Article highlights:
Researchers conclude that THC causes neuronal death in hippocampal neurons.
“THC is neurotoxic at concentrations as low as 0.5–1.0 M, which are comparable to THC levels measured in human plasma after consumption of marijuana cigarettes.”
Even 15 minutes of exposure to THC was toxic for in vitro cultured hippocampal neurons.
The effects of marijuana in humans include immunosuppression, compromised cognition, memory loss, and hallucination.
Even after quitting using cannabis, memory issues and neuropsychological effects persist.
One study shows that cannabinoids could inhibit synaptic function.
“Chronic cannabinoid administration to rats causes distinct morphological changes in the hippocampus indicative of neurotoxicity.”
“Intrahippocampal injection of cannabinoids in rats impairs spatial memory, suggesting that memory defects are mediated primarily by cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus."
Authors:
Guy Chiu-Kai Chan, Thomas R. Hinds, Soren Impey, and Daniel R. Storm
Source:
The Journal of Neuroscience, July 15, 1998