cannabisnews.com: Study Turns Pot Wisdom on Head
Study Turns Pot Wisdom on Head
Posted by CN Staff on October 14, 2005 at 07:30:24 PT
By Dawn Walton
Source: Globe and Mail
Calgary -- Forget the stereotype about dopey potheads. It seems marijuana could be good for your brain. While other studies have shown that periodic use of marijuana can cause memory loss and impair learning and a host of other health problems down the road, new research suggests the drug could have some benefits when administered regularly in a highly potent form. Most "drugs of abuse" such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine and nicotine suppress growth of new brain cells. However, researchers found that cannabinoids promoted generation of new neurons in rats' hippocampuses.
Hippocampuses are the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, and the study held true for either plant-derived or the synthetic version of cannabinoids."This is quite a surprise," said Xia Zhang, an associate professor with the Neuropsychiatry Research Unit at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon."Chronic use of marijuana may actually improve learning memory when the new neurons in the hippocampus can mature in two or three months," he added.The research by Dr. Zhang and a team of international researchers is to be published in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, but their findings are on-line now.The scientists also noticed that cannabinoids curbed depression and anxiety, which Dr. Zhang says, suggests a correlation between neurogenesis and mood swings. (Or, it at least partly explains the feelings of relaxation and euphoria of a pot-induced high.)Other scientists have suggested that depression is triggered when too few new brain cells are created in the hippocampus. One researcher of neuropharmacology said he was "puzzled" by the findings. As enthusiastic as Dr. Zhang is about the potential health benefits, he warns against running out for a toke in a bid to beef up brain power or calm nerves.The team injected laboratory rats with a synthetic substance called HU-210, which is similar, but 100 times as potent as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for giving marijuana users a high.They found that the rats treated regularly with a high dose of HU-210 -- twice a day for 10 days -- showed growth of neurons in the hippocampus. The researchers don't know if pot, which isn't as pure as the lab-produced version, would have the same effect. "There's a big gap between rats and humans," Dr. Zhang points out. But there is a lot of interest -- and controversy -- around the use of cannabinoids to improve human health. Cannabinoids, such as marijuana and hashish, have been used to address pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures caused by epilepsy, ischemic stroke, cerebral trauma, tumours, multiple sclerosis and a host of other maladies.There are herbal cannabinoids, which come from the cannabis plant, and the bodies of humans and animals produce endogenous cannabinoids. The substance can also be designed in the lab.Cannabinoids can trigger the body's two cannabinoid receptors, which control the activity of various cells in the body.One receptor, known as CB1, is found primarily in the brain. The other receptor, CB2, was thought to be found only in the immune system.However, in a separate study to be published today in the journal Science, a group of international researchers have located the CB2 receptor in the brain stems of rats, mice and ferrets. The brain stem is responsible for basic body function such as breathing and the gastrointestinal tract. If stimulated in a certain way, CB2 could be harnessed to eliminate the nausea and vomiting associated with post-operative analgesics or cancer and AIDS treatments, according to the researchers."Ultimately, new therapies could be developed as a result of these findings," said Keith Sharkey, a gastrointestinal neuroscientist at the University of Calgary, lead author of the study.(Scientists are trying to find ways to block CB1 as a way to decrease food cravings and limit dependence on tobacco.)When asked whether his findings explain why some swear by pot as a way to avoid the queasy feeling of a hangover, Dr. Sharkey paused and replied: "It does not explain the effects of smoked or inhaled or ingested substances." Note: Lab rats given drug 100 times as strong as pot.From Friday's Globe and MailNewshawk: KaptinemoSource: Globe and Mail (Canada) Author: Dawn WaltonPublished: Friday, October 14, 2005Copyright: 2005 The Globe and Mail CompanyContact: letters globeandmail.caWebsite: http://www.globeandmail.com/Related Articles:Cannabis Acts as Antidepressant http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21188.shtmlMarijuana May Spur New Brain Cellshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21186.shtmlMarijuana Compound Spurs Brain Cell Growth http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21185.shtml
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Comment #87 posted by Celaya on October 16, 2005 at 10:23:47 PT
Observer
"the Nazi's didn't make lampshades from Jewish people's skin, until the day they started to do so. Jews could still get out in 1933; by 1939 that option was not open to Jewish people trapped in Germany. So no, weren't not at lampshades, quite yet. Concentration camps? I'd say we are well into that." Yes. It is good to be optimistic. It is part of our vision. But if, in our attempt to be optimistic, we refuse to look at the worst case scenario, then we are deficient in our jobs as reformers. Especially these days, when we have a group of thugs in power who seem all to willing to enact the ugliest atrocities. When we have seen them steal elections, invade innocent, near defenseless countries, killing women and children, suspending habeas corpus and many other core protections of our liberties, we must conclude the worst case scenario is on the horizon of possibilities.There seems to be a taboo against mentioning the experience of the Jews in Nazi Germany. Though I understand the dark event should not be invoked lightly, I think it is imperative that we make the comparison in instances where it does apply - or even might apply. This is the great lesson that holocaust survivors meant to leave to the world. It is essentially, what one group of people did to another group of people in relatively modern times, and that, it can happen again.We would not necessarily have to refer to that specific horror, because, of course, there have been many genocidal events in history. These are just some of them:http://www.religioustolerance.org/genocide2.htmBut because almost everyone is familiar with the Jewish genocide, it is the most universal frame of reference.As Observer says, though we have not yet reached the mass killings of the Nazis, of course, we ARE on the continuum of genocide. How else could you describe the unjust persecution? While most of the over 700,000 arrests of marijuana consumers do not result in substantial prison terms, they DO result in permanent "criminal" records which marginalize the cannabis culture in a way very similar to the yellow stars that Nazis forced the Jews to wear in public.Further, if these once tagged "offenders" do not repent and are found to repeat their "crime," they most certainly will end up in the "concentration camps."Yes, there are many positive signs that we are making ground in our efforts, and the power of positive thinking is great. But it will only go so far. We must have our eyes wide open or we set ourselves up to be blindsided.I, for one, cannot breathe easier as long as this most noxious mafioso remains in power. The next 'elections' will tell much.
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Comment #86 posted by observer on October 15, 2005 at 17:16:59 PT
US Prisons - Big Business Or New Form Of Slavery?
US Prisons - Big Business Or New Form Of Slavery? (Oct. 13, 2005)
http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2005/octubre/juev13/42carceles.htmlA great article. Even the Cuban communist party mouthpiece, Granma, has taken notice of what a prison state America the beautiful has become.Here's something I read a year ago, and wanted to share.
"I have many American friends and used to go on business travel to the U.S. a lot (I stopped doing that after even our European governments have given in to Uncle Sam's appetite for information about individuals traveling to God's Own Country), and I am shocked by the deterioration of democracy in a country that I used to love. This administration is a shame and the destabilization they have brought to the world is scaring the s** out of me."My father was a Nazi soldier and he realized during the war what he and most of his generation was led into. I have learned from him that a nation can be guilty and that we must stop the arrogance of the powers at the very beginning. To me, America is becoming truly scary and the parallels to the development in Germany of the thirties (although the reason behind it are totally different) are sickening."Thank you for writing about this development. The world is waiting for signs of opposition in the Unilateral States of America!"Herr Moellers' e-mail is typical of a half dozen or so I've received over the past year from people with intimate knowledge of Nazi Germany...
(Harley Sorensen, Are Parallels To Nazi Germany Crazy? SF Chronicle, 1/2004, http://tinyurl.com/2qas2 )
No, a man in military garb with a funny little moustache isn't "Our Leader", exactly. And the scapegoats are certainly different. True enough. Jewish people aren't the government scapegoats of prohibition.
book: Drug War Propaganda
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Comment #85 posted by runruff on October 15, 2005 at 16:13:23 PT
Toker00
You speak my feelings and my beliefs perfectly about my mate and women in general. My wife has wisdom and an innstrength that serves me. I draw strength from her and she from me. In turn I am her protector and she feels
safe and secure with me. I like what you said.Peace
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Comment #84 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 15:02:58 PT
That's beautiful, Toker...every word of it.
Especially, "Don't give in to the fear of this Nazi style government crap. These creatures you call men will not let that happen. Trust me on that, girls."Thank you. I do feel reassured.I know what that "shunning" you speak of feels like, too. Oh well. We still have a job to do.
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Comment #83 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 15:00:34 PT
Toker00
Thank you. We are making progress day by day. Somedays are better then others but I have only seen a few negative articles recently. There just aren't as many anymore. The polls all show we are gaining a little respect. Step by step. A little at a time.
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Comment #82 posted by Toker00 on October 15, 2005 at 14:46:21 PT
Peaceful, but loud.
I liked the horse story, Hope. The sherrif is pretty much where I fall in my family. Four sisters, no brothers. But they are all mad at me right now, because they refuse to believe the truth about cannabis and shun me because I am so vocal and persistent about teaching my right wing brothers-in-laws. It's like they are embarrassed or something. They'll get over it. I can't thank FoM enough for providing me with tools to teach. This is the only cannabis culture site I visit except for Cannabis Culture. Did I say that? Conspiracy theories and just plain hate haunt some sites I used to learn from. Kind of goes along with what EJ says about hatefulness. She's right. But to defeat that hatefulness along with the liars is part of what the movement is all about. Carry on, EJ. Nobody hates you here.Don't give in to the fear of this Nazi style government crap. These creatures you call men will not let that happen. Trust me on that, girls. Just speak the truth louder and farther. And keep it peaceful 'til we can't. We ARE getting there. I must comment on how women are louder and more forceful speakers at most of the protests I attend. And how can you possibly think that men don't need you? Not all men are assholes. My wife can talk about loving me and tears come to her eyes. She calls me her warrior. Says I must have been a Viking in one of my past lives. I never let harm come to her from friend or foe. She cares for me and gives me what you women give so unselfishly of yourselves, your time. Your nurturing. Your loyalty. Your LOVE. What more is there? The movement (s)could not succeed without women. Come on. You HAVE to know that.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITON NOW!
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Comment #81 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 14:25:40 PT
Hope
Thanks! We aren't ignored at all anymore. I have corresponded with a person recently that is into a certain area of our issue. People do see.
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Comment #80 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 14:25:18 PT
We already know from our own experience
that if you talk long enough and loud enough...someone, somewhere might hear something you have to say...whether they agree with it or not...they might start thinking...and that's good.
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Comment #79 posted by observer on October 15, 2005 at 14:24:19 PT
not lampshades yet
no one is making lampshades with our skinThat's true. No one is (yet) making literal lampshades from our skin. And the Nazi's didn't make lampshades from Jewish people's skin, until the day they started to do so. Jews could still get out in 1933; by 1939 that option was not open to Jewish people trapped in Germany. So no, weren't not at lampshades, quite yet. Concentration camps? I'd say we are well into that. Of course, media doesn't call them "concentration camps" or "gulags", as to not panic the bewildered herd with such undesirable connotations. They are called "prison" or "detention" or "jail" or "maximum security", etc., and every media pronouncement is framed such that the government-god is eternally righteous to punish drug-sinners, who are of course reformed from drugs with a little jail for their own good and the wellbeing of society. (And sometimes people simply deny that marijuana users are jailed at all as we know.) So, lampshades, no, I don't think we're there yet (despite the Donald Scott, Sepulvedas, and Esequiel Hernandezes). But concentration camps, yes, I think we're there. http://www.azcorrections.gov/pio/ADCHistory1.htm
http://www.houstonfreeways.com/modern/images/i45_houston_dallas/i45_huntsville_prison_15_2004-11-28_770.jpg
http://www.triangleplastering.com/images/pics/New_Boston_Prison.jpg
http://www.supermaxed.com/images/wallensridge.jpg
etc., ad nauseamThere they are: about all that is lacking are the crematoria and an "Arbeit Macht Frei" over the gate. By withholding medical care, easily treated diseases are regularly allowed to kill prisoners, pisoners are raped, beaten and tasered to death. But, no lampshades, true enough.
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Comment #78 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 14:22:39 PT
FoM
I think you're right. Our voices...either over the internet and anywhere else it can be heard are indeed our "big sticks".Obviously, they don't ignore us like they used to.
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Comment #77 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 13:41:18 PT
Hope
I think the big stick we need is using our voice since we have such sophiscated communication now.
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Comment #76 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 13:37:38 PT
Maybe we need a big stick to carry
while we are walking softly. I don't think we have a stick any bigger than elections though...and of course...to keep speaking our outrage."Walk softly and carry a big stick". I don't know where that saying came from, but it comes to mind from time to time.
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Comment #75 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 13:36:03 PT
Celaya
I personally won't compare ourselves to what happen to the Jewish people. That was horrible and no one is making lampshades with our skin. We won't ever let that happen because of mass media. Look at how well the neglect of the flood victims was covered. That was then and this is now and we have much more visibility and if one web site goes down another will take it's place.
