Scientists Determine How Marijuana Affects Memory Loss
Scientists say they have discovered why cannabis causes memory loss, adding that the finding could help future development of drugs using marijuana’s benefits without the negative aspects of forgetfulness.
Rafael Maldonado and Andres Ozaita at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona used mice to study the impact of cannabis on memory loss.
They created two groups of genetically modified mice, which were designed to lack so-called CB-1 receptors in the hippocampus.
Prior to the study, scientists had determined that the hippocampus region of the brain is where memory loss occurs during cannabis use. However, they have varied on explaining whether or not the memory loss was long-term or only prevalent during drug use.
Marijuana contains the active ingredient known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which acts on receptors CB-1 and CB-2 receptors in the hippocampus, where most cognitive thinking occurs.
Researchers used injected doses of THC in the genetically modified mice. They noted that one group of mice reacted to the dose with typical forgetfulness when performing memory tests.
However, in the group of mice that had been modified to lack CB-1, scientists noted no signs of cognitive impairment.
"Not only were the behavioral effects abolished, the biochemical responses that are directly responsible for the amnesic-like effect were abolished too," Maldonado told AFP.
He added that the discovery could make the development of a molecule that will produce cannabis’ positive effect without affecting the GABAergic brain cells that govern memory a reality.
Researchers also showed that cannabis use can change the way that proteins are developed in the hippocampus, a finding that “is crucial, because a change in protein synthesis means a long-term change, this is not something that will just disappear the next day," Maldonado said.
"These are not permanent changes, even if they are long-term. People who are using cannabis therapeutically should not be worried," he said.
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