Cannabis and concentration seem to be a good combination when one thinks that cannabis causes relaxation, creativity, and a lack of distractions. Nevertheless, feeling comfortable while studying is not necessarily equal to absorbing information efficiently.
There are multiple ways in which cannabis may influence cognitive processes. It may affect such aspects as attention, memory, decision-making, reaction time, and other cognitive functions. The CDC mentions that recent cannabis use may have an impact on thinking, attention, and memory.
It does not mean, however, that everyone uses cannabis in the same way. There are multiple factors affecting the way people experience cannabis, including but not limited to the type of the product, the level of THC, frequency of use, etc.
In terms of students, therefore, the crucial aspect will not be about whether cannabis is calming. It will be rather about whether it works for the specific mental processes used for studying.
How the Effects of THC Affect Studying
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, and its consumption can lead to alterations in perception, mood, reaction time, and short-term thinking.
This is important during studying since the learning process involves using multiple mental functions.
For instance, a student should be able to:
- Process new information
- Remember previously learned information
- Understand the complex argumentation
- Make problem-solving
- Make good notes
- Shift from one task to another
- Encode the information for further use
These topics have been thoroughly studied. According to a systematic review available on PubMed, attention and memory are two of the cognitive functions that have been studied the most in the context of cannabis consumption.
The outcome of it is very annoying – one spends lots of time processing information being relaxed, but then realizes that nothing much has been remembered.
Why Feeling Focused Is Not Always Good for Learning
The reason why it can be confusing to discuss marijuana and concentration is because subjective experience and performance may not be the same thing.
One could be immersed in the process of doing something but still not absorb any information effectively.
For example, if one reads the same page many times, he or she can feel deeply immersed into the reading process but will be unable to explain anything after that – this would mean ineffective studying.
It becomes especially problematic when marijuana is used on a constant basis as a study tool. Concentration involves much more than sitting still and ignoring all distractions; the learning process requires focus, understanding, creation of memories, and their further recall.
A meta-review assessing cognitive effects of marijuana showed significant data in several domains, including learning and memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed.
Cannabis, Memory and Learning
Memory is probably the key factor for which college students should consider cannabis’ influence on their learning process carefully.
Learning presupposes processing of new information, its storing in the memory and making it accessible in the future. So, if cannabis affects some stages of the process, increased study time won’t be enough to overcome the problems with retaining information.
There was conducted a systematic review with a special focus on adolescents and the effect of cannabis on attention and memory. Some improvements of memory-related effects were observed in abstinence from marijuana and further studies were needed, according to the authors of the research.
In spite of that, some research still investigates the problem. So, according to a systematic review of 2026, memory-related effects were observed more often than others in adolescents and young adults.
Also age plays an important role in the question. According to the CDC, brain development occurs till young adulthood and cannabis influences functions of memory, learning, and attention.
So, it is hard to justify using cannabis by teenagers to improve the academic results.
What About CBD and Concentration?
CBD demands individual consideration as it differs from THC in that it does not possess any psychoactive properties.
This specificity motivated scientists to study whether there is a possibility for CBD to impact such cognitive functions as attention or stress or concentration. There isn’t much evidence of CBD enhancing concentration.
Scientific research in the sphere of cannabinoids and their effects on cognitive functions is only at its initial stage and it is too early to resort to CBD in order to improve attention by means of non-traditional methods.
If you experience difficulties with concentration due to stress, poor sleep, or physical problems, it may be more effective to address the problem instead of turning to cannabis.
If you want to find out more about the specifics of various types of cannabinoids, you can read our internal article CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?.
Alternative Methods for Improving Study Focus
Rather than relying on cannabis to induce a desired psychological state, it is possible to construct study environments that facilitate focus.
Construct Short Study Periods
Long study sessions may be mentally exhausting. Dividing tasks into shorter periods can help maintain concentration.
Divide a lengthy assignment into smaller tasks as follows:
- Reading a certain section
- Making a summary
- Answering a number of practice questions
- Reviewing the mistakes
- Taking a short break
- Moving to the next section
- Eliminating Distractions
An idle cell phone next to a computer may severely impair concentration.
