Smoking marijuana doesn't permanently harm the brain: study

[Lunatic Fringe]

Smoking marijuana doesn't permanently harm the brain: study

Fri Jun 27, 7:00 PM ET

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Smoking marijuana does not cause long term harm to the brain, researchers from the University of California in San Diego found.

The findings, concluded from 15 different studies using well-educated young people to assess the long term impact of the drug on adults' neurocognitive abilities, will be published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society's July edition.

"We were interested in the question of safety from a neurological point of view" of users of marijuana over a long period of time, said Igor Gray, a professor of psychiatry who led the study.

According to the results, though marijuana causes short term harm to memory and learning -- part of the brain's selective memory functions -- it does not cause permanent brain damage.

"If there is an effect it is very small," Gray said.

The state of California approved a law in 1996 that allows physicians to prescribe cannabis for some patients. A number of US studies currently underway are examining the effects of cannabis and its use as a medicinal drug.

Some 704 frequent users of marijuana took part in the survey, as well as 500 people who had never tried it.

AFP/File Photo

[muawiyah]

If it's not MJ then it's something else that had those people foolishly elect Gray Davis.

[corkoman]

Dont tell this to Dane, he will be deeply saddened

[battlegearboat]

Bong!

[Just mythoughts]

Oh really, well one can't have too many brain cells to begin with to "USE" so they have none to spare.

The study does not address how many brain cells one starts with prior to "USING" to determine how many are left undamaged after altering those cells.

[battlegearboat]

I agree...

Just look what it did to William F. Buckley Jr.

[Lunatic Fringe]

So you think a good test to determine brain damage is to count the cells? I dont think that is how it is done.

BTW, I smoke marijuana, have done so since I was 16. And I am getting a degree in computer engineering. I dont think it is any more harmful than alcohol.

[Vermont Lt]

I havent smoked pot in 25 years....but I would in a second if it were legalized. I liked the feeling much better than downing a cool beer.

It didnt turn me into a dealer or hard core user. It just made me order pizzas and eat fritos.

[Just mythoughts]

Something to be very proud of. So you can still read and write, there is more to your brain that the ability to take information in.

There is the part of the brain that is who you really are that part that you seem to need to hide from.

[Lunatic Fringe]

The myths of marijuana users are greatly exaggerated. Just like users of alcohol, there are idiots and there are smart people. It's all in how you handle yourself when you choose to alter your mind with ANY drug. These beer guzzlers are hypocrites. I'd rather hang out with someone smoking pot than a loud obnoxious drunk.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Something to be very proud of. So you can still read and write, there is more to your brain that the ability to take information in.

You're right- there is the part that recalls information. I work for a large retailer, and manage a network of 300 computers responsible for controlling and distributing $2 billion worth of merchandise every quarter.

[muawiyah]

Truly amazing that you are getting a degree in computer science. Frankly I am astounded at your having given up, at age 16, the idea that you could be the world's foremost brain surgeon.

[Just mythoughts]

Spoke like a true addict. Anytime you choose to alter your mind you give up the ability to make honest choices.

An altered brain by any substance takes away ones ability to maintain honesty.

[battlegearboat]

Just curious...

Have you ever had you're brain altered?

[Billthedrill]

This one went 500 posts yesterday. Nothing decided then either, just a bunch of stupid sniping from folks with their minds already made up. Pity.

[Just mythoughts]

Recollection of data, taking in data, remembering data, now if that is the most that you have an awareness of what the brain is given for already shows damage.

That state of mind you go into when you "USE" helps you escape from the reality of what is going on around you. Just like a drunk who drinks to escape those things they refuse to face.

There are enough humans already on this earth who by no choice of their own do not have the ability to face reality, the earth and country needs no willing participants.

[Just mythoughts]

Now that is an interesting question.

Was given a prescription for pain that left me in a cloud, yet still felt the pain, I don't remember its long name but I refused to keep taking it.

Lies, fakes and frauds I have come in contact with have altered my brain as well, found a need to try and keep my brain aware of my surroundings.

And you?

[Lunatic Fringe]

I never try to escape reality. Your preconceptions of people who smoke are clear. You see a drug user as someone who cant hold a job, or be a productive member of society.

How is casually marijuana use any different from the casual drinker?

[Roscoe]

The state of California approved a law in 1996 that allows physicians to prescribe cannabis for some patients.

No, it didn't.

[headsonpikes]

Although it may well be true that some people smoke marijuana to escape reality, the effect of the drug is contrary to that naive expectation. Most users report an increase in attentiveness, not a 'trip'.

Opium, and its derivatives, would be a better choice for those seeking such escape. Or perhaps some of the psychedelics...I don't know.

What 'state of mind' in particular does a marijuana user go into, do you suppose? How do you think it might differ from the state of mind of a straight person, or a person who's consumed a half-bottle, or bottle, or two bottles of wine?

Or the state of mind of someone taking prescription psycho-active medication?

IMO, marijuana has a relatively mild effect compared to almost anything but a double scotch!

I think it diminishes the necessary dignity of government to have it chasing around after 'wacky tabaccy'; like a broad comic routine, the brutal but bumbling Narcs are constantly outwitted by a motley array of oddballs and scamps.

'Infra dignitatum' is the concept, I believe.