Cannabis Alters Brain Plasticity Through Astrocyte Receptors

Researchers have found that cannabis affects brain development by interacting with CB1 receptors on astrocytes, not just neurons. Using a mouse model, they demonstrated that removing these receptors impairs the brain's adaptability during critical periods of plasticity, particularly in the visual cortex. This suggests that cannabis use during development could have long-term impacts on learning and brain function, highlighting the significant role astrocytes play in early brain flexibility.