How does marijuana affect memory?

Marijuana has been scientifically shown to reduce short-term memory, which is the ability to retain information for a brief period, such as remembering a new phone number for a few minutes. This effect occurs primarily due to the active compound in marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which interacts with the brain's cannabinoid receptors. These interactions can disrupt the normal functioning of memory formation and retrieval processes.

Short-term memory is crucial for day-to-day tasks like decision-making, learning new information, and completing immediate activities. When marijuana is consumed, individuals may find it more difficult to focus, recall details, or even hold onto new information, which can impact academic performance and daily living.

Given this understanding, the assertion that marijuana reduces short-term memory accurately reflects the established effects of the drug on cognitive functioning, making it the correct choice.