http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/marijuana/ Medical research on marijuana. How does marijuana affect the brain? What are some of the risks? Could ingredients in marijuana treat disease? Read this and more. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/marijuana/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104091726.htm Use of cannabinoids (marijuana) could assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder patients, according to a new study. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104091726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101538.htm Last year the UK government reclassified cannabis from a class C to a class B drug, partly out of concerns that cannabis, especially the more potent varieties, may increase the risk of schizophrenia in young people. But the evidence for the relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia or psychosis remains controversial. A new study has determined that it may be necessary to stop thousands of cannabis users in order to prevent a single case of schizophrenia. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm New research looks at the specific ways parents and peers influence teenagers to smoke, drink and use marijuana in combination. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929012259.htm In a new paper, a team of researchers from Australia and the US makes the case for estimating the role that cannabis has worldwide as a risk factor for psychosis. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929012259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911212404.htm The endocannabinoids occurring naturally in the human body are closely related to the active ingredients of the cannabis plant. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years, for example to treat chronic pain. However, the fact that the endocannabinoids produced by the body itself can also be involved in the origin of pain is the astonishing result of new studies. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911212404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142341.htm Scientists investigating the effects of cannabis on bone health have found that its impact varies dramatically with age. Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813170848.htm Experiments with rodents and humans have shown that cannabinoids, the active ingredients of marijuana, can actually amplify and prolong pain rather than damping it down. This discovery has implications both for the use of marijuana in pain relief and for basic understanding of the connection between transient and chronic pain. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813170848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803123240.htm Memory loss associated with marijuana use is caused by the drug's interference with the brain's natural protein synthesis machinery, according to a new study by European researchers. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803123240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706090440.htm Injections of THC, the active principle of cannabis, eliminate dependence on opiates (morphine, heroin) in rats deprived of their mothers at birth. The findings could lead to therapeutic alternatives to existing substitution treatments. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706090440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm Using a highly sensitive new test, scientists are reporting "convincing evidence" that marijuana smoke damages the genetic material DNA in ways that could increase the risk of cancer. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529081627.htm Those in the United States living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to use marijuana than those in Kenya, South Africa or Puerto Rica to alleviate their symptoms, according to a new study. Fri, 29 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529081627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514101937.htm Our feelings in our lifetime can affect our children. A wide range of chemicals that our brain generates when we are in different moods could affect 'germ cells' (eggs and sperm), the cells that ultimately produce the next generation. Such natural chemicals could affect the way that specific genes are expressed in the germ cells, and hence how a child develops. Thu, 14 May 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514101937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422191724.htm When legal therapies let them down, some teens turn to cannabis. A new study suggests that around a third of teens who smoke cannabis on a regular basis use it as a medication, rather than as a means of getting high. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422191724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422103732.htm A national study of data collected over 12 years finds that delinquent teens marry earlier than their peers, while substance-abusing teens -- especially girls who abuse marijuana -- marry later than peers, if at all. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422103732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420151240.htm Scientists have discovered that the brain manufactures proteins that act like marijuana at specific receptors in the brain itself. This discovery may lead to new marijuana-like drugs for managing pain, stimulating appetite and preventing marijuana abuse. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420151240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419133830.htm In earlier studies, researchers had found that estrogen -- or more precisely, having ovaries -- made adult rats exposed for the first time to THC, the primary ingredient in marijuana and hashish, less sensitive to THC's negative effects on tests of learning and memory. A new study finds that when rats are first exposed to THC during the equivalent of adolescence, however, estrogen loses its protective effect. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419133830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406102557.htm Patients with schizophrenia are able to correctly see through an illusion known as the 'hollow mask' illusion, probably because their brain disconnects "what the eyes see" from what "the brain thinks it is seeing," according to researchers. The findings shed light on why cannabis users may also be less deceived by the illusion whilst on the drug. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406102557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181217.htm Cannabinoids such as the main active component of marijuana have anticancer effects on human brain cancer cells, according to new research. