THC, the active chemical in weed, attaches to receptors in the hippocampus—the part of the brain responsible for processing information—and affects the brain's ability to form memories.Scientists have conducted
studies with rats to identify THC’s effects on the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for processing information. They
compared the brain structure and function of adolescent and adult rats that had been exposed to THC. Results showed that the adolescent rats were more vulnerable than the adult rats to long-lasting effects from THC exposure. They were also more likely to experience memory deficits that could impact the brain
’s ability to form memories and learn new things. Researchers conduct studies with rats to help better understand the human brain because their structures and functions are actually
similar to humans.
