Cannabis May Help Rejuvenate the Aging Brain and Ward Off Dementia
The medicinal benefits of marijuana have long been proven. Whether you believe in them or not is entirely up to you, However, facts are facts. As we continue to study this extremely beneficial plant we are finding out more and more about it.
Your body has a widespread receptor system that binds particularly with cannabis, or THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary ingredient in marijuana. It binds with the endocannabinoid receptor system in the body. There are cannabinoid receptors in your lungs, liver, kidneys, immune system, and more. Scientists often refer to it as the most widespread receptor system in the body. When a cannabinoid activates a cannabinoid receptor you experience the therapeutic and psychoactive properties of marijuana.
A preclinical study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that very small doses of tetrahydrocannabinol can be effective in treating dementia. They can slow the production of beta amyloid proteins. The beta amyloid proteins are thought to be the primary characteristic and cause of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The study was published in 2014.
Co-author of the study, Neel Nabar, cautions against drawing quick conclusions from their study saying:
“It’s important to keep in mind that just because a drug may be effective doesn’t mean it can be safely used by anyone. However, these findings may lead to the development of related compounds that are safe, legal, and useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.”
There was also another study performed by Salk Institute in Jolla, California that found THC to be beneficial in the fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s. David Schubert, the professor at the Salk Institute and senior author on the study says, “Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells.”
Marijuana has long been controversial but the facts are here. It is extremely beneficial in the fight against so many different diseases. With growing awareness, we will be able to get the people who need this amazing natural herb.