Smoking pot doesn't harm brain function --- (I knew it !)

[Insert pseudonym here]

Smoking pot doesn't harm brain function
By Deena Beasley


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Smoking marijuana will certainly affect perception, but it does not cause permanent brain damage, researchers from the University of California at San Diego say.


"The findings were kind of a surprise. One might have expected to see more impairment of higher mental function," said Dr. Igor Grant, a UCSD professor of psychiatry and the study's lead author. Other illegal drugs, or even alcohol, can cause brain damage.


His team analysed data from 15 previously published, controlled studies into the impact of long-term, recreational cannabis use on the neurocognitive ability of adults.


The studies tested the mental functions of routine pot smokers, but not while they were actually high, Grant said.


The results, published in the July issue of the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, show that marijuana has only a marginally harmful long-term effect on learning and memory.


No effect at all was seen on other functions, including reaction time, attention, language, reasoning ability, and perceptual and motor skills.


Grant said the findings are particularly significant amid questions about marijuana's long-term toxicity now that several states are considering whether to make it available as a medicinal drug.


In California, growing marijuana for medical purposes is legal under a voter-approved law.


The UCSD analysis of studies involving 704 long-term cannabis users and 484 nonusers was sponsored by a state-supported program that oversees research into the use of cannabis to treat certain diseases.


Anecdotal evidence has shown that marijuana can help ease pain in patients with diseases like multiple sclerosis or prevent severe nausea in cancer patients, but the effects have yet to be proven in controlled studies, Grant said.


The UCSD research team said the problems observed in learning and forgetting suggest that long-term marijuana use results in selective memory defects, but said the impact was of a very small magnitude.


"If we barely find this tiny effect in long-term heavy users of cannabis, then we are unlikely to see deleterious side effects in individuals who receive cannabis for a short time in a medical setting," Grant said on Friday.


In addition, he noted that heavy marijuana users often abuse other drugs, such as alcohol and amphetamines, which also might have long-term neurological effects.


Some of the research studies used in the analysis were limited by the numbers of subjects or insufficient information about factors like exposure to other drugs or whether participants suffered from conditions like depression or personality disorders.


"If it turned out that new studies find that cannabis is helpful in treating some medical conditions, this enables us to see a marginal level of safety," Grant said.

[lyot]

hmm, i would doubt that..

[the 18th letter]

Originally posted by lyot:
hmm, i would doubt that.. Whycome? Give us the facts.

[Jolyon]

Not too good for your lungs though ;)

[the 18th letter]

Originally posted by Jolyon:
Not too good for your lungs though ;) Make a brownie, save ya lung, feel the high.

[Jolyon]

I used to put hash in tea, which was quite often a nice buzz.

[imported_Gman]

Don't trust this study. I was going to tell you why but I suddenly can't remember what I was going to say. :(

[blackwax]

lol graemlins/rofl.gif

[Martin Red]

Marijuana harms people pockets more than their minds.

[The Donger]

Originally posted by Gman:
Don't trust this study. I was going to tell you why but I suddenly can't remember what I was going to say. :( Hahahaha, exactly!

I love the ganja myself, but that shit makes you stupid!

[Drrtynewyork]

Originally posted by Ghost Of Donger:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Gman:
Don't trust this study. I was going to tell you why but I suddenly can't remember what I was going to say. :( Hahahaha, exactly!

I love the ganja myself, but that shit makes you stupid! </font>[/QUOTE]no wonder

[The Donger]

Originally posted by DOUG GOMEZ:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Ghost Of Donger:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Gman:
Don't trust this study. I was going to tell you why but I suddenly can't remember what I was going to say. :( Hahahaha, exactly!

I love the ganja myself, but that shit makes you stupid! </font>[/QUOTE]no wonder </font>[/QUOTE]What's your excuse?

[And]

Why do these studies always seem to have what I read as disclaimers in them:

"Some of the research studies used in the analysis were limited by the numbers of subjects or insufficient information about factors like exposure to other drugs or whether participants suffered from conditions like depression or personality disorders."

It seems taking note of a subject's "other" drug use and mental condition would be an important part of their research. graemlins/conf44.gif
To me this report says "Ehhhh ... who knows?"

[Martin Red]

Originally posted by 6 23:

To me this report says "Ehhhh ... who knows?" I agree. Perhaps they where stoned ?

[drilla]

it only makes you slow when you are smoking it everyday...

once you stop, you are chill...

