Daily Marijuana Use Is Not Associated with Brain Morphometric Measures in Adolescents or Adults

[mike_c]

Source: The Journal of Neuroscience

Recent research has suggested that marijuana use is associated with volumetric and shape differences in subcortical structures, including the nucleus accumbens and amygdala, in a dose-dependent fashion. Replication of such results in well controlled studies is essential to clarify the effects of marijuana. To that end, this retrospective study examined brain morphology in a sample of adult daily marijuana users (n = 29) versus nonusers (n = 29) and a sample of adolescent daily users (n = 50) versus nonusers (n = 50). Groups were matched on a critical confounding variable, alcohol use, to a far greater degree than in previously published studies. We acquired high-resolution MRI scans, and investigated group differences in gray matter using voxel-based morphometry, surface-based morphometry, and shape analysis in structures suggested to be associated with marijuana use, as follows: the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum. No statistically significant differences were found between daily users and nonusers on volume or shape in the regions of interest. Effect sizes suggest that the failure to find differences was not due to a lack of statistical power, but rather was due to the lack of even a modest effect. In sum, the results indicate that, when carefully controlling for alcohol use, gender, age, and other variables, there is no association between marijuana use and standard volumetric or shape measurements of subcortical structures.

Read more: http://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/4/1505.abstract

[RKP5637]

1. K&R!!! n/t

[Hari Seldon]

2. Like...Wow! Man!

Groovy!

[mopinko]

3. wow that's really

i forgot what i was gonna say

[ybbor]

5. Wait, what?

Oh yeah, Doritos! Woohoo!

[mopinko]

9. pizza. need pizza.

doritos would get me through, tho.

[ybbor]

10. Where is the pizza guy?

It's been at least 30 minutes... Hey are those Doritos?

[Android3.14]

4. As a daily user

This is reassuring.

[mountain grammy]

6. To me too, but not surprising.

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

20. Daily since 1972 - And in perfect health! Lab results, etc.

My doctor thinks MJ is protecting me from cancer, heart disease, just about everything. He thinks it is a wonder drug, and I totally agree!

[wordpix]

25. It's part of my anti-cancer regimen

I won't know if it works unless I'm still alive several years from now without cancer recurrence. But I'm hopeful it will work along with my organic diet and supplements. I was Stage IV but tumors were removed so I'm "cancer free" right now. However, with what I have, recurrence is common.

My oncologist recommended a new drug trial after my first 12 rounds of chemo were finished. I said NO!, I'm a med mj patient and that's what I'm taking for maintenance, and no more chemical toxins! To my surprise he said, "Good!"

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

26. I believe you made a good choice.

I think you'll be very happy with the results. I'm trying to get my wife to smoke MJ for her diabetes.

[mountain grammy]

29. Good for you, and keep on keeping on..

Hope you remain in good health.

[TeamPooka]

7. Prohibition is a failed public policy, again. nt

[Johnny Noshoes]

8. Dan's not here man!

[ybbor]

11. It's Dave...

I got the stuff man.

[brett_jv]

15. Wait ... DAVE?

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

21. Dave's not here, man...

[killbotfactory]

12. jneurosci.org is a notorious woo site

If you want the truth about pot, you must go to a reputable authority, like Harry J. Anslinger. The proud father of our laws against Marijuana:

“Reefer makes darkies think they're as good as white men." - Harry J Anslinger

Case closed!

[Ghost Dog]

16. !

[bravenak]

19. *snicker*

It's true! I feel great!

[mountain grammy]

30. ...

[ProudProg2u]

13. Text document on desktop

Going on my pc main page desktop as "Cannabis Document". It will stay there forever.

[Mopar151]

14. Interesting. What are the results when alcohol is the variable?

I'm guessing that heavy daily drinkers lose a lot - may be worse if they did'nt have much to begin with! Co-morbidity with heavy use of nicotine and poor nutrition may be evident , as well.

[Ghost Dog]

17. Alcohol is poison, unfortunately.

... Alcohol abuse is associated with widespread and significant brain lesions. Alcohol related brain damage is not only due to the direct toxic effects of alcohol; alcohol withdrawal, nutritional deficiency, electrolyte disturbances, and liver damage are also believed to contribute to alcohol-related brain damage.[89] The long-term effects of alcohol on brain chemistry is an important cause of chronic fatigue.[90]

Excessive alcohol intake is associated with impaired prospective memory. This impaired cognitive ability leads to increased failure to carry out an intended task at a later date, for example, forgetting to lock the door or to post a letter on time. The higher the volume of alcohol consumed and the longer consumed, the more severe the impairments.[91] One of the organs most sensitive to the toxic effects of chronic alcohol consumption is the brain. In France approximately 20% of admissions to mental health facilities are related to alcohol-related cognitive impairment, most notably alcohol-related dementia. Chronic excessive alcohol intake is also associated with serious cognitive decline and a range of neuropsychiatric complications. The elderly are the most sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol on the brain.[92]..

/... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_effects_of_alcohol_consumption#Brain

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

22. I drink like a fish too. Liver function is perfect according to my labs. MJ makes life better!

[rjsquirrel]

18. Of course

and this follows on another major finding last week that even long time daily smokers of marijuana have no discernible pulmonary dysfunction or scarring.

The shit is safe. It is medically useful. It has been used by humans for millennia for medical and recreational purposes. We are wasting time even researching these questions. Alcohol and cigarettes are far more dangerous and yet they are legal.

That's wrong.

[Yavin4]

23. But, Marijuana will make you play the piano really, really, really fast

which I don't think is all that bad when you think about it.

[wordpix]

24. Good! Wonder what a similar study of narcotics users shows?

No change in brain structure with mj because there are no major side effects beyond getting high

[Damansarajaya]

27. I'm not a big fan of widespread and indiscriminate use of pot, but

on the other, I can't abide the pseudo-science scolds who claim things like "smoking pot CHANGES YOUR BRAIN!"

So does caffeine and alcohol and video games and playing football . . .

[WDIM]

28. there are many known users that are public

We have celebrities and public figures that have used mj openly for decades. Not a single one has any sign of brain damage or cognitive problems.
I mean look at them all
Willie Nelson
Marley family
Tommy chong
Bill maher
Seth rogen
Bill gates
Bill murray
Bob dylan
Woody harrelson
Susan sarandon
Jeff bridges
Ted turner
Michael Bloomberg
George clooney
Jon stewart
And the list just keeps going and going.
I cannot name one public figure out of the thousands that smoke it that have had negative health effects or cognitive issues due to this plant. Not a single one can i name that has died from a result of this plant. Highly intelligent and very successful people use this plant regularly and openly. Its time to legalize it and give the plant back to the people!