- NEW!
by John Doe on December 23rd, 2003
The short answer: No.
The long answer: The reason why you ask this is because you probably heard or read somewhere that marijuana damages brain cells, or makes you stupid. These claims are untrue.
The first one -- marijuana kills brain cells -- is based on research done during the second Reefer Madness Movement. A study attempted to show that marijuana smoking damaged brain structures in monkeys. However, the study was poorly performed and it was severely criticized by a medical review board. Studies done afterwards failed to show any brain damage, in fact a very recent study on Rhesus monkeys used technology so sensitive that scientists could actually see the effect of learning on brain cells, and it found no damage.
But this was Reefer Madness II, and the prohibitionists were looking around for anything they could find to keep the marijuana legalization movement in check, so this study was widely used in anti-marijuana propaganda. It was recanted later.
(To this day, the radical anti-drug groups, like P.R.I.D.E. and Dr. Gabriel Nahas, still use it -- In fact, America's most popular drug education program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, claims that marijuana ``can impair memory perception & judgement by destroying brain cells.'' When police and teachers read this and believe it, our job gets really tough, since it takes a long time to explain to children how Ms. Jones and Officer Bob were wrong.)
The truth is, no study has ever demonstrated cellular damage, stupidity, mental impairment, or insanity brought on specifically by marijuana use -- even heavy marijuana use. This is not to say that it cannot be abused, however.
by staticmeek on October 4th, 2006
Personally.. Breathing air kills brain cells because Carbon monoxide is in the air we breath.. and carbon monoxide kills brain cells... obviously Smoke contains carbon monoxide so its possible.. But Weed has more PROS then CONS.
No one has ever been reported to have died from weed... just ask your self this. "why isnt weed legalize" like most european countrys do and countrys to the south of us.
Main reason, Weed could never be taxed because everyone has access to grow it them selves.. and since weed is grown naturally in all parts of the world and can survive in 49 states (possible alaska I never lived there) the US will never legalize it so what do they do..
Make up phony facts and commericals about weed,
As you noticed those commericals didnt last long ETC (The one where the girl is on the couch gets high and two guys keep trying to take advantage of her, then the second.. The drive thru where kids got scared after ordering cuz they had no money and ran over a kid who just happen to ride his bike across the drive thru...
Now why do they lie about weed so much?
and if its so bad why do 14 states have it legalized medically? why is it ok for us to hand out drugs like Oxy-contin and Methadone two drugs right there which people can EASILLY OVERDOSE on.. why not just say hey smoke some weed to cure your pain.
Only thing I agree on is weed makes you less motivated to do things thats only if you allow that to become a habit.. If you smoke and go to sleep after and you do it constant, your body makes it a routine..
Also to comment about the guy above who obviously doesnt know what hes saying... anyone who reads this should go to Spike TV's web site (ALL NETWORK FOR MEN W00t) where they did a special on smoking weed and driving in europe. He did cones sober and knocked one down.. then he smoked two "DOOBIE SNACKS" then drive the cone course again.. knocks down zero. Keep in mind he was suppose to go the same speed as he was before. Then they added a twist.. He followed behind a car and the car infront was suppose to slam on there brakes when least suspecting, needless to say A+ high and A- sober. I believe that driving high is based on wether a user can handle it (kinda like a sleepin pill some of us can drive after taken one some of us cant) i never heard of one person going to jail for VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER for being high. have you? I doubt it. anyways
Who cares if it kills brain cells.. thats the least of are worrys why dont we educate people about the legal drugs that do more harm then weed then ask our selves.. "why isnt weed legal if alcohol and cigs are (when cigs and alcohol show no medical benefit when weed has) thats all... thanks for takin time to read my long story!
by Firebrand on February 10th, 2007
Some studies do say that is the case
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/marijuana/index.html
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html
by Cannabis its just a plant on June 15th, 2007
Government experts now admit that - marijuana doesn't kill brain cells.
-Dr. Christine Hartel, Acting Director of Research, National Institute of Drug Abuse(NIDA).
Probably why the ONDCP ads have changed direction again. It should also be noted that other drugs, including alcohol, are known to cause brain damage.
