Researchers
have long suggested marijuana can cause memory loss. Now, a new study provides
insight on this association, revealing how cannabinoids in the drug activate
receptors in the mitochondria of the brain's memory center to cause amnesia.
Cannabinoids are
chemicals present in marijuana, as well as synthetic forms of the drug.
According to the National Institute on Drug
Abuse (NIDA), there are more than 100
cannabinoids in marijuana, including the main psychoactive compound
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
These cannabinoids are similar in structure to cannabinoids that
occur in the body naturally, such as anandamide. Naturally occurring
cannabinoids function as neurotransmitters; they send signals between nerve
cells, or neurons, affecting various brain regions, including those responsible
for emotion, movement, coordination, sensory perception, and memory and
thinking.
Because THC and other cannabinoids present in
marijuana and synthetic forms are similar to naturally occurring cannabinoids,
they are able to bind to cannabinoid receptors situated on neurons and activate
certain brain regions.
As a result, cannabinoids can alter normal brain functioning,
causing a number of negative mental and physical effects. One such effect may
be memory loss; researchers have shown that THC can affect the function of the
hippocampus - the brain region responsible for forming memories.
Source:
medicalnewstoday.com
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