How many times have you been hit with the usual jargon about how bad marijuana is for the brain, and how stupid you are going to become if you smoke it.
Yet, some of the most creative minds of our time attribute their unconventional thinking to the effects of this beautiful herb. So does it make you stupid, or does it actually INCREASE innovation?
Well according to a study conducted by the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, the effects of marijuana on the brain are everything but detrimental. Let me explain.
Professor Xia Zhang and some of his colleagues at Saskatchewan University decided to test a synthetic form of THC (HU210) on a group of test rats to observe the effects the drug has on neurogenesis (brain cell formation and generation). They gave these rats HIGH DOSES of the THC-like compound twice a day, everyday for a period of ten days to get a good idea of THC’s effects on brain cells.
It turns out, this synthetic THC-like compound actually INCREASED the rate of brain cell formation in the hippocampus (neurogenesis) by a whopping FORTY PERCENT!
Not only did the rate of brain cell formation INCREASE, but the rats also appeared to be less susceptible to observable symptoms of anxiety and depression. The hippocampus is the area of a mammals brain that controls memory, learning, anxiety and depression. So it makes sense that increased brain cell formation in this area of the brain would prove to be beneficial for people suffering from problems associated with these brain functions.
Meanwhile, when you compare these POSITIVE neurological effects of marijuana with the neurological effects of other LEGAL recreational drugs such as nicotine and alcohol, you find that nicotine and alcohol actually DECREASE brain cell formation.
As an activist for legalizing marijuana, it is becoming a bit infuriating to see that such break-through discoveries are being ignored by the medical and legislative communities! Especially when you consider the countless detrimental effects of cigarettes and alcohol, which are sold freely in every store you can find.
This discovery actually explains why some of the most creative minds of our time have attributed their innovation to the effects of marijuana. With every new brain cell that is formed, comes the possibility of a new and interesting thought process, that can break the boundaries of what an individual was previously capable of.
The universities’ findings on the anti-anxiety qualities of THC also explain the peaceful nature of marijuana smokers, and now it is not so hard to understand why marijuana smokers have a “no worries” kind of outlook on life.
Now take a moment to think about how wonderful this plant really is! It is capable of providing clothing (hemp is the strongest fiber in the world), it provides nutrition (cannabis seeds contain the most concentrated nutrients found in any food)! It’s “main ingredient” THC has even been proven to be anti-carcinogenic, eliminating lymphatic tumors in test rats within two weeks.
On top of all of these wonderful benefits, it has now been SCIENTIFICALLY CONFIRMED that it indeed does increase creativity, reduce depression and anxiety, and promote peace.
No wonder half of the population smokes it even though it is still illegal.
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May 15, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Hi, chanced on this web site, interesting article. I myself am not a pot smoker neither do I consider myself a troll in any way but please be the judge yourselves.
Something that I feel is missing from this article is the drug delivery method. The reason I bring this up, is that it keeps referring to THC compound is this injected intravenously into the rat, fed, or indeed smoked (via some vaporiser type system) as this radically would alter the results. We know that when we inhale smoke of any type, it is rich in carbon monoxide which has been extensively shown to reduce brain cell growth through starving the brain of oxygen. would this not outway any brain cell growth benefit of the drug.
Also is there a link to the source of this articles information.
Where I stand on the legalising of the drug, i don’t personally see it as any worse/ better than smoking. But i’m Pro-Choice each to their own, i have personally never smoked nicotine or other, Based on a family loss early on in my life attributed to cigarettes (my personal choice.)
I just hope that when there are studies like the one i am writing about that they are thorough and don’t jump to conclusions that in the real world don’t apply.
Thankyou for you hopefully constructive feedback to this.
Regards, David
April 14, 2012 at 2:53 pm
The natural form THC did not have the same effect in rats is right, but the proven fact still stands that for one, marijuana reduces anxiety and depression for two, neither this specific synthetic nor natural THC have been shown to be studied on humans, at least not on this article. The fact of the matter is there are far more positive effects that marijuana has in its natural state of THC, when taken in moderation marijuana has the effect of relaxing without inhibiting peoples everyday activities. Also marijuana is also proven to decrease the amount of cancer cells in cancer patients and also protects against alzheimer’s disease. When people finally get over their fear of marijuana that remains from the repercussions of William Randolph Hurt’s smear campaign in the 30′s.