Exploring Marijuana’s Impact on Motor Skills and Coordination

Motor skills and coordination are two key functions necessary for our daily life. But what if we wake up one day and realise we have lost the ability to use our motor skills? It would mean we cannot walk, jump, pick up things, or even eat without messing it up.

Now imagine this being due to a routine habit you have had for years. Marijuana is often propagated as a relaxant without side effects. However, it does have negative consequences — loss of motor skills and coordination is one. We are diving into this topic because, after helping hundreds of people who came to us with a cannabis addiction, we think you must be informed about the possible impacts of recreational substances on our motor skill.

The Core Mechanics of Motor Skills and Coordination

To begin with, let’s get to know our players: motor skills and coordination. Motor skills and coordination are essential abilities that involve integrating the nervous system, muscles, and sensory input to produce movements. These skills play a fundamental role in our activities, such as sports, everyday tasks, and fine motor activities.

The motor learning process involves the brain making neurological adjustments to build unique sensory-motor relationships, which are then stored in specific circuits for long-term retention. These skills allow us to conduct a series of movements that are not only complex but also learnable over time.

Motor coordination, in contrast, refers to the ability to use multiple body parts simultaneously for a specific action. It’s fundamental to simultaneously coordinate both sides of the body, known as bilateral coordination. Understanding this intricate system provides vital insight into how our bodies function and how certain substances, such as marijuana, can potentially interfere with these detailed mechanisms.

The Connection: Marijuana and Motor Function

So, you might wonder, how does marijuana fit into this? Well, according to several studies, when introduced to the body, marijuana’s active ingredient, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with the brain’s reward system and can hamper the proper functioning of our motor skills and coordination.

Marijuana has a significant impact on motor skills and coordination primarily due to the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Research published demonstrates that THC alters the brain’s ability to process motor control and impulsivity. Even at moderate doses, studies have revealed THC’s tendency to impair critical tracking tasks, which measure a person’s ability to maintain motor control in response to changing conditions. THC induces slower reaction times, reduces accuracy in tasks requiring precise movements, and increases errors related to motor impulsivity. These impairments can last for up to six hours after consumption, with higher THC doses causing more pronounced effects on motor coordination and executive functions such as decision-making and risk assessment.

The influence of marijuana on motor coordination extends to tasks such as driving, where precise control and quick reactions are essential. A study highlights that cannabis consumption significantly impairs driving performance, increasing lane weaving and reaction time. The cognitive and psychomotor disruptions caused by THC impact brain regions responsible for coordinated movement and decision-making. Notably, cannabis’ effects are not limited to acute impairment; chronic use can have lingering impacts on motor function due to long-term changes in brain activity. These risks are magnified when cannabis use is combined with other substances, such as alcohol, leading to even greater impairments in coordination and motor control. Addressing these challenges requires education on cannabis’ effects and policies to mitigate risks associated with impaired motor abilities.

THC acts on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other body parts. The effects of marijuana on motor function can vary depending on factors such as the dosage, frequency of use, individual differences, and the specific motor tasks being performed.

When marijuana is consumed, it can produce acute effects on motor function, which may include:

• Impaired coordination: THC affects the brain regions involved in motor control and coordination, leading to decreased fine motor skills, balance, and hand-eye coordination.
• Slowed reaction time: Marijuana use can slow reaction time, making it harder to respond quickly to external stimuli or make rapid motor adjustments.
• Altered gait and balance: Marijuana can affect the cerebellum, a brain region involved in balance and coordination. This can result in changes in gait patterns and an increased risk of falls.
• Also, long-term and heavy use of marijuana may have additional implications for motor function. Some research suggests chronic marijuana use may lead to persistent motor impairments, even after the acute effects wear off. These effects may include:
  • Motor learning and skill acquisition: Evidence suggests chronic marijuana use may interfere with acquiring new motor skills and consolidating motor memory. This could affect the ability to learn and improve motor tasks over time.
  • Respiratory system effects: Smoking marijuana, particularly when combined with tobacco, can adversely affect lung function, which may indirectly impact motor performance due to reduced aerobic capacity.

  

• Our expertise shows that cannabis abuse can affect multiple cognitive and motor functions. This is why we will customise your rehabilitation programme to fit specialised therapies and treatments to help you heal from the damage marijuana has done to you during your years of use. Some of the methodologies which have given us the best effects on patients with similar complaints are:
  • Alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, exercises
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• These and many more will be considered when we create your tailored experience.

Prevention: The Power Is in Your Hands

We believe that knowledge is power, and knowing when marijuana use is graduating to dependence greatly helps you cut short the habit. Hence, being aware of these effects is the first step toward prevention.

Keep an eye out for any signs linking marijuana use and motor function impairment in you or others around you. Some obvious ones include

• Difficulties in performing tasks that require fine skills.
• Experiencing a slowed reaction time.
• Tiring quickly.
• Unsteady gait when walking./li>

These effects signal a possible problem with motor skills and should be addressed immediately. The Providence Projects’ in-house medical specialists will help us define the conditions and implement suitable changes to your programme to see optimal outcomes.

The Providence Projects: We’re Here to Help

We aren’t only here to share this useful info—we’re on the journey to well-being with you. Reaching out to us is the first step to managing your relationship with substances and restoring control over your life.

Our team’s expertise in life-changing therapies aims to support you in cutting out marijuana from your life and treating its chronic side effects.  The best way forward is to fight addiction through love, care, and support. Reach out to Providence Projects today, for a healthier tomorrow.