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Comment #74 posted by Celaya on October 15, 2005 at 13:31:16 PT
First Move
Sometimes, an act of peace is ignored. In retrospect, being peaceful was not a good move for the Jews in Nazi Germany.The marijuana culture has been equally peaceful for four decades. That has not stopped the persecution. On the contrary, the persecution has increased exponentially.At what point in the march to the ovens should people abandon the peaceful approach?
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Comment #73 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 11:10:56 PT
There Comes a Time
When both sides need to stop fighting. Someone needs to make the first move. Has anyone noticed that the soldiers in Kashmir are not fighting but helping people now? That is the beginning of peace. As long as someone picks up and throws a stone the war will continue. Why does it take a tragedy for people to see?
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Comment #72 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 11:10:31 PT
So true
"Women want to nuture and fix things and make peace so everyone in the family can get along."And sadly, too many men do seem to find "war", any war, exciting.
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Comment #71 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 11:04:33 PT
"Maybe Men and Women Are Different..."
*smile* Maybe?Male and female are very different. I see it even in animals. Females of any species seem to be more cautious than the males. When it comes down to actual bravery though, they seem a match for the male in everything but brawn and sometimes they find ways to make up for that. Of course there are always individuals who throw that theory to the wind. I've seen stallions be as protective, gentle, and loving to foals as any mare. One of our horses I call the "Sheriff", because I can see it's his business to protect the whole herd, even the cows, from what he considers to be a threat. Coyotes beware! He never ever makes the mistake of looking down on the rest of the herd though...which are all mares. Protecting them? Yes. But looking down on them in any way doesn't seem to be a part of his "job description". He's the biggest and the most powerful physically...but he respects the females in his "family". I don't know if he would respect a younger male in quite the same way. The young bull doesn't bother him. He just sees him as more of his "jurisdiction".Women are necessary to life and women are definitely necessary to our movement, I believe.
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Comment #70 posted by Celaya on October 15, 2005 at 11:00:34 PT
A Time For Peace, A Time For War
It is true there are some guys who like to fight. I have met some guys whose form of entertainment is to go to a bar looking for a fight.But I believe they are in the minority. I prize peace and proudly consider myself a hippie. Most of us guys abhor violence as well, but know in the final analysis, we must defend ourselves with whatever tools are at our disposal."To everything there is a season...."
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Comment #69 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 10:54:03 PT
Just Another Thought
Women are different then men. Men are the ones that like to fight. If you watch animals you see the males are always fighting over the lady animal and she usually could care less. Guys think fancy cars make them more desirable but it never effected me one time what a guy drove. Men like to fight I think. Women want to nuture and fix things and make peace so everyone in the family can get along.
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Comment #68 posted by Celaya on October 15, 2005 at 10:50:59 PT
Hope
I, too, would settle for the persecution to just end, even though the guilty parties deserve punishment.I hope we can accomplish it through education of the public. That has been the basis of all my activism over the years. But I have found that turning the other cheek these days, is just an invitation for more blows. The fraudulent gang of thugs who have taken over our government are obviously carrying out their plans of world conquest in the most craven, despicable of paths - by crushing the weakest - those least able to defend themselves. At home and abroad.
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Comment #67 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 10:45:07 PT
Yup....FoM
It does feel sort of "testosterony" around here sometimes, doesn't it? I suspect one reason may be the reason I didn't say much until a certain time. That time? When my children were grown and I knew that no one would be trying to steal them from me because of my disagreement with their "war". We are up against and have always been up against "impossible" odds...we all know that. But that's what we've doing...trying to change that which was "impossible" to change, and we're doing it.Also, I think there may be more women among us than we realize because their "handles" don't give away either male or female. During the marches and vigils there seem to be just as many, if not more, women present.
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Comment #66 posted by Celaya on October 15, 2005 at 10:41:13 PT
Rainbow Warriors
FoM, your tremendous work in reform is on the par of anyone, man or woman. I'm sorry if it pains you to think of yourself this way, but you are certainly a courageous warrior.I hate to dwell on the dark side, but if the Bush cabal gets their way, they will have all of us who have fought so hard for reform in prison, or worse. Look at what they're trying to do to Marc Emery.I accepted that possibility a long time ago. I cannot refrain from speaking the truth. It is who I am. It is what we are.
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Comment #65 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 10:34:49 PT
Celaya
Nothing against the NYT Drug Policy Forum, at all. It was something that happened at least four or five years ago. It was alarming. I think it was only shut down for a short while... but it did make me uneasy. And yes...people should be angry. I'm angry. But we've got to be better people than they've been to us in these situations, I believe.The prohibitionists probably deserve to be punished for all the grief and sorrow they've caused...but I'm not going to judge them or punish them...I just want them to stop hurting people with their hideously misled "war" on other citizens. Not having the schadenfreude complex...I just want them to stop their persecution of others. I have no desire for revenge or persecuting them for what they've done.I do understand the anger and pain, though. It's another one of those many things in life that we have to route into something productive instead of destructive. We must avoid becoming like that thing that we're fighting against.
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Comment #64 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 10:26:41 PT
Maybe Men and Women Are Different
Sometimes I have wondered why I'm even involved in a male dominated world of reform. I said that one time to a person and he said something to me that stuck. He said you are right there aren't many women in reform circles but they are important. He said remember it was women who ended alcohol prohibition.
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Comment #63 posted by Celaya on October 15, 2005 at 10:21:03 PT
Anger, Hatred and the NYT Drug Policy Forum
Hi Folks. -- I guess it's up to me to defend the NYT Forum, since I am a regular there. Anybody who has spent time there knows there are a few folks there who just love to shock people's sensitivities, and will say just about anything to get a rise out of folks. I'm sorry about that. That is not my style, but I also think we should be very cafeful about going down the road to censorship. When trying to arrive at the truth, allowing for the free expression of ideas is crucial.As for anger and hatred, I cannot fault anyone for these feelings who is on the receiving end of the persecution The decades long oppression of the cannabis culture with over 700,000 people given a permanent "criminal" record EACH YEAR certainly warrants it. Yes, we can suggest they channel that anger in more effective ways, but we cannot fault them for it. I'm extremely angry myself and if we lived in earlier times when such an action would have had a chance, I'd probably join the revolution. I think we have at least as much justification as the folks at the Boston Tea Party.Personally, as long as people don't make personal attacks on other posters, (which IS a problem), it doesn't bother me to see folks vent. It's probably healthy.After all, they declared WAR on us. And it is a war in a very real sense. Don't forget, things are not static. We are on a continuum that could easily shift into a Nazi-type persecution. For what it's worth.JUSTICE, then PEACE
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Comment #62 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 09:45:34 PT
As to the comparison to lemmings...
there are people who take government propaganda as the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth for some reason. They're following the "party line" without thinking does seems strange and lemming like to those of us who think about things. We can see that cliff edge that the unthinking don't seem to see...and it's easy to compare that sort of situation to the lemming phenomenon.There are too many people who refuse to bother thinking about anything that they find troubling or might change their mind about. They're just too comfortable not having to think about it...so they won't.
