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New Delhi. It is already known that cigarettes and marijuana are harmful for health, but a new research has given a big warning about their serious effects on the brain. In a study titled “Associations of Cannabis,” scientists found that tobacco and marijuana use can cause premature aging of the brain and also reduce its size.

Researchers from King’s College London and the University of Bath analyzed nearly 100 different studies based on more than 72 thousand people. The results revealed that this is not just a bad habit, but a serious risk that changes the functioning of the brain.

These parts of the brain are affected

Research has found that cigarettes and marijuana damage the parts of the brain that control emotions, memory and decision-making abilities.

Emotions and fear (amygdala): This part was found to be smaller in marijuana smokers, which may affect fear, anxiety, and the ability to make difficult decisions.
Memory and learning (hippocampus): Excessive tobacco use shrinks this area, which can impair the ability to remember and learn.
Body Awareness (Insula): This part senses hunger, thirst and pain, which have also been shown to be negatively affected by tobacco.
Gray matter: Tobacco can reduce the gray matter of the brain, which is considered the main power for thinking and decision making.

Risk increases due to excessive consumption

The study revealed that the more and longer the cigarette is smoked, the greater the risk of brain shrinkage. Especially its effect was found to be more pronounced on the hippocampus, which gradually becomes smaller and memory starts weakening.

How does smoke cause harm?

According to scientists, when tobacco or marijuana is burnt, harmful elements like “reactive oxygen species” are released in the smoke. These increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Due to this, the neurons become weak and gradually start getting destroyed, which affects the functioning of the brain.

Warning even for occasional consumers

The research was mainly based on long-term cigarette smokers, so the effects are not immediately visible in occasional smokers. However, scientists say that the changes in the brain happen gradually and sometimes appear after years.

Experts believe that now it is important to be aware not only about lungs or cancer, but also about brain health. Combined consumption of tobacco and marijuana can have more serious effects on the brain, which may further cause permanent damage.