Scientists Discover How Marijuana Creates Memory Loss

[Skip]

Researchers at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona have discovered the mechanism by which cannabis affects memory by acting on various parts of the brain. They are hoping to find a way to provide the medical benefits of marijuana without the side effect of memory loss.

They tested their theories on mice and discovered that one particular part of the brain is key to memory loss. They didn't seem to differentiate between short-term and long-term memory which are supposedly processed differently in the brain, with short-term memory more affected by cannabis use.

This line of research shows how marijuana can be used in scientific studies to learn more about how our brain operates and stores memories.

The research also showed that administering cannabis leads to a change in the way that proteins are manufactured in the affected part of the brain.

"This is crucial, because a change in protein synthesis means a long-term change, this is not something that will just disappear the next day," he said.

Just how long memory might be degraded is unknown, he added.

"These are not permanent changes, even if they are long-term. People who are using cannabis therapeutically should not be worried," he said.

Now if I can only remember the link...

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5goSadFlElxws_bHJ06KLfpp74hBg

 

[JackTheGrower]

Good no worries!

 

[montehierba]

stml

stml

shit i forgot what i was doing in this thread!

 

[Mr. Greengenes]

Interestingly, of all the people I know, the one with the best memory is the heaviest potsmoker. He is an expert 'Celtic' storyteller. This particular stoner can listen to someone tell a story and learn it so well that he can turn around and retell it using many of the same phrases and words with every detail in place. He smokes weed because it increases his concentration and memory! Cannabis is a hypnotic drug and it's effects can be mediated heavily by our behavior and thoughts. If we are in the habit of smoking copious amounts and jumping up and practicing kung fu for hours, cannabis will give us the energy and courage to achieve that. If we are in the habit of smoking copious amounts and laying back with a beer and the remote, then cannabis helps us forget and relax.

 

[1G12]

What was this thread about?

 

[SouthernGuerila]

What thread? Where's the joint?

 

[geopolitical]

I was going to post something witty but I keep drawing a blank for some reason. Crap where did I put the vape again?

Actually that's pretty interesting. It sounds like cannaboids actually change the protein folding process which is one hell of an interesting result.

Anyone want to suggest this as the next project for Folding@Home?

 

[guineapig]

Yes the phenomenon of "short-term memory loss" is not necessarily a good thing or a bad thing.....its just another process of brain function that scientists are trying to unlock....

How would you be able to function if you remembered every person you saw on the subway or every car on the road every day? It wouldn't be fun for you....

Hopefully more research will be done and some questions will finally be answered...

kind regards from guineapig

 

[Hash Zeppelin]

I have an almost photographic long term memory, but my short term memory is shot. it is really fun, it takes about 5 to 10 min for my long term memory to really kick into gear it seems. I used to have a good short term memory.

 

[Hundred Gram Oz]

I've forgot what my comment was ment to say....

 

[lidspinner]

here is the kicker....its also been proven that your short term memory goes bad as you get older.....so I think some of the blame of people losing STM is not always from pot....it might help but not 100% pots fault........I too smoke to increase memory function, when I am studying for work related exams, I smoke heavily, then study and it seems to help me get deep into studying....when I am sober I seem to have trouble studying.......Now, I self medicate from years of back surgeries so I do feel a little guilty from smoking to help study....call me weird but even though it is illegal where I am at, I still like to use it for medical purposes only.....not sure if that will get me out of a conviction but I still feel better about it. Bottom line, pot use helps with mental focus and retention of memory

 

[DoobieDuck]

Thanks Skip for posting...DD

 

[JoJoDancer]

My memory lost comes from being to busy enjoying my buzz to worry about some bullshit someone just asked me to remember.

 

[N. Accumbens]

If we are in the habit of smoking copious amounts and jumping up and practicing kung fu for hours, cannabis will give us the energy and courage to achieve that

Hopefully more research will be done and some questions will finally be answered...

Great reference, skip...

 

[Peksman]

What thread? Where's the joint?

Rofl...this post just made my day.

 

[purple_man]

*lil jon voice* WHAAAAAAT?
well doctor i forgot what i wanted to say MUHHAHAH *off*

no joke, everyone... i was under the impression that mj is more or less channeling everything straight into long term memory, thats why its not stored in the short term and can't be recalled because the storage in the long term take longer and ehmmm...

what did i just say?
blessss

 

[geopolitical]

Actually thanks to a TBI, I suffer from what's been generally called mild anterograde amnesia. Which is always odd. Sometimes I'll think it's the same year as the injury and rush around to do the things I'd be doing on that day 10 years ago only realizing what year it is after I see a calendar or some other obvious sign.

I have good and bad days. On bad days I'm thankful my wife doesn't get upset that I don't recognize her. On good days I only have to use my PDA a few dozen times during the day to keep track of what's going on.

As the years have gone on I can't tell if I've gotten better, or if I've just developed better coping strategies. The guy at the hardware store knows to tell me when I'm trying to buy the same parts list twice for instance

 

[ureapwhatusow]

memory loss is of medical benefit, it emulates depakote

 

[hkush]

Memory is overrated anyway.

 

[sackoweed]

scientist need to puff the puffage.. And get the shit right its either good or bad no in betweens.. lol.. peace.
BTW where is my lighter? Oh found it in my hand... peace.

sack