[lyot]

Originally posted by matthew j:
it only makes you slow when you are smoking it everyday...

once you stop, you are chill... I've been smoking for ten years almost on daily basis.. My memory has been going downhill in a way that's really frightening..I'm 100% this has to do with pot smoking..I've even quit smoking for about 6months last year, but even after such a long period, nothing much had changed.. If I have to comment on this from my personal point of view, it most definitly does alter your brain function if you use it on the long term.;

greetings

[drilla]

Originally posted by lyot:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by matthew j:
it only makes you slow when you are smoking it everyday...

once you stop, you are chill... I've been smoking for ten years almost on daily basis.. My memory has been going downhill in a way that's really frightening..I'm 100% this has to do with pot smoking..I've even quit smoking for about 6months last year, but even after such a long period, nothing much had changed.. If I have to comment on this from my personal point of view, it most definitly does alter your brain function if you use it on the long term.;

greetings </font>[/QUOTE]i feel you man. the memory slips during the time you are smoking on a regular basis...but, if you chill now and stop, your memory will improve. however, all that was learned during that time of regular smoking may still be a bit fuzzy...

that is my experiences at least...

[JMJ]

What were we talking about??......JMJ ;)

[And]

Originally posted by Martin Red:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by 6 23:

To me this report says "Ehhhh ... who knows?" I agree. Perhaps they where stoned ? </font>[/QUOTE]Makes me wonder after I read the report. graemlins/grinyes.gif

[JL]

do you drink as well? alcohol is the worst possible shit for your memory - it kills brain cells that are related to short and long term memory, it ****s up your sleep so you can't enter the deepest stage where REM occurs (proven to be absolutely essential to good memory), and other shit I can't remember right now :( .

[Austin/Dallas]

You mean you indulge in things that you don't know what the side effect that may be.

You chose to wait for an article to come out that that makes you more comfortable with what you are doing to yourself..

Well I say to you ALL RIGHT!!!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!! graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

[Martin Red]

Has anyone got enough energy to go get me something sweet from the fridge. http://deephousepage.com/smilies/Disappointed_anim.gif

[Insert pseudonym here]

If you are going to do ANYTHING and/or EVERYTHING do it in MODERATION.

That's the key.

[And]

Originally posted by Austin/Dallas:
You mean you indulge in things that you don't know what the side effect that may be.

You chose to wait for an article to come out that that makes you more comfortable with what you are doing to yourself..

Well I say to you ALL RIGHT!!!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!! graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif Hmmm ... I didn't get the impression that anyone here was oblivious to the "potential" effects of marijuana. The article isn't validating anything for me. graemlins/conf44.gif

[ June 27, 2003, 10:26 AM: Message edited by: 6 23 ]

[Martin Red]

Originally posted by Austin/Dallas:
You mean you indulge in things that you don't know what the side effect that may be.

You chose to wait for an article to come out that that makes you more comfortable with what you are doing to yourself..

Well I say to you ALL RIGHT!!!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!! graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif

[And]

Originally posted by Martin Red:
Has anyone got enough energy to go get me something sweet from the fridge. http://deephousepage.com/smilies/Disappointed_anim.gif I'm thinking chocolate cake myself. graemlins/grinyes.gif

[Bold Soul]

This is from a western medicine POV? I wouldn't trust it.

[lyot]

Originally posted by JL:
do you drink as well? alcohol is the worst possible shit for your memory - it kills brain cells that are related to short and long term memory, it ****s up your sleep so you can't enter the deepest stage where REM occurs (proven to be absolutely essential to good memory), and other shit I can't remember right now :( . i for one almost never drink anything alcoholic.

[And]

Originally posted by Bold Soul:
This is from a western medicine POV? I wouldn't trust it. Not that I do ... but out of curiosity why don't you? (the Western POV bit).

[ivanjb]

It's fairly common knowledge that there is no scientific proof of permanent brain damage/long term memory loss.

But it does take 6 months to one year for the body of a regular smoker to rid itself of THC completely. Essentially a stoner is stoned all the time (burnt) until he quits and quits for a long while. Once it's out of your system you're fine.

I'd like to see a scientific study on the permanent effects of regular alcohol consumption vs. the effects of pot smoking.

[lyot]

Originally posted by ivanjb:
It's fairly common knowledge that there is no scientific proof of permanent brain damage/long term memory loss.

But it does take 6 months to one year for the body of a regular smoker to rid itself of THC completely. Essentially a stoner is stoned all the time (burnt) until he quits and quits for a long while. Once it's out of your system you're fine.where do you get that figure ? the 6months figure I mean ? There's no trace of THC after 4 weeks anymore..I know a lot of persons who have been tested on THC and had a negative result even after 4 weeks of not smoking.

greetings,

[Martin Red]

http://www.internet.megatel.ba/cards/funny/catmirror.jpg

[Martin Red]

http://www.wackyzoo.com/0614.jpg

That seperated the shapers from the true rollers I bet graemlins/respekt.gif

[Martin Red]

http://www.comedy-zone.net/pictures/images/animals/animal020.jpg


Have a good weekend people, i'm out graemlins/bolt.gif

[Austin/Dallas]

Yeah.. Like I'm really down with that "NO PLACE LIKE HOME SHIT"


http://thewizardofoz.warnerbros.com/img/photo/5_ph.gif

http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/CoverArt/4231.jpg

Which should I watch first hmmmmm.(Puff Puff)

[Bold Soul]

Originally posted by 6 23:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Bold Soul:
This is from a western medicine POV? I wouldn't trust it. Not that I do ... but out of curiosity why don't you? (the Western POV bit). </font>[/QUOTE]For one, western medicine is the whore of the pharmeceutal and insurance industries. Care of the patient comes second to what procedures insurance companies will approve. Once those procedures are rejected, the pharm companies have drug alternatives for sale. If you can't afford needless surgery, you can always dope yourself with additional toxins.

