TITLE

Marijuana Use Over Years May Affect Ability to Remember Words

DESCRIPTION

A new study suggests that there are links between smoking marijuana over a period of years and a decline in the ability to remember lists of words in middle age and processing speed.  “Researchers studied men and woman over a span of 25 years starting when they were young adults.”  The study is not proof of cause and affect but “only associations” according to the researchers who examined collected data.   The researchers will investigate further and point out that the research is important in light of states legalizing the use of marijuana.

SOURCE

Time Magazine, February 2, 2016, by Tara John

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://time.com/4204377/marijuana-verbal-memory/

Link to the study:

http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2484906

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•As part of a general discussion, clarify the different types of memory.
•Ask students opinion as to whether marijuana should be legalized for medical vs personal/recreational usage.
•As a part of stimulating critical thinking on the topic, ask students how they would design a study that would actually examine cause and effect issues in marijuana usage.
•In a similar type question, ask the students whether a true longitudinal study could be conducted on marijuana use and its effects on cognition.