http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21191.shtml
Study Turns Pot Wisdom on Head
Posted by CN Staff on October 14, 2005 at 07:30:24 PT
By Dawn Walton
Source: Globe and Mail
Calgary -- Forget the stereotype about dopey potheads. It seems marijuana could be good for your brain. While other studies have shown that periodic use of marijuana can cause memory loss and impair learning and a host of other health problems down the road, new research suggests the drug could have some benefits when administered regularly in a highly potent form.
Most "drugs of abuse" such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine and nicotine suppress growth of new brain cells. However, researchers found that cannabinoids promoted generation of new neurons in rats' hippocampuses.
Hippocampuses are the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, and the study held true for either plant-derived or the synthetic version of cannabinoids.
"This is quite a surprise," said Xia Zhang, an associate professor with the Neuropsychiatry Research Unit at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
"Chronic use of marijuana may actually improve learning memory when the new neurons in the hippocampus can mature in two or three months," he added.
The research by Dr. Zhang and a team of international researchers is to be published in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, but their findings are on-line now.
The scientists also noticed that cannabinoids curbed depression and anxiety, which Dr. Zhang says, suggests a correlation between neurogenesis and mood swings. (Or, it at least partly explains the feelings of relaxation and euphoria of a pot-induced high.)
Other scientists have suggested that depression is triggered when too few new brain cells are created in the hippocampus. One researcher of neuropharmacology said he was "puzzled" by the findings.
As enthusiastic as Dr. Zhang is about the potential health benefits, he warns against running out for a toke in a bid to beef up brain power or calm nerves.
The team injected laboratory rats with a synthetic substance called HU-210, which is similar, but 100 times as potent as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for giving marijuana users a high.
They found that the rats treated regularly with a high dose of HU-210 -- twice a day for 10 days -- showed growth of neurons in the hippocampus. The researchers don't know if pot, which isn't as pure as the lab-produced version, would have the same effect.
"There's a big gap between rats and humans," Dr. Zhang points out.
But there is a lot of interest -- and controversy -- around the use of cannabinoids to improve human health.
Cannabinoids, such as marijuana and hashish, have been used to address pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures caused by epilepsy, ischemic stroke, cerebral trauma, tumours, multiple sclerosis and a host of other maladies.
There are herbal cannabinoids, which come from the cannabis plant, and the bodies of humans and animals produce endogenous cannabinoids. The substance can also be designed in the lab.
Cannabinoids can trigger the body's two cannabinoid receptors, which control the activity of various cells in the body.
One receptor, known as CB1, is found primarily in the brain. The other receptor, CB2, was thought to be found only in the immune system.
However, in a separate study to be published today in the journal Science, a group of international researchers have located the CB2 receptor in the brain stems of rats, mice and ferrets.
The brain stem is responsible for basic body function such as breathing and the gastrointestinal tract. If stimulated in a certain way, CB2 could be harnessed to eliminate the nausea and vomiting associated with post-operative analgesics or cancer and AIDS treatments, according to the researchers.
"Ultimately, new therapies could be developed as a result of these findings," said Keith Sharkey, a gastrointestinal neuroscientist at the University of Calgary, lead author of the study.
(Scientists are trying to find ways to block CB1 as a way to decrease food cravings and limit dependence on tobacco.)
When asked whether his findings explain why some swear by pot as a way to avoid the queasy feeling of a hangover, Dr. Sharkey paused and replied: "It does not explain the effects of smoked or inhaled or ingested substances."
Note: Lab rats given drug 100 times as strong as pot.
From Friday's Globe and Mail
Newshawk: Kaptinemo
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Author: Dawn Walton
Published: Friday, October 14, 2005
Copyright: 2005 The Globe and Mail Company
Contact: [email protected]
Website: http://www.globeandmail.com/
Related Articles:
Cannabis Acts as Antidepressant
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21188.shtml
Marijuana May Spur New Brain Cells
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21186.shtml
Marijuana Compound Spurs Brain Cell Growth
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21185.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help
Comment #17 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 10:58:51 PT
observer
"Yet prohibitionists need not be worried; most lemmings will always obey them without thinking. "
I think the Lord will maketh this knowledge foolish too.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by siege on October 14, 2005 at 10:47:10 PT
**LET"S all slow down for a few**
what happen if the village idiot thinks he can hurt more with this. By sending the Jack_Boots out to get every state and person they can, and if some get Killed so what better for him, in his mind.{{ It is a good thing that this come out in the open yes yes}}, You still have the dark forces of the gov. that can be Physically repelling.
