Marijuana May Grow Neurons in the Brain

[r0t8]

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/GeneralNeurology/tb/1934

" SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Oct. 14 - Advocates for medical marijuana can take heart over the findings of two Canadian research teams.

A synthetic cannabinoid -- similar to the compounds found in marijuana, but substantially stronger -- causes the growth of new neurons and reduces anxiety and depression, investigators at the University of Saskatchewan here reported.

And researchers at the University of Calgary said they've found evidence that the brain contains so-called CB2 cannabinoid receptors, previously seen in immune tissue but thought not to exist in brain tissue. The discovery, they added, could lead to new drugs to treat nausea associated with cancer or AIDS.

Most so-called drugs of abuse -- such as alcohol or cocaine -- inhibit the growth of new neurons, according to Xia Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Saskatchewan.

"Only marijuana promotes neurogenesis," Dr. Zhang said.

The finding -- reported in the current issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation -- does not involve smoked or ingested marijuana, but rather a synthetic compound dubbed HU-210, which Dr. Zhang said is 100 times as powerful as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the highs experienced by recreational users.

Dr. Zhang and colleagues showed that administration of HU-210 in high but not low doses, not acutely but over a period of several weeks, promotes new neurons in the hippocampus of rats by causing neuronal progenitor cells to proliferate.

The new neurons were associated with a reduction in behaviour typical of anxiety and depression, such as unwillingness to eat in a novel situation.

When neuronal progenitor cells in the hippocampus were destroyed by x-rays, however, the HU-210 had no effect, Dr. Zhang said.

The finding is "exciting" because it offers the possibility of new ways to treat anxiety and depression, said Lisa Kalynchuk, Ph.D., also of the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Kalynchuk, like Dr. Zhang a member of the university's neural systems and plasticity research group, was not part of the research team.

"It certainly shows that drugs that act on these cannabinoid receptors -- and that would include marijuana -- can have beneficial effects on brain and behaviour," she said.

At the University of Calgary, Keith Sharkey, Ph.D., and colleagues have for the first time showed that the cannabinoid receptor CB2 can be found in the brain stem of rats. What's more, they reported in the Oct. 14 issue of Science, manipulating the two cannabinoid receptors -- CB1 and CB2 -- blocked emesis in ferrets.

If it can be translated to humans, the finding has direct implications for several aspects of clinical care, Dr. Sharkey said, including:

* Nausea and vomiting associated with diseases such as HIV/AIDS
* Common physiological reactions, such as morning sickness
* Better pain management

"We would be thinking of the implications of our finding (as) being able to develop novel anti-emetic therapeutics that would target this system and block emesis without having very many side effects," he said.

THC is known to be effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, and acts on neurons in the brainstem, Dr. Sharkey said. The researchers hypothesized that endocannabinoids -- endogenous compounds that resemble the active ingredient in marijuana -- might act at the CB2 receptor in the brainstem to reduce emesis.

Using morphine to stimulate vomiting in ferrets -- since rats do not vomit -- Dr. Sharkey and colleagues showed that endocannabinoids that preferentially target the CB2 receptor blocked vomiting better than compounds that prefer the CB1 receptor.

Dr. Sharkey said the well-known use of marijuana to treat nausea and vomiting probably relies at least partly on this newly discovered mechanism, although others may be involved.

In the long run, he said, the hazards associated with marijuana make it unattractive as a therapy. "This is a way to use the body's own systems that can perhaps enhance the benefits and reduce the costs a bit," he said.

The finding "gives us important and unexpected insights," said Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who was the first to isolate THC and later discovered the first endocannabinoid.

It "has changed the way we think about the flow of information within the brain, and how the brain communicates with other parts of the body," Dr. Mechoulam said in a statement. "

[DjNyx]

woooo.


back to legalization it is, eh?

[Offtrack]

100 X stronger than THC..and you cant smoke it. I think GW will choose to criticize it. instead of legalize it..

[DjNyx]

damn. there's something new to throw out to the public for abuse.

