Cannabis is Harmful Towards Developing Brains

[beachguy in thongs]

Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 May 13;585(2-3):441-52. Epub 2008 Mar 18.
Cannabis and the developing brain: insights from behavior.
Trezza V, Cuomo V, Vanderschuren LJ.

Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. [email protected]

The isolation and identification, in 1964, of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, opened the door to a whole new field of medical research. The exploration of the therapeutic potential of THC and other natural and synthetic cannabinoid compounds was paralleled by the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, comprising cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands, which offered exciting new insights into brain function. Besides its well-known involvement in specific brain functions, such as control of movement, memory and emotions, the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in fundamental developmental processes such as cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. For this reason, changes in its activity during stages of high neuronal plasticity, such as the perinatal and the adolescent period, can have long-lasting neurobehavioral consequences. Here, we summarize human and animal studies examining the behavioral and neurobiological effects of in utero and adolescent exposure to cannabis. Since cannabis preparations are widely used and abused by young people, including pregnant women, understanding how cannabinoid compounds affect the developing brain, leading to neurobehavioral alterations or neuropsychiatric disorders later in life, is a serious health issue. In addition, since the endocannabinoid system is emerging as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric diseases, a detailed investigation of possible adverse effects of cannabinoid compounds on the central nervous system (CNS) of immature individuals is warranted.

beachguy in thongs Reviewed by beachguy in thongs on 09-17-2008. Cannabis is Harmful Towards Developing Brains Not really (or at leas I highly doubt it). In fact, it would go against everything I have researched and studied as well as my own beliefs. I would think of it to be helping brain development growth. However, there is this butthead who has been nagging me about it lately. I'm having problems finding any on my own, anyone know of any studies proving the above title false?:rasta: Rating: 5

[SFGurrilla]

I wouldn't recommend any alterations in brain-chemistry at an age when the brain is still developing. Cannabis certainly isn't guaranteed to be detrimental, I have a 20 year old friend who's been smoking pot every day since she was 13, and she has one more semester to go before getting her degree in business administration. My other hardcore stoner friend is in his third year of sciences, getting all A's and B's, majoring in physics, chemistry, evolutionary and nuclear biology, as well as advanced calculus.

On the other hand, through the teen years synapses are forming and grouping, the brain is pruning and making connections more efficient, the hypocamupus is still developing in memory and emotional control (THC has been shown to stimulate cell-growth in the hipocamupus however). The point is, consuming a substance which will (while tolerance is low enough to still induce pleasure) stimulate seratonin and dopamine production at heightened levels, will be bound to carry a risk of descencitizing those receptors (or "burning them out") and cause issues with depression, emotional stablity, and occasionally psychological instability. Not to mention such a stress-relieving and often escapist substance used in the teen years will deprive the brain of the necessary time needed to develope skills in dealing with stress and responsbilities independantly.

I say legalize cannabis, but it's not for kids.

I'm 19 now and I have smoked pot since I was 14. I do notice some slight


stimulate seratonin and dopamine production at heightened levels, will be bound to carry a risk of descencitizing those receptors (or "burning them out") and cause issues with depression, emotional stablity, and occasionally psychological instability. Not to mention such a stress-relieving and often escapist substance used in the teen years will deprive the brain of the necessary time needed to develope skills in dealing with stress and responsbilities independantly.


Theres no way to reverse this is there.

[xweefernationx]

And as for the concept that "cannabis is a gateway drug is false". They say that kids and teens that drink more are more likely to move onto higher drugs than those who use cannabis alone and also if you check in the videos they are actually talking about how small amount of cannabis taken orally is better than ritaline so dont belive all the propaganda folk