It is worth considering:
- The reduction of extraneous notifications
- Closing social networks
- Using blockers of distracting websites
- Conducting studies in a more quiet place
- Leaving aside all but the necessary study materials
- Getting Enough Sleep
The brain does not function properly when one feels tired.
Instead of turning to cannabis in order to unwind before a serious study session, think if the problem is the lack of consistent sleep schedule and the presence of other bad sleeping habits. A regular bedtime routine, limiting the screen time in the evenings, and the appropriate environment for both studying and sleeping may help.
If readers want to know more about cannabis and sleep, see the article Cannabis and Sleep: How THC and CBD Affect Sleep.
Use Active Recall
Repeating oneself reading notes creates an illusion of comprehension of the subject matter.
On the contrary, active recall involves closing the textbook and trying to remember the information. After that, compare your answers with the notes.
Practice Rather Than Study
In the fields of math, science, language, or other technical subjects, working through practice problems could prove more useful than studying the same notes over and over.
Practice questions will allow students to pinpoint any weaknesses prior to the test.
When Might the Effects of Cannabis Get in the Way of Studying?
The side-effects of using cannabis can be particularly troublesome for individuals who have difficulty concentrating.
Examples include:
- Recalling new material
- Maintaining focus on lengthy texts
- Completing complicated tasks
- Thinking quickly
- Making decisions
- Tracking several instructions
Specifically, the CDC mentions that memory, learning, attention, decision making, and reaction time are brain functions that are affected by cannabis use.
Another issue with using cannabis could be the frequency of its use. According to the CDC, a significant number of people experience cannabis use disorder, with issues arising from ongoing cannabis use despite problems in the classroom, workplace, or at home.
This is important for college students because the purpose of using any study aid is to make their lives easier.
Balanced Approach to Effects of Cannabis and Studying
It is also incorrect to claim that all cannabis users will have similar cognitive effects.
There is contradicting data on cannabis research, depending on a variety of factors including age, frequency of usage, product specifics, individual physiology, and research methodology itself.
The large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis that included multiple studies conducted among adolescents and young adults on such cognitive domains as attention, learning, memory, executive function, and processing speed was performed. Researchers took into account the diverse pool of data on the issue, rather than considering cannabis to have a single effect on each individual.
This is why the proper education on cannabis cannot include exaggerated claims.
Cannabis does not mean increased concentration, but neither all experiences should be disregarded. An individual might feel calmer or more creative after taking it. What really matters in the case of an individual studying is if that experience affects his performance.
Conclusion
The subject of cannabis and concentration needs to be approached in a more thorough way than simply suggesting that cannabis is something one can add to their studying routine for enhanced concentration.
There is currently sufficient research evidence that cannabis can influence a person’s attention, memory, learning, and other cognitive processes, especially during the time when a person experiences intoxication.
Those who would like to enhance their academic performance will receive better results by applying more practical approaches like study routines, active recall, proper rest, minimizing distractions, and practicing.
It is worth noting that the effects of cannabis on people can vary, but there currently isn’t sufficient evidence to support the use of THC as a general study and concentration enhancer.
People who are going to use cannabis for some medical purpose need to consult with a healthcare specialist instead of using cannabis as a means of enhancing their academic performance.
Medical Cannabis Card Sandiego is an example of an internal brand name which can be applied in case necessary.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Cannabis and Brain Health
CDC — Cannabis and Brain Health - Broyd et al. — Acute and Chronic Effects of Cannabinoids on Human Cognition: A Systematic Review
PubMed — Acute and Chronic Effects of Cannabinoids on Human Cognition - Venero-Hidalgo et al. — Neuropsychological Effects of Cannabis Use by Continent and Age: A Systematic Review
PubMed — Neuropsychological Effects of Cannabis Use by Continent and Age - Valencia et al. — Effects of Cannabis Use on Attention and Memory in Adolescent Population: A Systematic Review
PubMed — Effects of Cannabis Use on Attention and Memory - Scott et al. — Association of Cannabis With Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults
PMC — Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults