Pot, dope, weed, marijuana. There are different names for the same thing that comes from marijuana seeds. You can vape it, smoke it, drink cannabis, and even eat it.
Some people believe that cannabis can cause brain damage and kill its cells. However, growing research indicates that this is a myth. Even doctors are now prescribing marijuana for several medical conditions and to alleviate their symptoms.
Studies Reveal New Facts About Cannabis
Researchers and scientists of the Society for Neuroscience came together in San Diego for their 2018 annual meeting. In this meeting, the results of as many as 6 studies were published that looked deeply into the long-term impact of using cannabis on various aspects of health. The researchers found that –
When rats were exposed to the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound of cannabis, they showed a better ability to deal with stress.
Brain circuit activity, which is responsible for forming habits, improved when adolescent rats were administered cannabinoids.
There was also a marked improvement in decision making, planning, and self-control in the adolescent rats because of cannabinoid use.
Long-term cannabinoid uses improved metabolism and brain connectivity in adult mice, which lead to better learning and memory skills.
There was significant memory improvement in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease. They lose fewer cells in the brain. The researchers noted that this could have an important implication even for Alzheimer's in humans.
When you use the best quality Herbies Seeds and focus on good germination, use the right soil, feeding, watering, lighting, and ventilation techniques, you will get high-quality cannabis that offers many health benefits. For example, it can cure Crohn's disease, Glaucoma, Epilepsy, eating disorders, diseases that affect our immune system like Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and even some types of cancer. In addition, Cannabidiol or CBD is a therapeutic compound you will find in cannabis. It can also quell anxiety and panic attacks in many people.
Cannabis and Neurogenesis
The process of formation of new neurons is called neurogenesis. It improves our brain functions, especially relating to memory and learning.
This is an ongoing process but is most active when the baby is still within the womb. However, the researchers have now found that the neurons continue forming even as we age. It is, however, at a lower intensity and rate compared to our younger years.
What is the relationship between neurogenesis and cannabis?
The natural endocannabinoid system of our body helps the neurogenesis process. Cannabinoid alters the brain's overall functioning. When delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is introduced, the CB1 receptor of the body gets activated in the central nervous system and brain. This process prevents the pro-inflammatory chemical release, which is one major cause of neurogenerative disease.
Cannabinoids in marijuana work like antiaging molecules within the brain. They trigger the areas that can modulate neural activity. Also, CBD is another primary cannabinoid in cannabis. It offers many therapeutic benefits. Many researchers say that it can offset temporary memory loss and may also be useful for treating Huntington's disease, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
Cannabis and Neural Activity
A study established that cannabinoids can produce more hippocampal neurons, which causes antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects. According to a report published by the reputed Scientific American journal, cannabinoid keeps our bodily systems in balance. Thus, it will suppress neurotoxicity and activity when there is far too much neural activity within us.
Studies have also revealed that contrary to what many used to think, marijuana consumption doesn't cause any permanent brain damage, even if it is taken over the long term. There is no dramatic or permanent alteration in the brain makeup. A study carried out in 2015 could not find any association between the use of marijuana and adverse effects in the body's subcortical structures or shape measurements.
Helps Us Acquire, Process Knowledge
On the contrary, it was discovered that cannabis might actually enhance the way we process and acquire knowledge. McLean Hospital, affiliated with the Harvard Medical School, carried out its own study in 2016 and found that marijuana actually helps adults improve their functioning. Researchers looked at the cognitive functioning of adults 3 to 12 months after they were administered marijuana treatment. The patients were able to do their cognitive tasks better after they were given this treatment. There was an impressive improvement in performance.
So they concluded by noting that there were no serious cognitive disabilities among marijuana consumers. In fact, there could be many benefits like easier learning and improved memory retention. It certainly seems to boost brain functions.
Other Health Benefits of Marijuana
Not just brain function, legal cannabis has positive effects in many other areas. Evidence suggests that it can be an effective treatment for chronic pain and the side effects of chemotherapy like nausea, for example.
Der Schmerz, a journal from Germany, published the result of a clinical study where it was mentioned that dronabinol, an oral medication developed from marijuana, provided relief to patients above the age of 80 years and suffering from acute pain. Furthermore, the same group of researchers analyzed 1200 cancer patients who were given medical marijuana regularly. They reported that more than 95% of the patients reported an impressive reduction in their symptoms.
The use of legal cannabis is growing throughout the world. The scientific community still doesn't clearly understand how cannabis causes many of the reported health benefits. But clinical evidence that is coming out clearly indicates that it benefits the brain, improves health, and many of our bodily functions.