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325190342.htm Scientists have discovered a new molecular mechanism for the processing of endocannabinoids, brain compounds similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and essential in physiological processes such as pain, appetite, and memory. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325190342.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325132328.htm A study carried out in Spain has analyzed the characteristics of the psychosis provoked by the continuous consumption of cannabis. The research was carried out with a sample of 92 patients with episodes of psychosis, and confirmed that, in those patients with a normal neuronal development who suffered psychotic episodes, 66 percent were cannabis users. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325132328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320102130.htm Marijuana, a commonly abused drug among high school and college students, is linked to a severe form of vomiting syndrome and compulsive bathing behavior. This form of severe vomiting sickness is increasingly recognized with widespread abuse of marijuana. The syndrome usually subsides with strict abstinence from marijuana abuse. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320102130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303084044.htm New research outlines the extent of drug use in New Zealand, and when people first begin using drugs for non-medical purposes. The data comes from an analysis of over 12,000 interviews of people aged 16 or over carried out by the New Zealand Mental Health Survey (2003/2004), in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303084044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218223504.htm An ingredient in licorice shows promise as an antidote for the toxic effects of cocaine abuse, including deadly overdoses of the highly addictive drug, researchers are reporting.  Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218223504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209075631.htm Frequent and/or long-term marijuana use may significantly increase a man's risk of developing the most aggressive type of testicular cancer. Being a marijuana smoker at the time of diagnosis was associated with a 70 percent increased risk of testicular cancer. The risk was particularly elevated (about twice that of those who never smoked marijuana) for those who used marijuana at least weekly and/or who had long-term exposure to the substance, beginning in adolescence. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209075631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175105.htm Adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely than non-users to have disrupted brain development, according to a new study. Pediatric researchers found abnormalities in areas of the brain that interconnect brain regions involved in memory, attention, decision-making, language and executive functioning skills. The findings are of particular concern because adolescence is a crucial period for brain development and maturation. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202174834.htm Marijuana use appears to have decreased among most European and North American adolescents between 2002 and 2006, and those who went out with friends on fewer evenings of the week were less likely to report using the drug, according to a new report. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202174834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126173619.htm About one in five US tuberculosis patients reports abusing alcohol or using illicit drugs, and those who do appear more contagious and difficult to treat, according to a new report. Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126173619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081123150249.htm Marijuana can be an effective painkiller, but social issues and unhealthy smoke inhalation complicate its use. As a result, researchers have focused great attention on understanding the biochemical system involved so they might manipulate it by other means. Toward that end, scientists have definitively identified a chemical pathway that, in mice, imitates marijuana's painkilling effect. The work could enable the development of new pain treatments. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081123150249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119120141.htm Scientists are finding that specific elements of marijuana can be good for the aging brain by reducing inflammation there and possibly even stimulating the formation of new brain cells. Some research suggests that developing a legal drug that contains certain properties similar to those in marijuana might help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Though the exact cause of Alzheimer's remains unknown, chronic inflammation in the brain is believed to contribute to memory impairment. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119120141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081022211032.htm The pain is debilitating. The only option: smoking medical marijuana. That's the reality for many hepatitis C patients whose road to health includes a liver transplant. Although Canadian transplant centres are more willing than those in the United States, not everyone says yes to liver patients who smoke marijuana, and a University of Alberta researcher says that decision-making process is unacceptable. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081022211032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081016124244.htm Is it bad kids who do drugs, or doing drugs that makes kids bad? The answer is "both." People who began drinking and using marijuana regularly prior to their 15th birthday face a higher risk of early pregnancy, as well as a pattern of school failure, substance dependence, sexually-transmitted disease and criminal convictions that lasts into their 30s. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081016124244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081014111156.htm Brain imaging shows that the brains of teens that use marijuana are working harder than the brains of their peers who abstain from the drug. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081014111156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010175311.htm While many congregations of different faiths preach against drug abuse, it has been unclear whether a youth's religious involvement has any effect on his risk of drug abuse. Now a new national study finds that religious involvement makes teens half as likely to use marijuana. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010175311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093237.htm A new study shows that adolescent insomnia symptoms are associated with depression, suicide ideation and attempts, and the use of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs such as cocaine. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916154721.htm Scientists have studied the effects of a drug that reduces the progression of a disease similar to multiple sclerosis in animals. This discovery represents another step in the standing fight against the disease. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916154721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091728.htm A new type of drug could alleviate pain in a similar way to cannabis without affecting the brain, according to a new study in the journal Pain. The research demonstrates for the first time that cannabinoid receptors called CB2, which can be activated by cannabis use, are present in human sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system, but are not present in a normal human brain. Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163231.htm New research provides evidence that one of the only naturally occurring fatty acids in the brain can help to protect brain cells from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806113135.htm In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of smoked medical cannabis, or marijuana, on the neuropathic pain associated with HIV, researchers have found that reported pain relief was greater with cannabis than with a placebo. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806113135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721114608.htm CUPID is a clinical trial which will evaluate whether tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of many compounds found in the in the cannabis plant (and the main active ingredient) is able to slow the progression of MS. This is an important study for people with MS because current treatments either target the immune system in the early stages of MS, or are aimed at easing specific symptoms such as muscle spasms or bladder problems. At present there is no treatment which slows progression of the disease. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721114608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714192555.htm Research exploring new ways of exploiting the full medicinal uses of cannabis while avoiding unwanted side-effects. Cannabis is a source of compounds known as cannabinoids, one of which, THC -- the main chemical responsible for the 'high' -- has long been licensed as a medicine for suppressing nausea produced by chemotherapy and for stimulating appetite, for instance, in AIDS patients. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714192555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707161411.htm Researchers report that alterations in a molecular brain pathway activated by marijuana, called cannabinoid 1 receptor, may contribute to the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, suggesting possible new drug targets that could help to improve functioning and memory in people with the mental illness. Expression of CB1R, the site of action of the main chemical ingredient of marijuana, is significantly reduced in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707161411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702160944.htm Scientists have discovered that our own body not only makes chemical compounds similar to the active ingredient in marijuana, but these play an important part in maintaining healthy skin. This finding on "endocannabinoids" could lead to new drugs that treat skin conditions ranging from acne to dry skin, and even skin-related tumors. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702160944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630201007.htm A survey of 17 countries has found that despite its punitive drug policies the United States has the highest levels of illegal cocaine and cannabis use. Cannabis use was highest in the US (42.4%). Drug use "does not appear to be simply related to drug policy," say the authors, "since countries with more stringent policies towards illegal drug use did not have lower levels of such drug use than countries with more liberal policies." In the Netherlands, for example, which has more liberal policies than the US, 19.8% reported cannabis use. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630201007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626150628.htm The growing body of evidence that marijuana (cannabis) may be effective as a pain reliever has been expanded with publication of a new study in The Journal of Pain reporting that patients with nerve pain showed reduced pain intensity from smoking marijuana. Researchers examined whether marijuana produces analgesia for patients with neuropathic pain. Thirty-eight patients were examined. They were given either high-dose (7%), low-dose (3.5%) or placebo cannabis. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626150628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624151827.htm Oral cannabis (a form of medical marijuana) not only failed to alleviate certain types of pain in human volunteers but, surprisingly, it instead caused increased sensitivity to some forms of pain. Researchers evaluated the analgesic potency of orally administered cannabis extract that included its main psychoactive component, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624151827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617125751.htm Claims that a large increase in the strength of cannabis over the last decade is driving the occurrence of mental health and other problems for users are not borne out by a study of the worldwide literature, say researchers at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre and the National Drug Research Institute, both from Australia. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617125751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616170831.htm Researchers have determined that medical use of cannabinoids do not cause an increase in serious adverse events, but are associated with an increase in some non-serious adverse events. Of all non-serious adverse events, dizziness was the most common. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616170831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610071947.htm In the first study across time into late childhood of the effects of prenatal drug exposure on sleep, prenatal drug exposure is associated with greater sleep problems in children. In addition, nicotine has a unique effect, and early sleep problems predict later sleep problems. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610071947.htm