There is evidence that some cannabinoids even promote neurogenesis in the brain:
http://www.jci.org/cgi/content/abstract/115/11/3104
by Kool Shen on December 4th, 2005
If marijuana kills brain cells than I must have more to spare than usual. I too was a pothead during college and yet graduated with a double major and over a 3.5 GPA. One of those majors was a foreign language that I learned to speak more fluently than any non-native speaker I have ever talked with. I then got a job at a bank where all employees were given a drug test (I cheated on it to pass) and strictly prohibited from having any drug metabolite in their system at any time. I also got a perfect score on their math and language aptitude tests while I was applying for the job (and was currently smoking pot). The worst thing that happens to me when I get high is I feel tired, hungry, and paranoid. Oh well. That's nothing compared with feeling dizzy, nauseous, stupid, and overconfident after drinking alcohol (and let's not forget that nasty hangover) Even after a night of heavy pot smoking and going to sleep very high, all I have ever experienced the next day was sleepiness and a hard time concentrating on things. And, these effects diminish to almost zero when I smoke daily. So then, I would say perhaps that marijuana may temporarily ALTER brain cells, but it does not kill them like alcohol (many people are surprised when I tell them that just one standard drink of alcohol quickly and permanently kills 10,000 brain cells) That may seem like nothing considering we have billions of them, but a heavy drinker can actually KILL BILLIONS of brain cells over several decades of drinking (do the math and you will find that I am right). But what do I know? I've only been smoking pot for 4 years now. I tell you what, how about I post another message 36 years from now (I will have been smoking pot for 40 years) and we'll see if I can write an ensightful, coherent argument. Something tells me that many of those hardcore drinkers out there won't even still be alive to tell their tale....
by Scoundral on April 24th, 2005
While there is a definative answer, I think this question is as futile as asking "Was it right for the U.S to enter the Vietnam War?". While I'm sure there are statistics that can answer the question, the real question is... who do you believe?
Side A says they've done research to prove it does, Side B says that Side A's research was b.s. Side B says that you're a fool to listen blindly to Side A, when you are in fact, now listening blindly to Side B. While most of the people are listening to Side A, the rebellious bunch who listen to Side B are laughing at them, saying "You're ignorant, you need to find the whole story" but the reality is that both Side A and Side B are nothing short of at-war... and both sides are capable of propaganda.
Side A people, you should not follow all the "information" you hear so blindly, the same goes for Side B people. Unless you're a neuologist who has done the research yourself, all you're getting is second-hand answers. Let he who has learnt everything he knows by himself, cast the first stone.
A pro-marihuana movement saying that anti-marihuana PSAs are lies... are just as capable of lying as the anti-marihuana PSAs.
We all have the bane of being reliant on outside sources for information... and there's nothing wrong with that... but if there are two sides of the story, it's time to pull yourself off either wall and think for yourself... if you want to smoke marihuana, thats between you and Mary. The latest research says that the internet actually kills brain cells and causes twice the drop in IQ test-scores that is seen in marihuana users. So how bout this? Sergeon General Warning: This doobie may kill brain cells, smoke at your own risk.
Enough said,
by Dr Dann on March 22nd, 2006
While not "killing" cells, it definitely has lingering effects. Just like alcohol, it has been shown in most studies to "freeze" brain development at the point of use. Studies in Brazil with rats showed that frequent use stopped cerebral development at the equivalent of 11 yrs of human development, and that even when no longer exposed, the brain never developed further. As for the person who claimed to be a pot head and stil have a 3.5 in school. SO WHAT?? Nost schools here have the "gentlemen's B" system, where you just have to show up to get a B. I've seen students get a 3.75 and never turn in a single assignment or pass a single test... why? They were jocks or went to a private school where the parents donated to the school.
It definitely impairs judgement and coordination, as well. It is a major hazard. It should be treated like alcohol under the law, however. I do not feel someone should go to jail for simple possession. If they are in an accident and found to test positive, then they should be given a DUI. If they are distributing to MINORS, it should be similar to selling alcohol to minors, etc.
