Marijuana might cause new cell growth in the brain (creation, genesis)

[Bright-ness' Shadow]

Marijuana might cause new cell growth in the brain

* 22:00 13 October 2005
* NewScientist.com news service
* Kurt Kleiner
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8155 subscription required


A synthetic chemical similar to the active ingredient in marijuana makes new cells grow in rat brains. What is more, in rats this cell growth appears to be linked with reducing anxiety and depression. The results suggest that marijuana, or its derivatives, could actually be good for the brain.

In mammals, new nerve cells are constantly being produced in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is associated with learning, memory, anxiety and depression. Other recreational drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine and cocaine, have been shown to suppress this new growth. Xia Zhang of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, and colleagues decided to see what effects a synthetic cannabinoid called HU210 had on rats' brains.

They found that giving rats high doses of HU210 twice a day for 10 days increased the rate of nerve cell formation, or neurogenesis, in the hippocampus by about 40%.

[Druidus]

Similar to this, Canada's national university, Carleton University in Ottawa, found that moderate use of marijuana actually causes a relatively large increase in one's IQ.

[Majikthise]

I think the key here is moderate use, as stated in Druidus's reference. I don't know what the study indicates as moderate, but I would say two to three times a week might be considered moderate use.

Maybe we'll be seeing chess playing rats soon, who knows?

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Pah

A synthetic chemical similar to the active ingredient in marijuana makes new cells grow in rat brains. What is more, in rats this cell growth appears to be linked with reducing anxiety and depression. The results suggest that marijuana, or its derivatives, could actually be good for the brain.

Makes sense given that long-term depression has been shown to reduce IQ.

[Druidus]

I think the key here is moderate use, as stated in Druidus's reference. I don't know what the study indicates as moderate, but I would say two to three times a week might be considered moderate use.

Indeed, the key is moderate use. Severe use was shown to be detrimental to one's intelligence. According to the study, moderate use was interpreted as around five times per week. The study also showed that even long term heavy use of marijuana doesn't cause permanent harm to intelligence. Three clean months wipes the slate (incidentally, three clean months also removes the marijuana benefits, for the moderate users).

[Ardent Listener]

Originally Posted by Druidus

Indeed, the key is moderate use. Severe use was shown to be detrimental to one's intelligence. According to the study, moderate use was interpreted as around five times per week. The study also showed that even long term heavy use of marijuana doesn't cause permanent harm to intelligence. Three clean months wipes the slate (incidentally, three clean months also removes the marijuana benefits, for the moderate users).

Moderate use is five times per week! Sorry, but in my day if someone used marijuana that often he or she was considered to be a pot head.

[Ardent Listener]

Originally Posted by Ardent Listener

Moderate use is five times per week! Sorry, but in my day if someone used marijuana that often he or she was considered to be a pot head.

The other two days a week they ran out.

[Majikthise]

Originally Posted by Druidus

Indeed, the key is moderate use. Severe use was shown to be detrimental to one's intelligence. According to the study, moderate use was interpreted as around five times per week. The study also showed that even long term heavy use of marijuana doesn't cause permanent harm to intelligence. Three clean months wipes the slate (incidentally, three clean months also removes the marijuana benefits, for the moderate users).

Five times a week huh? Good to know , I'll have to step up my intake a little.
I've had friends who have been to alcohol rehab and they say if you have been drunk more than three times in your life you are an alcoholic. I got all mine out of the way in one week when I was in my late teens. One man's molehill is another man's mountain I guess.

But really Dru, interesting stuff ,thanks .

[Majikthise]

COME ON PEPOLE , IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT!! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!

[The Black Whirlwind]

bah. too expensive. and it doesn't taste good either.