SORRY, Art.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by GreenJoy on October 14, 2005 at 09:46:03 PT
YEP
What a bunch of lucky rats. Hey, I want some of that 100 times stronger stuff. I be like some kinda Superman. BA DA! It's... ReeferMan. LOL, sorry, couldn't resist.
Feel better Hope! GJ
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #14 posted by observer on October 14, 2005 at 09:32:33 PT
Pot Prohibition Liars Frustrated, Again
Forget the stereotype about dopey potheads. It seems marijuana could be good for your brain.
''I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish...'' - Isaiah 44
Government/politicians/police and other powerful vested interests make up lies about pot as fast as they can talk. But there is One who frustrates the tokens of those who lie about cannabis.
Prohibitionists screamed that pot would cause cancer, because they hoped it would be so. But the opposite turned out to be true. Prohibitionists promised us that pot killed brains, because if true, that would make for good propaganda. But the opposite turned out to be true.
Yet prohibitionists need not be worried; most lemmings will always obey them without thinking.
pot news 24/7, high-volume news feeds
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #13 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 09:24:30 PT
Hope
Cannabis is good medicine. I hope they get it real soon.
I am sorry to read you aren't feeling well.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #12 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 09:22:43 PT
So....
What prohibitionists have called the "evil" weed makes cancer cells die and good brain cells increase?
Good news. Good news.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 09:10:00 PT
Related Article from Foodconsumer.org
Marijuana Induces Brain Cell Growth, Combat Depression
By John Roberts
October 14, 2005
Canadian researchers discovered that a cannabis-like chemical found in marijuana stimulates brain cell growth and helps fight anxiety and depression, according to a study released Oct. 13, 2005.
The finding is in sharp contrast with the common belief that abuse or chronic use of additive drugs inhibit the growth of new brain cells, cause memory loss and impair learning, among other problems. In this respect, marijuana may not be such an ordinary additive drug. Researchers cautioned that marijuana may be the only exception among the additive drugs.
In the study, researchers injected a high dose of a cannabis-like or cannabinoid chemical in rats twice a day for ten days and observed as the chemical promoted the growth of new brain cells or neurons â?? a process known as neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is the part of the brain that keeps generating new cells or neurons throughout one's lifetime. The hippocampus is associated with memory, depression and mood disorders.
In addition, researchers performed tests on rats and proved that cannabinoids have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effect. Rats treated with the marijuana compound twice a day for ten days had reduced anxiety and/or depression.
The researchers suggest that there is a positive correlation between increased generation of new brain cells or neurons and modified behavior following chronic cannabinoid treatment.
Although the study used a high dosage of a synthetic cannabinoid found in marijuana, smoking marijuana may have the same effect, according to the researchers. However, researchers are uncertain how much marijuana one should smoke to achieve the same effect.
Use of marijuana is common in many countries. "Cannabis (marijuana, hashish or cannabinoids) has been used for medical and recreational purpose for many centuries," researchers wrote in their article. "Cannabinoids appear to be able to modulate pain, nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, cerebral trauma, multiple sclerosis, tumors, and other disorders in humans and or animals."
Researchers suggest that the marijuana chemical may be used to fight anxiety and depression.
The study was conducted by Dr. Xia Zhang and colleagues at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. The study appeared online on October 13 in advance of print publication of the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Copyright: 2004-2005 by foodconsumer.org
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Ma...pression.shtml
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #10 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 08:58:25 PT
lol!
I'm laughing out loud.
I'm sick....too sick to comment much...but this laugh will do me good!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #9 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 08:55:55 PT
How Cheech and Chong got us into this mess
When you call something stupid "wisdom" then it means that you're not very wise yourself.
Journalists have traded on the power of having a group they are allowed to mock without mercy.
It's no longer okay to bash the intelligence of blacks or women, but since Cheech and Chong, it's been okay to make people laugh by insulting the intelligence of marijuana users.
