studies due to epileptic shocks.
Moreover, states with a legal status allow medical cannabis use for a wide range of conditions. For instance, autism, cancer, HIV, and PTSD. So, depending on the condition, it can be decided whether a student qualifies for cannabis use or not, one can include cannabis in day-to-day activities. Also, patients with serious neurodegenerative conditions might actually benefit from the use of cannabis. It might also help them focus on their studies.
For those, who do not have the above-stated medical conditions or any underlying medical problem should focus on the following points. First and foremost, it’s no hidden fact that cannabis provides relaxation. Not only this but cannabis also helps people sleep soundly. Getting sufficient rest and sleep is ideally ignored and often leads to major health problems. As a matter of fact, most students require a good night’s sleep and a stress-free environment to study.
A high-quality cannabis Indica strain can help provide both sleep and relaxation. A relaxed mind will enable better focus and good night sleep will help provide the energy needed to accomplish the goals. A Sativa strain also works in favor of those who need an energy booster.
Disadvantages of Studying Under the Influence of Cannabis
Depending on how often an individual consumes cannabis and what is the effect of a particular strain on the mind, the benefits of studying with cannabis can be calculated. However, we are talking about marijuana here and of course, there is no universal dose. While heavy doses will damage your study performance, a controlled dose might actually help you concentrate. Which certainly is not the first advice given by doctors. So, seek cannabis care only when required. Or else, you can consult medical marijuana health professionals. We certainly do not advise students to enter a classroom under the influence of cannabis.
What’s More?
As mentioned earlier, cannabis may improve the thought process, help students and adults indulge in creativity. Unfortunately, when it comes to studying or preparing for an important exam, the theory of getting distracted always stays intact. With such a fluid mindset, heavy cannabis use might cause dullness and loss of memory. In fact, studies show that spatial memory can be deteriorated by excessive marijuana use. So, if you study to retain all that you have memorized, students must familiarize themselves with the long term effects of cannabis.
In contrast, yes evidence suggests that cannabis might actually help individuals delve deeper and build a train of thought. But with cannabis, it’s a matter of hit and trial method. For some, cannabis might actually work while for others cannabis might not work at all. So, always be mindful of what you do in order to improve your academic performance.
Summary
Cannabis is not an extensively researched topic but scientists are studying the details. So, until further research, talk to a doctor before eating cannabis.
Author Bio
Charles Andrews is a content marketer with extensive knowledge about the SEO world. During his free time he loves to work on cannabis blogs. His ardent desire to write on different topics keeps him motivated and focused to write blogs and articles.