The only caveat is, as most adults who indulge did so as children as well, it is simply IMPOSSIBLE for them to make an informed decision, and therefore, they may, depending on frequency and amount of pre-developmental use, be a dependent adult..
having worked in mental health for many years (now temporarily retired and in a different field), I saw many examples of people who had never used any other substance and the THC greatly exacerbated other conditions. Also, most people that use it use it for the wrong reason, quite often to alleviate depression.. it is a DEPRESSANT.. it will only exacerbate it. It may numb you, but the emotional factors and their bio-chemical comcomittant factgors will still be there after the THC has dissipated.
by Beo420 on March 2nd, 2005
This is what it does to the brain if you want to know :D
Researchers have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain's limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that neurons in the information processing system of the hippocampus and the activity of the nerve fibers are suppressed by THC. In addition, researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the hippocampus, also deteriorate.
Recent research findings also indicate that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse.
This segment can be found at:
http://www.marijuanaaddiction.info/effects-of-marijuana.htm
by Incubudz1300 on August 6th, 2008
I have been using Marijuana 4 or 5 times a day for the past year and a half and have been using the drug in general for the past 3 years. Overall, I would say that cannabis has definitely had an effect on my life, but surprisingly enough to many I would say it was for the better. Because of my marijuana use I am able to unwind easily in stressful situations, I am able to take a new perspective on a multitude of situations in order to come to a suitable solution for my problems, I have become astronomically more social, and I even feel as though I have expanded my intelligence. I have always been a decent student but after the summer that I started smoking in "high doses" I did the best I ever did in school, getting a 4.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and I even relaxed about the famed ACT, earning myself a solid 33 out of 36. I am on my way to a university I would like to think is prestigious and am about to major in biochemistry, hopefully attending med school in 4 years to start my path to heart surgeon. Now tell me, has pot ruined my life? I think not. The people I've met, the boatloads of friends that I've made, the experiences I've had, they've all made my life worth living. And just to let everybody know I'm not advertising, just sharing an aspect and part of my life. Read this and do with it whatever you will I have no expectations of any of you. Peace and love to all! Stay up!
by Gonzo on September 21st, 2007
Oh man, yeah! It makes your brain soft and yr. feet fall off!
Honestly, no.
by Highlander is semi-retired from AB on August 21st, 2007
Yes. Brain cells are killed with the respiration of carbon gases. Inhaling anything that is the product of burning does this; marijuana is no exception.
by tylomb on January 6th, 2006
Actually marijuana has recently been proven to grow and expand brain cells.
by Thommy on June 14th, 2004
I personally think this "kills brain cells" stuff is like a bad myth. It is my opinion that it is a bit bogus. Regardless of this opinion on brain cells, smoking marijuana does alter personality characteristics for the worse.
The following is a report of my personal research and observation with over 1,000 people. I doubt that any of the critics who rated this data as false conducted their own first-hand investigation.
There is no doubt that marijuana adversely alters personality characteristics long-term of an individual. I personally observed this after over 1,000 interviews with people from all walks of life who filled out a character questionaire (more than a hundred questions). It got to where I could look at the results of the form and predict that the person had been doing drugs. I was even surprised one day when I asked this 60 year old grandma if she was smoking pot... ...and she said "yes".
One will find these characteristics diminished: ability to concentrate or focus, ability to make decisions, stability, general happiness, general attitude and outlook on life. One will be more dispersed, depressed more often, less aware, less observant, more critical or skeptical or sardonic, more easily irritated or agitated, have less follow-thru on a given course or action, daydream more, worry or think about things more, it is harder to unfix a line of thought i.e. stop thinking about something or someone or a problem, it is more difficult for the individual to accept responsibility, energy level may have diminished but can vacillate as well as the person's communication. There are other diminished characteristics. They fit to the person and each other.
This is something that I observed for myself and I know it to be true based on my observation and experience, without being influenced by government propaganda or some book or other vector. Pot is not mentally healthy.
Again, marijuana is not mentally healthy. Back in the 70's I personally used it quite often and in later years noticed how this had affected me personally. After conducting this test, there was no doubt in my mind as to the harmful effects of marijuana (and many other drugs).