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Comment #61 posted by Hope on October 15, 2005 at 09:35:50 PT
E_J
If the worst our anger and sense of retribution against the prohibtionists is to lob a few Old Testament quotes in their direction...I think that makes us a pretty gentle lot compared to the rest of the world.I remember a few years ago having to leave the New York Times drug discussions because there were people there talking about
retribution big time and "body bags" and extreme violence. They even shut the board down for a while after that. It was scary and I didn't want anything to do with it. Wrong is wrong...whoever is doing it. Anger wells up in all of us from time to time...and sometimes it's thorougly righteous anger. Anger, as we know doesn't have to lead to hatred. If we're throwing Old Testament quotes at them occasionally, rather than molotov cocktails...I still feel pretty safe among my gentle friends.It's not time to run out on us yet.How many times do you have to forgive anyone...especially a fellow reformer...for lobbing an Old Testament quote? You know.
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Comment #60 posted by E_Johnson on October 15, 2005 at 09:33:18 PT
So here's the next marijuana legalization ad?
So would people here agree to put this on TV:DEAR VOTERS:We look down on you with contempt, we think you're all a bunch of lemmings, but if you don't vote for us, we'll say really mean things about you on the Internet. **************************************************Oh yes, I can see this approach being very effective.
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Comment #59 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 09:21:36 PT
EJ Just a Note
I hope you don't leave. I don't believe in hate and I won't become hateful no matter what. All I do is draw more and more into my own world where I can live in peace. Hate won't change anything I believe.
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Comment #58 posted by E_Johnson on October 15, 2005 at 09:13:23 PT
And if you give me up so easily Max Flowers
Then I guess you don't really want to win, you just want to wallow the rest of your life in that special feeling of being persecuted by the government.Yes persecution makes you special, it gives you the right to hate, and why give up the strong hot sexy pleasing feeling of hate for something stupid and weak like actual freedom?I think the end of this war will be the saddest day, not the happiest day, for some people here, because then who else will they hate and look down on?
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Comment #57 posted by E_Johnson on October 15, 2005 at 09:08:34 PT
How can you claim to be better than people????
IN my eyes, a hateful person who supports Bush is 100% morally identical to a hateful person who opposes him.Beause absolutely nothing that is good can ever ever ever come out of a hateful person.A hateful person who believes in the Iraq War is morally identical to a hateful person who is against the war.If this is a hate movement, then stop pretending that you have any moral beliefs whatsoever.You just want what you want because you want it, you are devoid of any kind of human love or feelings, and people are right refuse to believe anything you say.People are rght to refuse to listen to hateful people even if what the hateful people are saying is true.Hateful people cannot be trusted, because they lack the capacity to love, and only love builds trust.You can't make people trust you by throwing facts at them in an angry abusive manner.You can only get people to trust you by taking that couagegous first step of love.If you're incapable of taking that courageous first step, then you are an emotional coward, and people are absolutely right not to trust you.
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Comment #56 posted by Max Flowers on October 15, 2005 at 09:00:41 PT
E_Johnson
Well I know I'll sure miss your insightful posts. Bye. Take care.-MF
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Comment #55 posted by E_Johnson on October 15, 2005 at 08:40:22 PT
The moments I refuse to join
I believe in animal rights, but I refuse to join or support any animal rights mivements because the members are so hateful, i can't bear to be anywhere near them.I am against the war in Iraq, but once again, I observe that at east 80% of the activity in these movements is just plain old Bush-hating. I won't be around hateful people and so the antiwar movement can just get along without me.I am quitting the Democratic Party soon because I can't stand how hateful it's become. Of course I don't like what Bush has done. But hate is just hate. Hateful people of any stripe cannot count on me for support.And now it looks like I have to quit this movement, becaue it's all about hating the enemy, right?Fine, that's fine. I'll have more time for myself. YOu can carry on without me and see how far hate will take you in the world.
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Comment #54 posted by E_Johnson on October 15, 2005 at 08:28:57 PT
Well this is all good to know
I guess I have to quit this movement because the value system does not respect humanity, the value system is just some old stupid tribalistic -- we're better than them and they can all go rot.Sorry folks that we had to part this way. I believe that all humanity is worth some kind of basic respect.You're allowed to believe differently but so am I and I can't stoop so low as to be asking people for votes and calling them nasty names at the same time.Politics is getting too nasty and hateful. If this is going to be a nasty hateful movement then I just have to leave it, sorry.
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Comment #53 posted by FoM on October 15, 2005 at 06:50:14 PT
Letter To The Editor from The Globe and Mail
Just Toking***From Bruce Mirken, director of communications, Marijuana Policy Project Saturday, October 15, 2005 Page A28
Washington -- There's a substantial body of evidence showing that marijuana's active components -- cannabinoids -- protect brain and nerve cells from many types of damage (Study Turns Pot Wisdom On Its Head -- front page, Oct. 14). A recent study in the Journal of Neuroscience, for example, reported that cannabinoids can protect against some of the brain damage seen in Alzheimer's disease. Other studies have documented that these marijuana components protect nerve cells from the degeneration seen in a variety of conditions, including multiple sclerosis.Eventually, science overtakes myth and superstition, even in the case of this hugely demonized drug. Marijuana is certainly not a cure-all, but the data show it to be far more benign and far less harmful than professional drug warriors in both Canada and the U.S. would like us to believe.
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Comment #52 posted by boballen1313 on October 15, 2005 at 00:50:11 PT
synthetic substance called HU-210
So God didn't have it together and science needs to kick up the THC a taste to fit some mad program to prove cannabis harmful?
John P. Walters! I finally found that killer BC BUD... buts its neither BC nor Bud,but it works with your tales of marijuana myths, its finally been injectable!!!
Remember when the CIA busted out the crack cocaine?
