Q: In the summer I smoked weed maybe maybe 8 or 9 times, is this or smoking regularly going to affect my brain in any way? Will it kill my brain cells? Make me permanently "slower"? Will it change me when I'm not high? Please don't answer with "DON"T DO DRUGS THEY ARE BAD" because that's not what I'm asking. If someone with real information could give a good answer that would be greatly appreciated.
A: There has been little to no evidence that your cognative skills will be affected. Its is quite well established medically that chronic use of Cannabis causes different cognative impairments while the chronic vs occasional users are 'high' I refer to: Ramaekers JG, 2008 "Neurocognitive performance during acute THC intoxication in heavy and occasional cannabis users." This study found chronic users perform at the same level when 'high' and nto 'high', while occasional users had significant differences in performance. Since this study must use the user as this/her own control, it's possible that the chronic user's cognative skills deteriorated, but it is impossible to prove. While the medical side has no negative evidence, consider the social ramifications, a possession charge will render you ineligable for a professional position such as a doctor, pharmacist, RN, lawyer etc..