The stereotype surrounding the psychoactive effects of Marijuana is gradually fading. Once believed to impair cognitive sensibilities, new research conducted on mice has shifted the narrative in Marijuana’s favor.
Marijuana’s immense capacity to treat a variety of mental conditions, including cancer and multiple sclerosis, has been corroborated by extensive research. This new study published in the Journal of Nature Medicine has added to the list of marijuana’s medical marvels.
Researchers discovered that the main psychoactive compound in Marijuana, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which got a bad rep for impairing memory, could actually enhance brain function in the elderly. Here’s an in-depth review of the research.
History and Objectives of the Study
Spearheaded by the vastly experienced Andreas Zimmer, researcher’s studied the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for triggering critical bodily functions. Andreas’s previous research inferred that ECS activity declines with the progression of age. From this finding, they surmised that increasing ECS activity could actually slow down brain deterioration. But they needed scientific proof, and in its pursuit, they conducted the following study.
Methods and Subjects
Three sets of mice were selected: 2 months old, 12 months old and 18 months old. Mice in the test group were injected with a monitored dose of THC for 4 weeks, after which they underwent a washout period, during which they were injected with nothing.
Next, several memory and learning exercises were organized for them under the influence of THC and placebo, separately. In one of the exercises, they were exposed to other mice, and their ability to remember them was analyzed.
Results and Conclusions Drawn
The results of the study were mind-boggling. While the younger mice, 2months old, showed an impairment of memory under the influence of THC, the memory of 18-month-old mice surprisingly improved. Their brain scans revealed a striking resemblance to the brains of young mice. Quite fascinating.
Furthermore, THC-administered mice experienced an enlargement in their hippocampus due to development of additional synaptic pines. Synaptic pines are proteins that improve communication between neurons and consequently, increase brain function. THC also turned off genes responsible for cell death and gave the green-light to genes that advocated the functionality of neurons.
Researchers were stunned at the power of THC to alter the very fabric of DNA.
The Final Word
This research has opened up a host of new possibilities for marijuana research in the future. However, we have to keep in mind that scientific research pertinent to THC is still in its early days. This study, although quite thorough and methodical, didn’t have humans in the test group. Mice, though share a lot of similarities with us mammals, can’t provide us with a firm conclusion. Until these results are safely replicated in humans, we can’t establish the cognitive benefits of THC on the human brain.
Oklahoma Consults: Your Reliable Source of Medical Marijuana Research
Medical-marijuana related research needs extra attention. It has been long been denied its limelight due to a long imposed ban. However, after its legalization, things are going to change for the better. As new research presents itself, we, at Oklahoma consults will keep you updated.