How does marijuana affect a person's perception?

Marijuana has a significant impact on a person's perception, particularly affecting attention and concentration. This effect occurs because THC, the active component in marijuana, interacts with the brain's cannabinoid receptors, which play a crucial role in regulating various cognitive functions. When someone uses marijuana, they may find it difficult to focus on tasks, process information efficiently, or maintain attention over extended periods. This impairment can manifest in several ways, such as decreased ability to absorb new information, challenges in decision-making, and slowed reaction times in situations requiring quick responses.

This alteration in perception is particularly relevant when considering the effects of marijuana in situations that require sustained attention and rapid cognitive processing, which is critical for tasks like driving or operating heavy machinery. Understanding that marijuana can compromise these cognitive functions is important for recognizing the risks associated with its use.