New research shows that the active ingredient in marijuana may prevent the progression of the disease by preserving levels of an important neurotransmitter that allows the brain to function.
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California found that marijuana’s active ingredient, delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can prevent the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from breaking down more effectively than commercially marketed drugs.
THC is also more effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer’s patients, the researchers reported in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.
The researchers said their discovery could lead to more effective drug treatment for Alzheimer’s, the leading cause of dementia among the elderly.
Those afflicted with Alzheimer’s suffer from memory loss, impaired decision-making, and diminished language and movement skills. The ultimate cause of the disease is unknown, though it is believed to be hereditary.
Marijuana is used to relieve glaucoma and can help reduce side effects from cancer and AIDS treatment.
I have special respect for scientists who dedicate themselves to research on substances that provide help and health for the needy — when their use is defined by law and “values” of opportunist politicians and a claque left over from the Dark Ages. Though, I guess the knowledge may help someone in another land.
I have no problem with legalizing pot for medicinal uses. Darn, I wish Congress would get off their butts and even just have some hearings on it.
I do worry about its use as a recreational drug. At least with alcohol one can tell when a person is inebriated, there is no equal test for pot. Do we really want a bunch of stoners on our highways?
Fusion hit the nail on the head. I would be all for legalization (with proper age controls) if there were some available road test. With a breathalizer we can detect alcohol usage in driver, and get them off the streets. With pot, there is no detection that can be used in the field. You would have to bring them in and do blood tests….which would be too cumbersome in practice.
Pot has little to no long lasting effects on fully developed adults. The carcinogen effects are about 1 joint = 20 cigarettes. Which give you the equivalent cancer chance as a pack a day smoker, if you smoke a joint every day. If you choose to take that risk….more power to ya.
#31 and #32…..the test is easy….place an array of Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Cupcakes in front of them…..if they salivate, they are high.
Or when a cop pulls them over, just check for icing on their upper lip or cupcake crumbs in their lap.
Uh, I live where there are a bunch of stoners on the highway. I even witnessed a police car chasing a couple of thieves in a stolen car — and they both were doing 25 mph. Lots less dangerous than a drunk who thinks they need to drive at 100 mph.
The physical tests you’re asked to perform define whether or not you’re competent to drive. If you flunk, you could be taken to a station house for a urine test — which is perfectly adequate for an initial test for pot. I worked for a construction company that did so on a random monthly basis. Agreeing to such a test was a contractual condition of employment.
#30
I guess “normal” is a quite relative term. As for “medicinal herb”… he he… I don’t think the majority of the people who smoke pot think of it as that… Anyway, if you think you’re a good role model for your kids – smoking pot and everything – then go right ahead. After all, it’s your kids.
#31
Do we really want a bunch of stoners on our highways?
I would stretch this to… Do we really want a bunch of stones on our workplaces?
I understand and respect your view on legalizing it for medicinal use, but the thing is that there are already many legal drugs that can give the people some life quality despite their illness.