Looks like HU-210 might be the next big pharmaceutical contribution to prove cannabis harmful.... lets all give thanks to Big John as we break out the hypodermics!
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Comment #51 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 21:58:29 PT
observer
I think that Chapter 13 has the most beautiful scriptures in the whole bible. There are just so edifying and uplifting at the same time.
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Comment #50 posted by observer on October 14, 2005 at 21:48:11 PT
FoM
Yes, FoM! Good! That's scripture, also!Sometimes, though, people will be offended. I rekon I'll just continue to match scripture with events, just as it occurs to me, come what may. True, some are "easily angered" (1Cor.13:5). I'll sure do my best to explain it to them (if time permits).
breaking marijuana news 24/7, rss feeds
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Comment #49 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 21:42:35 PT
Goneposthole
I don't think Prohibitionists can use simple common decency. They are lacking an important element in their life. I can't blame them because it is their loss. These words from a NY song came to mind.When you look in those vacant eyesHow does it harmonizeWith the things that you do?I think that we can't change those with vacant eyes but there are those who don't know how they feel and those people will understand like many of us here have.
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Comment #48 posted by goneposthole on October 14, 2005 at 21:29:04 PT
simple, common decency
Prohibitionists should have used simple common decency from the beginning of this mess. Henry Anslinger could have been less haughty in his opinion of people of African origin.
His Holy Cloak didn't make him judge, jury and executioner.
All he is now is a rack of bones. That's what his insolence got him.He chose to show no respect for his fellow man. He was content with bearing false witness. It was a means to achieve an end. All of this 'unnatural' debasement of the human condition could have been avoided had simple common decency prevailed.Killing the messenger gains nothing. Speaking the truth can get you into hot water.Internecine battles are reserved for the Bush Cabal, the Neocons and the Republican Party. It's coming fast and hard, too.Maybe observer stepped out of bounds with regard to the lemmings comment. He's only human. However, he is free to say anything that comes to his mind. There is no limit to his brain. I prefer that all the stops are pulled.I know I've made lots and lots of mistakes. I have to pick myself up off of the ground and dust myself off when I do. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak sometimes. I won't be an Old Adam and gleefully point out somebody's faults. I've got a log in my eye. It's too heavy to pull out, even. 'Even' with a Snagglepuss tonal inflection.'To err is human, to forgive divine'To love thy neighbor as thine own self isn't easy to do.Ask a prohibitionist, they know.
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Comment #47 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 21:15:21 PT
oberver this is my favorite one from Corinthians
1 Corinthians 13Love 1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=13&version=31
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Comment #46 posted by observer on October 14, 2005 at 20:57:25 PT
''lemmings'' - too kind?
Christians who foster pain in the name of the Lord use reasoning from the OLD Testament, which in My mind is superseeded by the New Testament.Huh. And there I was, thinking that it was good to use all scripture. ''All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.'' - 2Tim.3:16-17''Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.'' 1Cor.10:11Wait ... isn't this New Testament:''But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.'' - Rev.21:8 etc.(And for those who may not know better, "lemmings" aren't mentioned in the Bible.)For those who may think my characterization of the blind followers of prohibition (or authority in general) as "lemmings" is off the mark, I'd direct their attention to things like the Milgram expirement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment
the percentage of participants who are prepared to inflict fatal voltages remains remarkably constant, between 61% and 66%
Perhaps "lemmings" is too charitable.I don't want to cause pain to people. But I shall call them just as I see them.
breaking pot news 24/7, rss, high-volume
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Comment #45 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 20:54:28 PT
Dankhank
Thank you. It is much easier for me to look forward then to look back and that's about the way I look at everything.
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Comment #44 posted by Dankhank on October 14, 2005 at 20:46:09 PT
Old/New
FoMthat's about what I meant.
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Comment #43 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 20:30:45 PT
Dankhank
I believe when we look at the Old and New Testament that the New Testament is suppose to be a fulling of the law from the Old Testament. That means that the purpose for the Old Testament isn't really as important so we should strive to do what the New Testament teaches. That's how I think about it. I hope this makes sense.
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Comment #42 posted by Dankhank on October 14, 2005 at 19:58:11 PT
Seemed so clear ...
Christians who foster pain in the name of the Lord use reasoning from the OLD Testament, which in My mind is superseeded by the New Testament."Islamic haters of Infidels" use later writings of Mohammed's that are not as compassionate as earlier writings.How much different it would be if we focused on the compassion in our religions?
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Comment #41 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 18:06:33 PT
It;s just simple common decency
You don't get respect from people if you're not willing to give it back. If you look down on people, then they have every single right in the book to look down on you.And there we'll stay. Just looking down on each other.Whatever. It sounds prety stupid to me.
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Comment #40 posted by global_warming on October 14, 2005 at 16:58:23 PT
re:Makes me feel better about having to use it
Love all of you,I wont go on about my soul,Neither your soul,
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Comment #39 posted by charmed quark on October 14, 2005 at 16:52:10 PT
Makes me feel better about having to use it
While the science is pretty strong that moderate recreational use of cannabis is safe, I worry about what may happen due to my need for long-term, frequent use of the synthetic THC. Reports like this make me feel a ltitle better.
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Comment #38 posted by global_warming on October 14, 2005 at 16:42:37 PT
sorry and sorry
Do not know what jesus would do, In spite of those nailsOn some rugged crossBeing whiteI never had a nigger "slave"Maybe it was them "joints"Cannabis, that brought meUnderstanding, CompassionLighted my next step,Just beyond what I could see,The turbulence that caught my eyeWas filled with such violence,,Took a break,Came back,Wondering,..WWJDWhat can I do
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Comment #37 posted by goneposthole on October 14, 2005 at 16:25:36 PT
irreverences
Observer's intellect provides a realistic view of prohibition. It cannot be denied. Whether or not he is being sacreligious is inconsequential.Fact is, he uses it and it can cut like a knife. Galileo saw through the Catholic Church's 'Divine Right' and was convicted of heresy because of it. He simply said that the sun was the center of the solar system and the earth revolved around it. The Catholic Church thought otherwise at the time. The Catholic Church was proven wrong and had to eat crow. http://deoxy.org/galileoc.htmGiardarno Bruno was having none of Catholicism's teachings, also. He paid the price with his life.Lincoln, who has now earned some disdain from contemporary political thinkers from the Mises Institute, did rightly observe that all men are not created equal. "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." With those words, Abraham Duncan flatly states that all men are not created equal. Some have more brains than others. J. Robert Oppenheimer had a few more than most. He also died an embittered man. McCarthyism did him in. He was branded a communist. He resented the US government until the day he died for being blacklisted.http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/04/23/MNG5I69UIJ1.DTLI do believe in a higher authority, no doubt in my mind. One look at the heavens precludes any doubt. However, to be irreverent is a fun thing to do. If God condemns me straight to Hell for being so, I'll be sorry. I'll see you all in Hell.A good friend of mine never misses Mass on Saturday at five o'clock. He also curses God with the best of them. I won't try to figure it out.My brains are starting to hurt something awful. overload.Reefer time.My time at George Washington University wasn't all wasted.I can be irreverent if I want. Ain't nobody stopping me.
