How cannabinoids may slow brain aging

[lamsbread]

Time Magazine on "How Cannabinoids May Slow Brain Aging" by David Downs

Time Magazine‘s Maia Szalavitz does good work Monday with a piece reviewing some clinical evidence on cannabinoids – the molecules in marijuana – and aging. The brain’s own cannabinoid system is responsible for stopping inflammation, and “a sort of anti-oxidant cleanse, removing damaged cells and improving the efficiency of the mitochrondria, the energy source that powers cells, ultimately leading to a more robustly functioning brain.” Stimulating it with cannabinoids increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor which protects brain cells and promotes neuron growth, and – bucking the stereotype – maintains normal cognitive function in old age.

But politics keeps scientists from exploring pot for cures to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, researchers say. Gary Wenk, professor of neuroscience, immunology and medical genetics at Ohio State University wrote: “In my experience, working in this area is like touching the third rail. … I get hate and love mails that are bizarre and phone messages from people too high to talk. Some of my colleagues have left the area after seeing their names in the National Enquirer… I do not blame a war on marijuana but rather the public’s prejudice and extreme bias. I’ve now discontinued my research on this system.”

“He and others in the field are not completely pessimistic, however,” Szalavitz writes. “He says, ‘I’ve been trying to find a drug that will reduce brain inflammation and restore cognitive function in rats for over 25 years; cannabinoids are the first and only class of drugs that have ever been effective. I think that the perception about this drug is changing and in the future people will be less fearful.’”

copied and pasted from - http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2012/10/30/time-magazine-on-how-cannabinoids-may-slow-brain-aging/

Peace

Lams

[Dust]

nice reading man! let's hope the change of public opinion will bring back all the guys that could have been scared by what could happen to them if they continue

Thanks for sharing man

[URBANNINJA]

Thanks for sharing Lams and theres no evil on the side of weed only miseducation by some Prohibitian Fools

[lamsbread]

lol

then it would be 667 the neighbor of the beast

Peace

Lams

[Smokeythabear]

Thanks for coming up with the goods again Lams! As a medical (and recreational) user it is always nice to see more positive proof of the amazing potential of this plant

Seriousness aside, this however, does not explain how I can never find my car keys or my wallet! Talking to friends of mine who toke, there are many of us who seem to regularly experience this phenomenon, maybe there should be a study funded on this? lol

Peace

[Gaz]

Slowly we get the world to open their eye´s. It is backwards when well educated and respected scientists almost get scolded for doing what they should be doing.

I can´t remember the name of the British scientist that was charged to lead the report on medical MJ. He was well respected. After the report come back and he said what most other scientist had already said. He was discredited by the very same people that gave him the assignment. That is just one example on tax money down the drain.

If someone from UK know who i talk about, give me the name because my mind goes blank where i saw the report.

David Nutt - not the best name nutt when your advising on drugs policy.