[Offtrack]

^^ did you read the article? It a synthetic canninus that is 100 X stronger than THC. So in a sense weed promotes neurogenisis but not really at all..

[The Professor]

haha... unless you do in 100 times a day, right?

[djatom]

"Only marijuana promotes neurogenesis," Dr. Zhang said.

i knew i was getting smarter.....

[djxanlucero]

i'm a genius.

[Nick Steady]

Hahaha, it makes you smarter but too lazy to utilize your new found intelligence.

[raverjennee]

^^^Hehee! That's funny!

[eclypz]

The only thing they fail to take into account here is the multitude of other canabinoids present in weed some of which interfere with the processing of information. Not to mention there is a very strong rise(1000 times more in melatonin production at the onset of the high, which is one of the main reasons why you get high in the first place. People who smoke habitually are in essence interupting their own circadian rhythms. Also there can be a significant depletion of the necessary building blocks for serotonin which is related to melatonin.

I'm not against the use of weed by any means but I also think people need to be aware of what they are doing to their mind body and spirit when using substances.

[Offtrack]

^^ you ruined it man..:(

[eclypz]

I can be a real stick in the mud, can't I?

I used to enjoy the benefits of grass liberally for quite some time and then slowly it's magic was wearing off and after a while it even became more of an anxiety ridden feeling, sorta paranoid.

Dying to know what happened to my love I decided to start doing research. There are benefits and there are downsides. Anyone who tries to tell you it's all one or the other is lying or not paying attention...

[Offtrack]

I kicked "the pot" to the curb a long time ago. Im unable to be productive when i smoke so that had to go. I know some very functional pot heads.

[r0t8]

yea, it's only good sometimes. like alcohol or anything else.

[mike p]

I have hyrdoponic neurons

[auralassassin]

Neurons, here I come!

[Scottie Smalls]

Friends don't let friends smoke shwag.

When it's real herb, it's usually pretty fun to blaze. I think different people react to different pyschoactives differently, and a lot has to do with environment. Does illegality add paranoia?

[patnice8x1x6]

I kicked "the pot" to the curb a long time ago. Im unable to be productive when i smoke so that had to go. I know some very functional pot heads.


;)

I can feel myself getting smarter by the second. *cough cough!*

I've tried this neurological experiment on Mr. Qadaffi, and all that happened was us gettin piss drunk on Irish whisky and Red Stripe.

[mike p]

;)

I can feel myself getting smarter by the second. *cough cough!*

I've tried this neurological experiment on Mr. Qadaffi, and all that happened was us gettin piss drunk on Irish whisky and Red Stripe.
Whoa, I've done that study too.

[eclypz]

Friends don't let friends smoke shwag.

When it's real herb, it's usually pretty fun to blaze. I think different people react to different pyschoactives differently, and a lot has to do with environment. Does illegality add paranoia?


See, alot of people have shared that opinion with me, that the fact it's illegal is what makes some people paranoid.

On a larger scale I would be perfectly comfortable arguing that drug use in general leads to a paranoia that stems from having been conditioned to do illegal things and having to hide and so on.

With weed though, there are several factors that play into what essentially becomes an actual physiological creation of paranoia.

Take coke users for example. It's a classic response in cocaine users to have a nice run for quite a long time and then they slowly but surely start thinking people are thinking about them or people are watching them, so on so forth, this is with moderate use over a long period of time.

These symptoms come up because slowly but surely they have rearranged and in some cases dismantled the delicate neurological impulses they once had in place. The brain is a sophisticated organ(duh) and continual use of anything that alters it's own chemistry to a great degree will eventually cause it to respond in an opposite fashion to try and relieve the imbalance that has been created.

Marijuana for instance, does release a large amount of dopamine. Just like cocaine. It just happens to release it slower and in a different part of the brain, which leads to a different kind of high. Nonetheless it will cause this imbalance which temporarily leads to visions, deeper thoughts, creativity, but over time can slowly dismantle a person's psyche.

Now, the degree to which this occurs depends on the person's physical makeup in the first place.

As offtrack pointed out, some people are perfectly functional with pot, and some of them even go on to become better people because of it.