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 16:08:56 PT
global_warming
Sorry I wanted to know who co-opted it after I read what it meant. That way I would have understood the point that Dankhank was making. I still am trying to figure it out.
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 16:06:10 PT
Dankhank
Thanks. Like what Nancy or Andy said on Weeds!
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Comment #34 posted by global_warming on October 14, 2005 at 16:04:18 PT
re:comments
You never explained or communicated, what you found, and how it was understood by you.The green plants in our world, can never be dominated by the Judges, Lawyers, DEA and and all those fathful "Law" Enforcement Peace Officers, for under the Next Rock may hide some new High, that Will Ultimately bring "all" of us, to a better understanding and closer to our souls, and those "minds" that have yet not caught the draft, that blows all so much closer, that we will be that Light, that Forever, Lights and Stand in Testament, the Holy Spirit, can never be denied, this spirit is in the building, be good to your children,..
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Comment #33 posted by Dankhank on October 14, 2005 at 15:55:22 PT
WWJD
What Would Jesus Do?the "Christians" used it ...was a minor phenom a couple of years ago...
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 15:37:19 PT
global_warming
You're welcome but I don't know why it's illuminating.
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Comment #31 posted by global_warming on October 14, 2005 at 15:28:30 PT
Thanks Fom
Your last post was very illuminating,..WWJD?
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 14:59:57 PT
Dankhank
I had to look up what WWJD means. Who co-opted it?
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Comment #29 posted by Dan B on October 14, 2005 at 14:49:09 PT
This explains everything!
Because of this study, we now have strong evidence for the reason why followers of the prohibitionists are the followers that they are: they actually, clinically have less brain power than those of us who enrich our lives with cannabis! Now that we have proof of our superior intellect (not to mention superior health, both mentally and physically), I hope that the rest of the earthlings will start listening to our wisdom.Of course, the staunch neo-cons will immediately see cannabis as even more evil than they had originally suspected. Heaven forbid that the masses be allowed to increase their own brain power! That goes against every scheme that they have pulled (such as "No Child Left Behind") to curb intelligent thought in this country.Dan B
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Comment #28 posted by global_warming on October 14, 2005 at 14:48:49 PT
The rain has stopped
Waiting for the high tide,..Here in NJ, there is NJWeedMan who is running for governor in the state of NJ.http://njweedman.com/NJWEEDMAN say's:
I'VE STOPPED BITCHIN ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENTs WAR ON US
"I'M TRYING TO START A REEFER REVOLUTION""LYNCHING"Is done differently today!The "war on drugs" has replaced JIM CROW. For a Black man to speak-out against the drug war can be just as dangerous as speaking out against Jim Crow segregation in 1964!spARk A REEfER REvoLUtIoN!
spARk A REEfER REvoLUtIoN!
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Comment #27 posted by Dankhank on October 14, 2005 at 14:16:06 PT
Old and New
From here I see a common problem with the adherants of Islam AND Christianity.Mohammad's words have a old, more forgiving, section and a later, more angry, section.Christianity has the Old Testament, angrier, and the New Testament, the story of Jesus, loving, compassionate.Activists in each religion focus on the "Angrier" writings to bolster every harm done to a human being they can imagine, and complete.WWJD means a thing and look who co-opted it ... the more active ,,, they use it on one hand and use the other hand to slap-down any who dare to differ with their misshaped beliefs.It's 4:20
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 13:56:49 PT
Old Versus New
I don't use scripture from the Old Testament because it's angry but the New Testament is hopeful. I have faith that things will get better and the New Testament re-enforces hope for a better tomorrow to me.
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Comment #25 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 13:11:45 PT
observer it's too hateful for me to believe
"E_Johnson: I hope you're correct. I'd love to be wrong about that one. "I'm wondering whether that's true, actually. Maybe you like feeling superior to the rest of the world. Maybe you just have contempt for normal people. If that's the case, then it's sacrilege for you to use the Bible to defend your point of view.
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 12:12:42 PT
Actually...
I know there are many people here with really bad ailments and sicknesses...I've just had a few bouts of common sicknesses. Steve Tuck's dreadful situation comes to mind...and he's DEFINITELY a part of our group. I know we have several legal patients from California, too. They are suffering from cancer, Aids, MS, chronic pain and all sorts of horrible things. My little sufferings just serve to remind me of all the greater suffering out there caused by prohibitionists.
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Comment #23 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 11:59:07 PT
Chicken soup
I'm sure glad it's not against the law. First thing I've eaten since breakfast Wednesday. Mmmm..Mmmm good.
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Comment #22 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 11:49:09 PT
Observer
I sure was wishing for input from Observer when we had the "Jake thread" fiasco over at the Drug War Victims page. Jake said he never, ever even tried cannabis and that we were all a bunch of stupid "dopers". Keeping this article in mind and reading that thread is just more proof of the theory that lack of cannabinoids, as in Jake's case, can lead to a sort of "stunting" effect on the brain.
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 11:28:34 PT
"Observer, you have too many brain cells"
Lol!He is smart, isn't he?
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Comment #20 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 11:24:54 PT
Maybe it's because no one else mentions
when they're sick, but it looks to me like the one of us that probably "avoids" cannabis the most, me...so I can feel braver about speaking out is the "sickliest" of us all as a group.I had a wisdom tooth pulled day before yesterday...but I don't think that's what made me sick. Somehow it caused another attack from that dang Leviquin, which apparently will lurk in my system for as long as two years. It was just like the Levaquin sickness all over again. It's strange stuff with strange, weird side effects, so strange that it's recognizable. I lost nearly ten pounds in one heinous day. Sweat was gushing from every pore of my body. Then freezing...then sweating. I thought about Peter McWilliams alot...from my nest of blanket and towels on the bathroom floor hugging my puke bucket. I couldn't raise my head or turn it sometimes and had been dry heaving for so long that sometimes I didn't even try to raise my head trying to hit the bucket anymore. I thought about Peter a lot.
