Most illicit drugs like opiates, alcohol and cocaine decrease the generation of new neurons in the brain, but marijuana appears to have the opposite effect on this process. Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan have published their findings on marijuana's effects on the brain in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. On top of the drug's promotion of brain cell growth - called neurogenesis - marijuana also appeared to have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. A team, led by researcher Xia Zhang, worked with rats that were given a synthesized version of marijuana twice per day for 10 days. After this period, the rats displayed evidence of new neuron creation in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in developing memories.
Zhang's team suspected the new brain cells might also be associated with a reduction in anxiety and depression, as previous studies had indicated medications used to treat anxiety and depression achieve their effect this way.
The researchers explored the possible antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of the drug on the rats by exposing them and a control group of rats to a number of environmental/food based tests. The tests indicated that the rats who were given the marijuana displayed both a reduction in anxiety behaviors and indications of antidepressant effects.
The researchers conclude that there is a link between increased adult neurogenesis (brain cell regeneration) and modified behavior following cannabinoid treatment. They say the findings are important because they demonstrate the positive roles cannabinoids and their receptors play in brain processing and medicine.
Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation
