Dr Francesca Filbey outlines cannabis effects on brain health and sleep
Updated
Updated · KERA News · May 1
Dr Francesca Filbey outlines cannabis effects on brain health and sleep
6 articles · Updated · KERA News · May 1
The University of Texas at Dallas researcher said use before age 25 may disrupt prefrontal cortex development and alter brain responses to tasks.
She said cannabis before bed can reduce deep sleep, despite users reporting better rest, and may impair memory, drawing a comparison with alcohol.
Filbey said current evidence is largely observational, leaving prescribers without strong dosing guidance, and hopes cannabis rescheduling will enable more direct study of medical risks and benefits.
With new research freedoms after cannabis rescheduling, could future studies overturn current beliefs about its risks to young adult brain health?
If most cannabis research has been observational, how reliable are current medical cannabis recommendations for sleep and cognition?
What might be the unintended societal consequences—positive or negative—of expanding medical marijuana access under Schedule III in 2026?