They should title this story: Cheech and Chong Were Wrong
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #8 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 08:50:11 PT
The litmus test story
This brain building story is a good way to see the difference between BBC and the rest of journalism.
Notice that BBC spat the story out like they'd been chewing ground glass.
The Globe and Mail actually shows some interest in the science.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #7 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 08:46:56 PT
Related Article from The Scientist
Cannabinoids Boost Neurogenesis?
New study suggests the chemicals may also act as anxiolytics and antidepressants.
By Graciela Flores
Cannabinoids promote neurogenesis in embryonic and adult rats, and produce anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects, according to a new report in the current issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation. The effects appear to contradict those seen from other studied drugs of abuse, the authors note.
"Most drugs of abuse such as nicotine, heroine, and cocaine suppress neurogenesis in these cells, but the effects of cannabinoids weren't clear. We show that cannabinoids, in fact, promote neurogenesis," study author Xia Zhang of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, told The Scientist.
During the study, Zhang and his colleagues analyzed the effect of the synthetic cannabinoid HU210, an agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1, on neural progenitor cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. They found that HU210 increased cell proliferation in vitro, and did so in vivo after chronic treatment. Antidepressants produce a similar pattern of cell proliferation, inspiring the authors to examine the influence of HU210 on behavior, explained Ronald Duman of Yale University School of Medicine in an Email.
The authors measured anxiety and depression using a novelty-suppressed feeding test and a forced swimming test. They found that, indeed, HU210 produced effects similar to those of antidepressants and anxiolytics.
Furthermore, irradiating the hippocampus blocked the agonist's effects on both neurogenesis and behavior. "This provided further support for CB1 induction of neurogenesis at a functional level," explained Duman, who did not participate in the study. HU210, like antidepressants, may produce antidepressant and anxiolytic effects by promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus, the authors note.
Although Duman found the paper "interesting and potentially promising," he advised caution in interpreting the results. "There is limited clinical evidence demonstrating that cannabinoid administration produces an antidepressant response. Thus, it's difficult to conclude that the current studies indicate and support a therapeutic action of CB1 agonists," he said.
Duman said he's also cautious about the behavioral findings, because the novelty suppressed feeding paradigm is an anxiety model, not a depression model. In addition, the forced swim test is a test for antidepressants that is responsive to acute antidepressant treatment, he noted, not chronic administration. He added that he believes the authors also did not conduct a sufficient number of controls to demonstrate that irradiation decreased neurogenesis and blocked behavioral effects, without additionally damaging hippocampal neurons and cells in other brain regions.
"This criticism is reasonable," replied Zhang. "I'm fully aware that there are no reliable clinical studies available that examine the effects of cannabinoid on mood, but the test for antidepressants mentioned in our paper has been successfully used by several groups to examine the chronic effects," he said. Zhang added that he and his colleagues followed published control methods.
Amelia Eisch of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who was not involved in the research, found the paper "intriguing." She said she was particularly interested in the correlation between the neurogenesis findings and the behavioral effects, and the promise that HU210 may serve as a novel antidepressant. "It is especially exciting to have a study challenge the hypothesis that all drugs of abuse decrease neurogenesis," said Eisch. "That being said, I think it remains to be seen how relevant these findings are for addiction. It's not at all clear whether HU210 is an addicting drug in these animals."
In a 2001 paper, Zhang and his colleagues confirmed previous findings that chronic HU210 injection produces dependence in rodents, but for Eisch, dependence is just one aspect of addiction. "This paper urges examination of the 'rewarding' or enforcing properties of HU210. Such information would provide tantalizing insight into how drugs of abuse regulate adult neurogenesis."
Eisch added that this study also raises the question of how vasculature is involved in regulating adult neurogenesis and the correlated behavioral effects. "There is some evidence that cannabinoids can cause vessel relaxation, and thus increase blood-flow. Maybe the effect they are seeing (on neurogenesis) is secondary to an effect on the vasculature," said Eisch. "The role of the vasculature is an issue for to everyone in neurogenesis research these days."
Copyright: 2005 The Scientist
http://www.the-scientist.com/news/20051014/01
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #6 posted by kaptinemo on October 14, 2005 at 08:30:41 PT:
That's part of the reason why I called attention
to the article: naked shock value of pleasant, responsible use being portrayed honestly.