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Comment #19 posted by goneposthole on October 14, 2005 at 11:12:03 PT
Observer, you have too many brain cells
Your spot on analysis is always appreciated. Keep up the good work.What are the prohibitionists going to say to St. Peter when he goes through the long list of lies that they perpetrated while on this mortal plane? They will have lots of 'splainin' to do to their maker. So-called 'intelligent design' is proving to be not so intelligent and not much of a design.Science seems to have the upperhand and looks like it has the trump card, too.
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Comment #18 posted by observer on October 14, 2005 at 11:07:21 PT
lemmings
E_Johnson: I hope you're correct. I'd love to be wrong about that one.
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Comment #17 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 10:58:51 PT
observer
"Yet prohibitionists need not be worried; most lemmings will always obey them without thinking. "I think the Lord will maketh this knowledge foolish too.
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Comment #16 posted by siege on October 14, 2005 at 10:47:10 PT
**LET"S all slow down for a few**
what happen if the village idiot thinks he can hurt more with this. By sending the Jack_Boots out to get every state and person they can, and if some get Killed so what better for him, in his mind.{{ It is a good thing that this come out in the open yes yes}}, You still have the dark forces of the gov. that can be Physically repelling. SORRY, Art.
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Comment #15 posted by GreenJoy on October 14, 2005 at 09:46:03 PT
YEP
What a bunch of lucky rats. Hey, I want some of that 100 times stronger stuff. I be like some kinda Superman. BA DA! It's...
ReeferMan. LOL, sorry, couldn't resist. Feel better Hope! GJ
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Comment #14 posted by observer on October 14, 2005 at 09:32:33 PT
Pot Prohibition Liars Frustrated, Again
Forget the stereotype about dopey potheads. It seems marijuana could be good for your brain.''I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish...'' - Isaiah 44Government/politicians/police and other powerful vested interests make up lies about pot as fast as they can talk. But there is One who frustrates the tokens of those who lie about cannabis. Prohibitionists screamed that pot would cause cancer, because they hoped it would be so. But the opposite turned out to be true. Prohibitionists promised us that pot killed brains, because if true, that would make for good propaganda. But the opposite turned out to be true. Yet prohibitionists need not be worried; most lemmings will always obey them without thinking.
pot news 24/7, high-volume news feeds
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 09:24:30 PT
Hope
Cannabis is good medicine. I hope they get it real soon.I am sorry to read you aren't feeling well.
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Comment #12 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 09:22:43 PT
So....
What prohibitionists have called the "evil" weed makes cancer cells die and good brain cells increase? Good news. Good news.
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 09:10:00 PT
Related Article from Foodconsumer.org
Marijuana Induces Brain Cell Growth, Combat DepressionBy John RobertsOctober 14, 2005
Canadian researchers discovered that a cannabis-like chemical found in marijuana stimulates brain cell growth and helps fight anxiety and depression, according to a study released Oct. 13, 2005.The finding is in sharp contrast with the common belief that abuse or chronic use of additive drugs inhibit the growth of new brain cells, cause memory loss and impair learning, among other problems. In this respect, marijuana may not be such an ordinary additive drug. Researchers cautioned that marijuana may be the only exception among the additive drugs.In the study, researchers injected a high dose of a cannabis-like or cannabinoid chemical in rats twice a day for ten days and observed as the chemical promoted the growth of new brain cells or neurons – a process known as neurogenesis in the hippocampus.The hippocampus is the part of the brain that keeps generating new cells or neurons throughout one's lifetime. The hippocampus is associated with memory, depression and mood disorders.In addition, researchers performed tests on rats and proved that cannabinoids have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effect. Rats treated with the marijuana compound twice a day for ten days had reduced anxiety and/or depression.The researchers suggest that there is a positive correlation between increased generation of new brain cells or neurons and modified behavior following chronic cannabinoid treatment.Although the study used a high dosage of a synthetic cannabinoid found in marijuana, smoking marijuana may have the same effect, according to the researchers. However, researchers are uncertain how much marijuana one should smoke to achieve the same effect.Use of marijuana is common in many countries. "Cannabis (marijuana, hashish or cannabinoids) has been used for medical and recreational purpose for many centuries," researchers wrote in their article. "Cannabinoids appear to be able to modulate pain, nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, cerebral trauma, multiple sclerosis, tumors, and other disorders in humans and or animals."Researchers suggest that the marijuana chemical may be used to fight anxiety and depression.The study was conducted by Dr. Xia Zhang and colleagues at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. The study appeared online on October 13 in advance of print publication of the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.Copyright: 2004-2005 by foodconsumer.orghttp://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Marijuana_induces_brain_cell_growth_combat_depression.shtml
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on October 14, 2005 at 08:58:25 PT
lol!
I'm laughing out loud.I'm sick....too sick to comment much...but this laugh will do me good!
