Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

Bennyboy

(10,440 posts)
39. Still Think Marijuana Harms The Memory? You Need to Read This
Fri Oct 11, 2013, 02:25 PM
Oct 2013

A remarkable study published in the journal Molecular Pharmacology in 2006, found that this long vilified plant contains a compound with not one, but two therapeutic properties ideal for addressing both the surface symptom (memory problems) and root cause (brain plaque) of Alzheimer’s disease. This is an ironic finding, considering that the prevailing stereotype is that using marijuana “fries” the brain, leading to debilitating memory issues.



Researchers discovered that the psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), both “competitively inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as well as prevents AChE-induced amyloid β-peptide (Aβ aggregation.”



On the first account, THC’s ability to inhibit the AChE enzyme, is not unlike the mechanism of action behind most Alzheimer’s drugs on the market today. Drugs like donepezil (trade name Aricept), for instance, by targeting and inhibiting the brain enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), result in an increase in brain levels of this neurotransmitter, which in turn, results in symptom reduction, i.e. improved memory. Donepezil, however, is riddled with controversy due its well-known association with seizures, which likely reflects its intrinsic neurotoxicity. It is, in fact, a chemical in the same general chemical class as venom, insecticides and chemical war agents, such as nerve gas.



Read more at http://www.realfarmacy.com/still-think-marijuana-harms-the-memory-you-need-to-read-this/#6ZJxucVlLygVypgA.99


http://www.realfarmacy.com/still-think-marijuana-harms-the-memory-you-need-to-read-this/

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

It can be for some people Warpy Sep 2013 #1
We still need lots of research on this. Even Sanjay Gupta cautiously said we are still very early in liberal_at_heart Sep 2013 #2
I guess we need research so the drug companies can figure out how to push their profits Jackpine Radical Sep 2013 #3
we need research so patients can be empowered with knowledge. We need to know what liberal_at_heart Sep 2013 #4
Oooooooo test it on me!!! NightWatcher Sep 2013 #8
There have been over 20,000 peer-reviewed medical journal articles on cannabis in the past 20 years Fly by night Sep 2013 #14
I can see much like the GMO argument there is not much room in this dicussion for any grey area. liberal_at_heart Sep 2013 #17
We're not just now learning of the benefits of cannabis re: cancer. Far from it. Fly by night Sep 2013 #18
yes. n/t zappaman Sep 2013 #5
K & R !!! WillyT Sep 2013 #6
It sure is RandiFan1290 Sep 2013 #7
I just can't wait until there is proof. My father is the kind of person who thinks eating crazy liberal_at_heart Sep 2013 #9
Background please? NickB79 Sep 2013 #22
Charlotte Figi has Dravet Syndrome RandiFan1290 Sep 2013 #23
Shocking Results: Woman Replaces 40 Medications With Raw Cannabis Juice Bennyboy Sep 2013 #10
Legalize Now! sarcasmo Sep 2013 #11
25 Years Ago: DEA’s Own Administrative Law Judge Ruled Cannabis Should Be Reclassified Under Federal Bennyboy Sep 2013 #12
New Study: Cannabis Can Slow, Cure Alzheimer’s Disease Bennyboy Sep 2013 #13
No, of course not, but it's politically convenient to pretend it is. Donald Ian Rankin Sep 2013 #15
Abe Lincoln would have some timely advice for you Fly by night Sep 2013 #19
Yes, which is why big pharma has been paying politicians to keep it illegal... polichick Sep 2013 #16
Conservative Mother of Epileptic Boy Says Her Son's Seizures Ended With Cannabis Therapy Bennyboy Sep 2013 #20
No ismnotwasm Sep 2013 #21
Does cannabis help with bi-polar disorder? Bennyboy Sep 2013 #24
The correct answer is Jackpine Radical Sep 2013 #26
Cannabis does have an astonishing number of medical benefits for one plant. Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #25
No, it's a chemical, like all medications. Deep13 Sep 2013 #27
MJ is a herb, not a chemical. ConcernedCanuk Sep 2013 #32
life, including plant life, is a series of chemical reactions. Deep13 Sep 2013 #33
Why did the Indians fight so many wars against each other, then? Recursion Sep 2013 #34
I learned everything I needed to know when I found out that Uncle Sam holds the patent on kestrel91316 Sep 2013 #28
24-yr-old Rejects Chemo, Curing Brain Cancer with Cannabis Oil Bennyboy Sep 2013 #29
Medical Marijuana Industry Sprouts Up in Israel Bennyboy Sep 2013 #30
I saw something on TV about this not too long ago. Blue_In_AK Sep 2013 #31
Welcome to DU3 - lots of "flak" here ConcernedCanuk Sep 2013 #35
You're Canadian. Blue_In_AK Sep 2013 #36
LOL - right on! ConcernedCanuk Sep 2013 #37
700 MEDICINAL USES OF CANNABIS SORTED BY DISEASE Bennyboy Sep 2013 #38
Still Think Marijuana Harms The Memory? You Need to Read This Bennyboy Oct 2013 #39
Gary Storck: Medical cannabis a gateway back from addiction Bennyboy Oct 2013 #40
Cannabidiol Could Help Treat Multiple Sclerosis Bennyboy Oct 2013 #41
34 Medical Studies Proving Cannabis Cures Cancer Bennyboy Oct 2013 #42
Comes Now Epidiolex™ (FDA approves IND studies of CBD) Bennyboy Oct 2013 #43
UK study: Marijuana Compounds Can Kill Some Cancer Cells Bennyboy Oct 2013 #44
Marijuana Miracle: 5 Exciting New Discoveries About Pot Bennyboy Nov 2013 #45
The top four medical studies that prove that cannabis can cure brain cancer Bennyboy Nov 2013 #46
Marijuana: gateway to healing Bennyboy Nov 2013 #47
Families migrate to Colorado for marijuana miracle Bennyboy Nov 2013 #48
Medical Marijuana Can be a Much-Needed Miracle for Vets With PTSD Bennyboy Nov 2013 #49
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Is cannabis a "mirac...»Reply #39