Take THAT, you stuck-up, tight-arsed, joyless old f@rts of antis! In your face! I hope it sticks in your craw and you need a heimlich...and nobody helps!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #5 posted by CorvallisEric on October 14, 2005 at 08:15:11 PT
Check out the photo
http://tinyurl.com/bboqm
It's also on the main page (link at the top of this page where it says "Source: Globe and Mail"). Can't imagine seeing that in an American daily.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #4 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 08:13:44 PT
Bush bet on the wrong horse
The more science dscovers about marijuana, the more Bush will be dragged down by his own lies.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #3 posted by Zandor on October 14, 2005 at 08:03:26 PT
HU-210, which is similar, but 100 times as potent
For the good of mankind I volunteer for human experimental trials. I do have about 25 years experience where do I sign up?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #2 posted by CorvallisEric on October 14, 2005 at 08:01:15 PT
Misc trivia
Just thought I'd preserve one of the readers' comments on this article at the Globe and Mail:
Wow, im in Civics class and people are talking about this, I would like it legal but then its no fun to do. If its legal the there would still be rules with it, I prefer marijuana rather than smokes. Personally I don't like smoking, but thats my opinon. Anyways I think if it was ever legalized there would have to be some rules for ages.
Also, from the article: The team injected laboratory rats with a synthetic substance called HU-210, which is similar, but 100 times as potent as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for giving marijuana users a high.
100 times. Really? That makes the dosage similar to LSD. I think 10 milligrams is the biggest Marinol (oral THC capsule), so at 100 times the potency, a large HU210 dose should be around 100 micrograms - and much lower if vaporized, etc.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #1 posted by paulpeterson on October 14, 2005 at 08:00:24 PT:
Somethings we have all known for years
We all knew, deep inside our hearts, that those "kills brain cell" lies were lies. We all knew, from careful, repeat experimentation and observation of effects over years of N of 1 trials, each, on hisself or herself, that this stuff is a potent anti-inflammatory and such.
Scientists at Cornell first proved, in 1999, that each human is capable of producing new brain cells in the hippo, some adults as many as thousands per day. Bird scientists have known longer that the canary produces new brain cells to learn a new song.
After much internet study as well, I worked out the Alzheimer's riddle, wrote an article about how marijuana must dissolve the Beta Amyloid particles-then a guy proved how marijuana protects against Bet Amyloids as well.
Then my mom got Alzheimer's and I saw firsthand just how potent some tea could be (20 day trial-immediate response first cup after 20 minutes!). She called me 11 months later to advise that the "fog & cloud" had returned. One cup did it that time (and since).
Of course, I lost my law license because they wouldn't believe me about the anxiety and depression treatment benefits. (Four years later, ah).
The walls are crumbling faster and faster. Remember, in Illinois we now have 15 towns that have decriminalized and issue mere parking tickets (mostly $50-some of the new recruits down south are gouging to $500 or so, similar to Daley's revenue source-plan for Chicago).
This is some nice wind in the sails, though. PAUL PETERSON
TO THE PEOPLE THAT RUN THIS SITE: THIS INFORMATION THAT YOU PROVIDE SO TIMELY HAS BEEN OF EXCELLENT USE TO ME IN MY RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY IN ILLINOIS. Thank you for all the efforts you put into it's upkeep and broadinging. Over and Out from the Land of Lincoln.
[ Post Comment ]
Post Comment
Name: Password:
E-Mail:
Subject:
Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message]
Link URL:
Link Title:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return to Main Menu
So everyone may enjoy this service and to keep it running, here are some guidelines: NO spamming, NO commercial advertising, NO flamming, NO illegal activity, and NO sexually explicit materials. Lastly, we reserve the right to remove any message for any reason!
This web page and related elements are for informative purposes only and thus the use of any of this information is at your risk! We do not own nor are responsible for visitor comments. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 and The Berne Convention on Literary and Artistic Works, Article 10, news clippings on this site are made available without profit for research and educational purposes. Any trademarks, trade names, service marks, or service names used on this site are the property of their respective owners. Page updated on October 14, 2005 at 07:30:24