The irony of all of this is I totally agree. There are some people who either have a very large imbalance that is corrected with a certain drug or they have a resilient neurological balance that keeps it all in check. The problem comes in when you make blanket statements about everyone when it comes to this stuff.


So to wrap it up, like you suggested, paranoia can come from the constant breaking of the law, but in this case it is more convincing that what's happening is we are walking around in a dream like state, our thoughts, our inner dialogue start becoming more and more a part of reality(THIS IS TEXTBOOK SCHIZOPHRENIA BY THE WAY). Certain pathways start to overlap and distort reality. All of this, after a long period of abuse can slowly start to wreak havoc on a susceptible person's mentality, especially if that person is easily tweaked by dopamine excess....

[eclypz]

Friends don't let friends smoke shwag.

When it's real herb, it's usually pretty fun to blaze.

And at the same time there was an article done by the bbc about quite a few people who were habitual smokers and then they got a hold of hydroponic uberstuff, and rather quickly started having panic attacks and schizophrenic episodes...

[NorthlandRaveAlum]

^I could totally see that happening :shock:

[Scottie Smalls]

And at the same time there was an article done by the bbc about quite a few people who were habitual smokers and then they got a hold of hydroponic uberstuff, and rather quickly started having panic attacks and schizophrenic episodes...

Hydroponic or soil. It doesn't really matter. Just make sure the nutrients are organic and the genetics are solid. Some people are scared of heights. Some people freak out when they get stoned. Some girls turn into sluts when they drink. Everyone reacts different. But, as far as recreational chemicals go, pot is wildly popular, especially amongst music lovers.

[patnice8x1x6]

Hydroponic or soil. It doesn't really matter. Just make sure the nutrients are organic and the genetics are solid. Some people are scared of heights. Some people freak out when they get stoned. Some girls turn into sluts when they drink. Everyone reacts different. But, as far as recreational chemicals go, pot is wildly popular, especially amongst music lovers.

What Scott is saying is very... well.....RELEVANT. :)

Sorry m8 I just could not help myself LOL.

[eclypz]

But, as far as recreational chemicals go, pot is wildly popular, especially amongst music lovers.


yes, this is true...

My whole point with the distinction of low versus high quality pot is that people are quick to say, "He just needs to smoke kind bud, dude." when in fact it can be that a very high quality bud can induce 'freakout' just as quick as cheap shit.

[MatthewBrian]

I just helped my brain cells.

[r0t8]

So to wrap it up, like you suggested, paranoia can come from the constant breaking of the law, but in this case it is more convincing that what's happening is we are walking around in a dream like state, our thoughts, our inner dialogue start becoming more and more a part of reality(THIS IS TEXTBOOK SCHIZOPHRENIA BY THE WAY). Certain pathways start to overlap and distort reality. All of this, after a long period of abuse can slowly start to wreak havoc on a susceptible person's mentality, especially if that person is easily tweaked by dopamine excess....
i usually get a little paranoid feeling if i'm high in public, but when i smoked it in a coffeeshop in amsterdam with like 20 other people/strangers sitting around smoking and chatting, it was totally relaxing and "gezellig" (dutch word for relaxed/chill/social). pretty much the kindest of kind, too. white widow and christmas pollen hash, which were btw $35 1/4 and $10/stick, respectively. 8-)

[auralassassin]

not quite as cheap as there, but there's some pretty dank blueberry on hand for 35 1/8 :P

[Scottie Smalls]

My whole point with the distinction of low versus high quality pot is that people are quick to say, "He just needs to smoke kind bud, dude." when in fact it can be that a very high quality bud can induce 'freakout' just as quick as cheap shit.

I totally agree.

I think there are situations where quality can make a difference, though. Sometimes a user may find themself feeling run down from smoking. They aren't getting anything accomplished because after they smoke they are locked to the couch. This effect is magnified greatly in lesser quality varieties, because the percentage of THC compared to other cannabanoids is significantly less, so there is some truth to somene feeling like a person would be better off if they smoked A-1. I look at this as another reason to push for legalization, because if it were legal then nobody would be puffing on dirt.

