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The drug war has so warped our thinking, that even scientists are saying really stupid things...

... perhaps out of fear they will lose their Federal funding.

As reported in Science Daily, new studies show that THC--the active ingredient in marijuana--may actually play an important roll in stopping the development of Alzheimer's.

But instead of suggesting that pot be used in moderation, researchers think we should take years to develop a legal alternative that can deliver the same result without anyone getting high.

Because, I guess, the euphoric effects of natural THC in marijuana are worse than slowly having your mind disintegrate to the point where you can no longer recognize your loved ones or take care of your own bodily functions?

Here are my two favorite snippets:

Ohio State University scientists are finding that specific elements of marijuana can be good for the aging brain by reducing inflammation there and possibly even stimulating the formation of new brain cells. Their research suggests that the development of a legal drug that contains certain properties similar to those in marijuana might help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Though the exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unknown, chronic inflammation in the brain is believed to contribute to memory impairment. Any new drug’s properties would resemble those of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant, but would not share its high-producing effects. THC joins nicotine, alcohol and caffeine as agents that, in moderation, have shown some protection against inflammation in the brain that might translate to better memory late in life....

“Could people smoke marijuana to prevent Alzheimer’s disease if the disease is in their family? We’re not saying that, but it might actually work. What we are saying is it appears that a safe, legal substance that mimics those important properties of marijuana can work on receptors in the brain to prevent memory impairments in aging. So that’s really hopeful,” Wenk said.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Jimminey Crickets.
November 25, 2008 at 1:57 AM
Anonymous said…
It's all about control. Why promote something a person can grow in their backyard when big Pharma can invent something for a big profit? Follow the money. So sad.
November 25, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Bowly said…
Pandora's right. After all, very few people have an issue with legalized opiates.
November 26, 2008 at 4:46 PM
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