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Comment #9 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 08:55:55 PT
How Cheech and Chong got us into this mess
When you call something stupid "wisdom" then it means that you're not very wise yourself.Journalists have traded on the power of having a group they are allowed to mock without mercy. It's no longer okay to bash the intelligence of blacks or women, but since Cheech and Chong, it's been okay to make people laugh by insulting the intelligence of marijuana users.They should title this story: Cheech and Chong Were Wrong
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Comment #8 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 08:50:11 PT
The litmus test story
This brain building story is a good way to see the difference between BBC and the rest of journalism.Notice that BBC spat the story out like they'd been chewing ground glass.The Globe and Mail actually shows some interest in the science.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on October 14, 2005 at 08:46:56 PT
Related Article from The Scientist
Cannabinoids Boost Neurogenesis?New study suggests the chemicals may also act as anxiolytics and antidepressants.By Graciela Flores Cannabinoids promote neurogenesis in embryonic and adult rats, and produce anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects, according to a new report in the current issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation. The effects appear to contradict those seen from other studied drugs of abuse, the authors note."Most drugs of abuse such as nicotine, heroine, and cocaine suppress neurogenesis in these cells, but the effects of cannabinoids weren't clear. We show that cannabinoids, in fact, promote neurogenesis," study author Xia Zhang of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, told The Scientist.During the study, Zhang and his colleagues analyzed the effect of the synthetic cannabinoid HU210, an agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1, on neural progenitor cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. They found that HU210 increased cell proliferation in vitro, and did so in vivo after chronic treatment. Antidepressants produce a similar pattern of cell proliferation, inspiring the authors to examine the influence of HU210 on behavior, explained Ronald Duman of Yale University School of Medicine in an Email.The authors measured anxiety and depression using a novelty-suppressed feeding test and a forced swimming test. They found that, indeed, HU210 produced effects similar to those of antidepressants and anxiolytics.Furthermore, irradiating the hippocampus blocked the agonist's effects on both neurogenesis and behavior. "This provided further support for CB1 induction of neurogenesis at a functional level," explained Duman, who did not participate in the study. HU210, like antidepressants, may produce antidepressant and anxiolytic effects by promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus, the authors note.Although Duman found the paper "interesting and potentially promising," he advised caution in interpreting the results. "There is limited clinical evidence demonstrating that cannabinoid administration produces an antidepressant response. Thus, it's difficult to conclude that the current studies indicate and support a therapeutic action of CB1 agonists," he said.Duman said he's also cautious about the behavioral findings, because the novelty suppressed feeding paradigm is an anxiety model, not a depression model. In addition, the forced swim test is a test for antidepressants that is responsive to acute antidepressant treatment, he noted, not chronic administration. He added that he believes the authors also did not conduct a sufficient number of controls to demonstrate that irradiation decreased neurogenesis and blocked behavioral effects, without additionally damaging hippocampal neurons and cells in other brain regions."This criticism is reasonable," replied Zhang. "I'm fully aware that there are no reliable clinical studies available that examine the effects of cannabinoid on mood, but the test for antidepressants mentioned in our paper has been successfully used by several groups to examine the chronic effects," he said. Zhang added that he and his colleagues followed published control methods.Amelia Eisch of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who was not involved in the research, found the paper "intriguing." She said she was particularly interested in the correlation between the neurogenesis findings and the behavioral effects, and the promise that HU210 may serve as a novel antidepressant. "It is especially exciting to have a study challenge the hypothesis that all drugs of abuse decrease neurogenesis," said Eisch. "That being said, I think it remains to be seen how relevant these findings are for addiction. It's not at all clear whether HU210 is an addicting drug in these animals."In a 2001 paper, Zhang and his colleagues confirmed previous findings that chronic HU210 injection produces dependence in rodents, but for Eisch, dependence is just one aspect of addiction. "This paper urges examination of the 'rewarding' or enforcing properties of HU210. Such information would provide tantalizing insight into how drugs of abuse regulate adult neurogenesis."Eisch added that this study also raises the question of how vasculature is involved in regulating adult neurogenesis and the correlated behavioral effects. "There is some evidence that cannabinoids can cause vessel relaxation, and thus increase blood-flow. Maybe the effect they are seeing (on neurogenesis) is secondary to an effect on the vasculature," said Eisch. "The role of the vasculature is an issue for to everyone in neurogenesis research these days."Copyright: 2005 The Scientisthttp://www.the-scientist.com/news/20051014/01
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Comment #6 posted by kaptinemo on October 14, 2005 at 08:30:41 PT:
That's part of the reason why I called attention
to the article: naked shock value of pleasant, responsible use being portrayed honestly. Take THAT, you stuck-up, tight-arsed, joyless old f rts of antis! In your face! I hope it sticks in your craw and you need a heimlich...and nobody helps!
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Comment #5 posted by CorvallisEric on October 14, 2005 at 08:15:11 PT
Check out the photo
http://tinyurl.com/bboqmIt's also on the main page (link at the top of this page where it says "Source: Globe and Mail"). Can't imagine seeing that in an American daily.
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Comment #4 posted by E_Johnson on October 14, 2005 at 08:13:44 PT
Bush bet on the wrong horse
The more science dscovers about marijuana, the more Bush will be dragged down by his own lies.
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Comment #3 posted by Zandor on October 14, 2005 at 08:03:26 PT
HU-210, which is similar, but 100 times as potent
For the good of mankind I volunteer for human experimental trials. I do have about 25 years experience where do I sign up?
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Comment #2 posted by CorvallisEric on October 14, 2005 at 08:01:15 PT
Misc trivia
Just thought I'd preserve one of the readers' comments on this article at the Globe and Mail:Wow, im in Civics class and people are talking about this, I would like it legal but then its no fun to do. If its legal the there would still be rules with it, I prefer marijuana rather than smokes. Personally I don't like smoking, but thats my opinon. Anyways I think if it was ever legalized there would have to be some rules for ages.Also, from the article: The team injected laboratory rats with a synthetic substance called HU-210, which is similar, but 100 times as potent as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for giving marijuana users a high.100 times. Really? That makes the dosage similar to LSD. I think 10 milligrams is the biggest Marinol (oral THC capsule), so at 100 times the potency, a large HU210 dose should be around 100 micrograms - and much lower if vaporized, etc.
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Comment #1 posted by paulpeterson on October 14, 2005 at 08:00:24 PT:
Somethings we have all known for years
We all knew, deep inside our hearts, that those "kills brain cell" lies were lies. We all knew, from careful, repeat experimentation and observation of effects over years of N of 1 trials, each, on hisself or herself, that this stuff is a potent anti-inflammatory and such.Scientists at Cornell first proved, in 1999, that each human is capable of producing new brain cells in the hippo, some adults as many as thousands per day. Bird scientists have known longer that the canary produces new brain cells to learn a new song.After much internet study as well, I worked out the Alzheimer's riddle, wrote an article about how marijuana must dissolve the Beta Amyloid particles-then a guy proved how marijuana protects against Bet Amyloids as well.Then my mom got Alzheimer's and I saw firsthand just how potent some tea could be (20 day trial-immediate response first cup after 20 minutes!). She called me 11 months later to advise that the "fog & cloud" had returned. One cup did it that time (and since).Of course, I lost my law license because they wouldn't believe me about the anxiety and depression treatment benefits. (Four years later, ah).The walls are crumbling faster and faster. Remember, in Illinois we now have 15 towns that have decriminalized and issue mere parking tickets (mostly $50-some of the new recruits down south are gouging to $500 or so, similar to Daley's revenue source-plan for Chicago).This is some nice wind in the sails, though. PAUL PETERSONTO THE PEOPLE THAT RUN THIS SITE: THIS INFORMATION THAT YOU PROVIDE SO TIMELY HAS BEEN OF EXCELLENT USE TO ME IN MY RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY IN ILLINOIS. Thank you for all the efforts you put into it's upkeep and broadinging. Over and Out from the Land of Lincoln.
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