Better quality = More motivation and more creativity....not to mention BETTER FLAVOR!

[patnice8x1x6]

I look at this as another reason to push for legalization, because if it were legal then nobody would be puffing on dirt.

Better quality = More motivation and more creativity....not to mention BETTER FLAVOR!

I agree 1000%.

[auralassassin]

situation:
you walk into a store...

Me: I'd like a pack of Northern Lights(tm) Full Flavor 100's in a box, and a couple Philly Blunt Blunts... lets go Sativa on one of those and Indica on the other.. and umm... oh yea.. 10 on pump 3.

[r0t8]

^ most redundant comment ever

[auralassassin]

because I said blunt blunts?

this message brought to you by the department of the reduncancy department, which has brought you this message.

[manders]

i'm smart too!

[mike p]

i'm smart too!Yes you are Manders. You keep telling yourself that. ;-)

[manders]

^^^

dude man, i'm like way smart....

[mike p]

^^^

dude man, i'm like way smart....
I stand way corrected

[djxanlucero]

^^^

dude man, i'm like way smart....

we know you are sweetie.

[r0t8]

oops wrong thread

[djxanlucero]

I totally agree.

I look at this as another reason to push for legalization, because if it were legal then nobody would be puffing on dirt.

Better quality = More motivation and more creativity....not to mention BETTER FLAVOR!

you sir have hit the nail on the head.

[auralassassin]

better quality = requires less inhaling of smoke for the same effects = less health risk

inhaling smoke period is bad for you, how bad is up for discussion... that being said, I'm more than ready to accept the consequences of that shit.

if you ingest THC orally, however it actually expands your airways.

[patnice8x1x6]

better quality = requires less inhaling of smoke for the same effects = less health risk

inhaling smoke period is bad for you, how bad is up for discussion... that being said, I'm more than ready to accept the consequences of that shit.

if you ingest THC orally, however it actually expands your airways.

It's all about the Vaporizer.

[auralassassin]

heh, not everyone has 300 bucks for a quality vaporizer :D

I do have some nag champa incents going, however... come on out to Philly and get blunted and eat cheesesteak. Or at least make your next visit known, so some KC support will be in action.

[mike p]

It's all about the Vaporizer.
indeed my friend, indeed

[eclypz]

vaporizers are mad intelligent and there are alot of online resources for homedepot versions and what not so cost is not always a hindrance. And yes, the kinder the better.

[Scottie Smalls]

I've used two types of vaporizers. One was like a bong, and you had to stick this gun thing up to it. One had a slide out compartment and a digital readout with a tube sticking out.

From my experiences I say fuck a vaporizer. All I need are some pillowy nugs and a pipe.

Grip it and rip it!

[patnice8x1x6]

^^^ Yeah normally id feel the same way Scott...
But a friend of mine just got one that is quite simple and IMO highly effective.

It's a simple box, heating element inside, with a dial to adjust the amount of heat. Long plastic tube with a pyrex bowl thing at the end, which goes into the box. I think he said he got it off Ebay. At any rate, It made a believer out of me. I still prefer pipe, blunt or joint etc, but it was pretty cool just the same.

[patnice8x1x6]

heh, not everyone has 300 bucks for a quality vaporizer :D

I do have some nag champa incents going, however... come on out to Philly and get blunted and eat cheesesteak. Or at least make your next visit known, so some KC support will be in action.

You can get a quality vaporizer for less than 80 bux. Just gotta do some diggin.

I'll be sure to let you know when I come back to Philly. Blunts and Cheesesteaks in full effect.

[auralassassin]

I'm personally a joint kinda guy... joints or glass pieces are for me.

I'll smoke a blunt, but only if it's some stanky ass crap weed... I'd prefer to taste the good shit, without the blunt... I'll still smoke a gang of the good shit via joint/glass piece.

[Dave_Amaze]

...drugz R baD! Mmm kaY?

[Electric Soul Patrol]

yum....

mmmmm... :mrgreen: