Does Weed Grow Brain Cells?

A host of new research shows that the cannabinoids found in marijuana promote neurogenesis; the process of growing new brain cells. This primarily occurs in the hippocampus, and is the reason why cannabis can be so effective in treating mood disorders like depression, anxiety and stress. Conditions like these are often related to a lack of neurogenesis in the adult brain.

The hippocampus, which is capable of producing north of five thousand new cells each day, plays a role in our memory, spatial orientation and learning. As it forms new neurons, the brain’s learning and memory functions are shown to improve. The first studies to show that cannabinoids spur neurogenesis date back to 1995.

Per Xia Zhang, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan: “Most ‘drugs of abuse’ suppress neurogenesis. Only marijuana promotes neurogenesis.”

A team from Brazil also published a study in the July, 2013 issue of The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, that shows how CBD (cannabidiol) can help the brain itself grow. Researchers from the Complutense University, in Madrid, also found that CBD relieved stress in mice by increasing neurogenesis and creating new cells in the hippocampus.  Since CBD is non-psychoactive, its health benefits can be enjoyed without the feeling of “getting high”, which makes its precarious legal status a point of contention for believers in its medical value.

In addition to promoting new brain cell growth, cannabis has also shown promise as a neuroprotective agent. Statistical concussion rates among professional athletes who regularly use cannabis illustrate that it can protect the brain against potential damage from trauma. That is to say, it can not only be used to recover from athletic injuries, but can also be applied in a preventative sense as an ongoing supplement.

Marijuana has also been shown to contribute to brain health in its ability to fight the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties battle the disease by cleaning away beta-amyloid “brain plaque” whose build-up is the primary cause of memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients. These properties are also what makes weed an increasingly effective treatment for Parkinson’s, ALS, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Though by many social standards cannabis is considered to be a more taboo drug than alcohol, its positive effects on the brain can actually counteract the damage done to cells by abusing alcohol. In fact, the neuroprotective abilities of cannabis to regrow cells have been shown to reduce ethanol-induced cell death in the brain by as much as 60%.

Despite the evidence that weed has positive effects on brain growth and development, there is also evidence to the contrary, particularly among younger users. According to a study done by Stacy Gruber at the Harvard Medical School, repeated exposure to marijuana in immature adolescent brains can dial down cellular activity in the endocannabinoid system. This can poorly affect an adolescent’s cognition, neurodevelopment, stress response and emotional control. Indeed, studies have shown that regular cannabis use at this age and its harmful effects on the brain can lead to failure and challenges in the realms of education and gainful employment.

Every coin has two sides, and in the case of cannabis and brain cell stimulation and growth vs harm to adolescents, the divide seems to be one based on the age or developmental stage of the user.  We look forward to further research being conducted on both matters so that proper preventative measures, or treatment plans can be put in place to better protect the health of generations to come.