Why Marijuana is Bad for Memory

Marijuana's major psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was studied on its effects on neurons and other brain cells by a team of scientists from Canada, China, France, Spain and the United States. The team found that THC affects the neurons in easing pain in patients but at the same time carries a side-effect resulting to impaired memory. The side effect of the drug was observed on astrogalia, support cells of the neurons.

Astroglial cells support, protect and feed neurons, and recent evidence shows that these cells play a more active role in forging the connections from one neuron to another. The researchers believe that by separating these two parts of the drug would render marijuana to be beneficial for treating pain, seizures and other ailments without hurting memory. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the components of the plant could lead to future discoveries in treating neural disease such as Alzheimer's.

View the original article at http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=34370.