According to a new study, chemicals in marijuana can repair and
stimulate the growth of brain cells and possibly make a person smarter.
This revolutionary research can possibly pave the way for a more pot
friendly public. This study was published in the latest issue of the
journal Neurochemistry International.
Contrary to the public’s belief, a person’s brain, in fact, does not
stop growing after reaching adulthood. This is due to the process of
neuroplasticity. This organic engineering process is the way in which
people take in and remember information. Even more specific than that is
the process of neurogenesis.
Neurogenesis is the process that is enacted by the brain to generate
neurons from stem cells within itself to create a better
nerro-connection within someone’s brain. This process is most prevalent
during the growth of fetus.
The study revealed that a chemical substance in marijuana,
cannabichromene (CBC), has the ability to spark the creation of neurons.
Neural stem cells in the brain are now proven to develop into neuron
connections when combined with CBC in marijuana. Moreover, the chemical
was reported to ramp up the practicality of developing adult neural stem
progenitor cells (NSPC) into more and better connection within the
brain.Unlike the developing brain of a pre-natal human, neurogenesis
happens in one select part of brain that is most essential for learning
and memory: the hippocampus. This area of the brain is also responsible
for regulating the limbic system, which controls emotion. Though, the
hippocampus is mainly utilized for long-term memory and also spatial
navigation, which allows a person to gauge distance and differentiate
between peripheral objects. Previous studies on neurons have shown that
the brain is able to create nearly 5,000 new cells every day, but this
number goes down as a person grows older.
The research team that conducted the study stated the stem cells that
are used in the neurogenesis process are one of the most important
components of the brain. Diseases like Alzheimer’s and mental illnesses
like depression and bipolar disorder are most likely the result of a
declining neurogenesis process.
Another study done on neuron re-growth with marijuana, published in the latest issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, suggested
that CBC and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) act as an anti-oxidant
cleansing for brain. The THC coats the neurons in a sort of healing
blanket. This allows for the disposal of damaged cells, improving the
efficiency of the brain, and making room for more neurons to be
developed. The research team also found that one of the most important
factors is that both chemicals in marijuana make the mitochondria in
brain cells work at a faster pace, making them more energy efficient,
leading to a better functioning, smarter person.
Dr. Xia Jiana conducted a similar study on the correlation between
amounts of CBC and THC in the brain and neurogenesis. Jiana found that
most abusive drugs like cocaine, heroin, psychedelics, and amphetamines
suppress neurogenesis. However, marijuana seems to promote it.
Even though this study was done on stem cells from rodents, the
researchers believe that further studies on marijuana preparation will
unearth more indications that marijuana has potential benefits that can
rejuvenate the growth of neurons and make people smarter. Future studies
on the qualities of marijuana that make make people smarter could allow
for less strict laws on the possession and use of the drug. |