Posted on 04/19/2003 3:26:12 PM PDT by Sir Gawain
19 April 2003
Cannabis, the third most popular recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco, could win a new role as the aspirin of the 21st century, with growing evidence that its compounds may protect the brain against the damaging effects of ageing.
Although the drug distorts perception and affects short-term memory, it may also help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntingdon's and motor neurone diseases. Scientists at the Institute of Neurology in Queens Square, London, say the "huge potential" of cannabis compounds is emerging, as understanding of its biological and pharmacological properties improves.
Professor Alan Thompson and his colleagues wrote in Lancet Neurology: "Basic research is discovering interesting members of this family of compounds that have previously unknown qualities, the most notable of which is the capacity for neuroprotection."
The results of two trials in patients with multiple sclerosis are expected this summer and the first cannabis-based medicines are being considered for licensing. None of them will have the psychoactive properties of the raw drug when smoked or ingested.
Professor Thompson's team says: "Even if the results of these studies are not as positive as many expect them to be, that we are only just beginning to appreciate the huge therapeutic potential of this family of compounds is clear."
Cannabis was thought to affect the cells like alcohol by seeping through the cell membrane. But in 1990 the first cannabinoid receptor was found, which revolutionised the study of cannabinoid biology. The discovery revealed an endogenous system of cannabinoid receptors, similar to the opioid system, to which the drug bound when it was ingested. Just as endorphins are the body's natural equivalent of heroin, a fatty acid called anandamide (Sanskrit for "inner bliss") is the natural equivalent of cannabis.
The natural system of cannabinoid receptors plays a role in maintaining the balance of chemicals in the brain which regulate the rate at which neurons fire. By altering this system, scientists believe it may be possible to slow or prevent the process of brain decay. David Baker, lead author of the Lancet review and senior lecturer at the Institute of Neurology, said: "Alzheimer's disease is the result of very slow degeneration caused by the death of nerve cells. We probably don't see symptoms until 30 to 40 per cent of the nerve cells have died. Something regulates this decay and if we could slow it by even a small fraction we might delay by a decade the point where someone loses their memory."
But cannabis is a double-edged sword, with potentially damaging side effects. "It may be possible to develop drugs that allow selective targeting of different areas of the brain and spinal cord and there may be a way of limiting the negative effects," Dr Baker said.
A study by Dr Baker and colleagues, in which the natural system of cannabinoid receptors was removed in mice, showed that the rate of nerve loss was increased, indicating its role in preserving brain function. The study, which has been accepted for publication in a medical journal, "really clinches the argument", Dr Baker said.
He added: "Cannabis has gone from the drawing board into trials in record time, largely because of patient pressure. Hopefully it will work and be acceptably safe."
And what is the justification for any taxes on Marijuana? And why should the users pay for the idiocy of the War on Drugs? They should be receiving reparations from the drug warriors. Every congressman, state legislator, police department, prosecutor and prison employee that made money from the War on Drugs should be assessed for damages to drug users that have had any contact with the criminal justice system (or civil forfeiture)as a result of the WOD.
And when "robertpaulsen" becomes a widely published, circulated and quoted feature editor for one of Britain's top ten newspapers, then you can get back to me. In the meantime, save the drug-addled and juvenile responses for some one who cares.
--Boot Hill
save the drug-addled and juvenile responses for some one who cares.
Questioning the almighty "Google method" for proving one's love for pot seems a bit less juvenile than ad hominems, to some. But then, I guess you're not someone who cares.
You might want to check your usage of that term. I specifically attacked your response, not you, hence, it was not ad hominem. If you took it as an ad hominem attack, maybe it's because I struck too close to home.
--Boot Hill
--Boot Hill
"Basic research is discovering interesting members of this family of compounds that have previously unknown qualities, the most notable of which is the capacity for neuroprotection."Notice they are not researching the benefits of cannabis when smoked (or promoting that use), but measuring the potential of various substances in it.
I think we agree on that!
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