Also, western medicine is not about holistic wellness - it's all about invading the body and parting with peices to get better, which is complete folly. I've had a lump in my right forearm for a long time - 2 years at least. I had it looked at by a doctor and was told it should be biopsied - invasive and destructive. Went to my holistic practitioner and got it checked out. He gave me some ointment with a combination of herbs - nearly gone in two days.

All medical problems can be narrowed down to TOXICITY, INJURY or GENETICS. I haven't experienced any problems related to the first two that haven't been rectified via acupuncture and holistic Eastern medicine.

[Jolyon]

Find a joint....and pass it to your friends...

[And]

Originally posted by Bold Soul:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by 6 23:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Bold Soul:
This is from a western medicine POV? I wouldn't trust it. Not that I do ... but out of curiosity why don't you? (the Western POV bit). </font>[/QUOTE]For one, western medicine is the whore of the pharmeceutal and insurance industries. Care of the patient comes second to what procedures insurance companies will approve. Once those procedures are rejected, the pharm companies have drug alternatives for sale. If you can't afford needless surgery, you can always dope yourself with additional toxins.

Also, western medicine is not about holistic wellness - it's all about invading the body and parting with peices to get better, which is complete folly. I've had a lump in my right forearm for a long time - 2 years at least. I had it looked at by a doctor and was told it should be biopsied - invasive and destructive. Went to my holistic practitioner and got it checked out. He gave me some ointment with a combination of herbs - nearly gone in two days.

All medical problems can be narrowed down to TOXICITY, INJURY or GENETICS. I haven't experienced any problems related to the first two that haven't been rectified via acupuncture and holistic Eastern medicine. </font>[/QUOTE]Essentially my view of Western medicine too. :( I've always been curious about placebos (mood/mind over body) in studies. People who seem to cure themselves of an ailment/injury at a quicker rate than those on prescribed medication for the same injuries. Everytime I catch another ad for some mood elevator drug or anti-whatever prescription, I'm reminded why encouraging or teaching alternative methods to a pill a day for life don't get the same hype. Money. Then again ... maybe they are and I'm just not well versed. graemlins/conf44.gif
What do people think of the FDA's role in all of this? :(

[mdpm99]

"I'M GONNA SPREAD THE NEWS, THAT IF IT FEELS THIS

GOOD GETTIN' USED...... THEN JUST KEEP ON USIN'

ME......'TIL YOU USE ME UP"

----- BILL WITHERS

[nev m]

Originally posted by david mancuso:
"I'M GONNA SPREAD THE NEWS, THAT IF IT FEELS THIS

GOOD GETTIN' USED...... THEN JUST KEEP ON USIN'

ME......'TIL YOU USE ME UP"

----- BILL WITHERS http://deephousepage.com/smilies/joint.gif

And one for you David!

http://deephousepage.com/smilies/joint.gif

[nev m]

But I disagree, 'cause i'm virtualy brain dead.
(I can still remember how to roll a joint though!) smile.gif

[mdpm99]

Originally posted by nev m:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
"I'M GONNA SPREAD THE NEWS, THAT IF IT FEELS THIS

GOOD GETTIN' USED...... THEN JUST KEEP ON USIN'

ME......'TIL YOU USE ME UP"

----- BILL WITHERS http://deephousepage.com/smilies/joint.gif

And one for you David!

http://deephousepage.com/smilies/joint.gif </font>[/QUOTE]graemlins/beerchug.gif

d

[the 18th letter]

C'mon roll that, light that shit, smoke it. Herb was put here for you and me. Grow a plant harvest and smoke. Unless you smokin' goods, 189, purple haze etc. etc. etc. you'll be all right. That Hydro shit got too many chemicals. STF baby STF.

[bigg donn a.k.a bigg donn]

Hey..... ODB Smokes weed and he is just fine!!!!
graemlins/cool_shades.gif

[the 18th letter]

Originally posted by bigg donn:
Hey..... ODB Smokes weed and he is just fine!!!!
graemlins/cool_shades.gif Weed is the least of his worries. If it weren't for the weed he'd truly be off the heezy!! Or he may be one of the folks who just can't smoke. You ever know sombody that drinks and just change their whole shit up. Err'body can't do err'thing.

[ June 27, 2003, 10:57 PM: Message edited by: rammeh ]