Ha! Does a person increase intelligence, memory, and more ability by smoking marijuana?...of course not. If that was true, then one could use pot to increase ability and sanity and intelligence...Ha!...which, of course does not work. Marijuana does one of two things: it either improves characteristics of an individual or inhibits fundamental characteristics of an individual. There is no "null" effect. It is either in a positive direction or a negative direction.
This is accurate and based on specific, intense direct observation with tests. Using marijuana is mentally unhealthy for an individual.
by Kimmy on January 9th, 2009
The only real damage other than the short (3-6 hours) cognitive problems of being "high" is caused by the American tradition of holding your breath while smoking, causing brain cells to die of lack of oxygen. If you must hold your breath while smoking, give it a quick ten-count at the most.
Other than that, studies have shown that it can actually have a protective effect against Alzhiemer's and some cancers.
by Ec-nal Licensed Bootie Inspector on August 6th, 2008
No, in fact smoking weed and, get this, drinking alcohol may actually promote brain cell growth.
Spark one and pass that bottle yo...;)
by Anonymous on July 13th, 2009
I beleive my own experience with the drug provides evidence that there are no long-term adverse effects to brain activity. I've smoked marijuana heavily, many times per day, for many, many years. I began smoking marijuana daily at the age of fifteen. However, I graduated from college suma cum laude with a 3.9 GPA, obtaining two degrees in Finance and Accounting. I finished in the top 3% of my class. I currently have a 4.0 GPA in a masters of professional accounting. I accomplished all of this while using marijuana multiple times per day. I don't know of anyone who has used, or uses the drug more than I. However, I not only have had no trouble, but am quite exceptional in demonstrating cognitive skills such as logic, reasoning, memory, and perceptual aptitude. I scored a 700 on the GMAT, which is higher than 94% of people who take this graduate admissions exam. I admit that the drug causes short-term memory loss, however, this is only applicable while under the influence of the drug. Basically, don't try to study while high. Otherwise, there are absolutely no harmful effects to brain activity.
by mrrw on May 5th, 2009
Smoker for 40 years. No problem yet.
by Travis Brown on August 6th, 2008
ive been smoking weed for about 3 years and thats all i do i dont fuck with drugs anyway i would say that it didnt kill any brain cells but it did make me more social and it prolly made me act more like a kid and i can have fun with just about anything but i never got dumber or anything
by Moms4Marijuana on November 24th, 2007
"The most celebrated study that claims to show brain damage is the rhesus monkey study of Dr. Robert Heath, done in the late 1970s. This study was reviewed by a distinguished panel of scientists sponsored by the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences. Their results were published under the title, Marijuana and Health in 1982. Heath's work was sharply criticized for its insufficient sample size (only four monkeys), its failure to control experimental bias, and the misidentification of normal monkey brain structure as "damaged". Actual studies of human populations of marijuana users have shown no evidence of brain damage. For example, two studies from 1977, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed no evidence of brain damage in heavy users of marijuana. That same year, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially came out in favor of decriminalizing marijuana. That's not the sort of thing you'd expect if the AMA thought marijuana damaged the brain."
by Paul Hager
Chair, ICLU Drug Task Force
http://www.drugtext.org/sub/marmyt1.html
by fsdfsgsg on November 16th, 2007
Myth: Marijuana Kills Brain Cells. Used over time, marijuana permanently alters brain structure and function, causing memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality deterioration, and reduced productivity.
Fact: None of the medical tests currently used to detect brain damage in humans have found harm from marijuana, even from long term high-dose use. An early study reported brain damage in rhesus monkeys after six months exposure to high concentrations of marijuana smoke. In a recent, more carefully conducted study, researchers found no evidence of brain abnormality in monkeys that were forced to inhale the equivalent of four to five marijuana cigarettes every day for a year. The claim that marijuana kills brain cells is based on a speculative report dating back a quarter of a century that has never been supported by any scientific study.
by juggalo1 on October 19th, 2007
actually no. recent studies have shown that it temporarily impairs certain regions of the brain but dose not actually kill them
by AhMeD_2_3 on December 5th, 2004
No. But but it was recently proven that later in life you are most likely to suffer from neurological disorders such as hallucinations and paranoia. Alzheimers and Dementia also occurs more frequently in smokers of weed.
by deft on April 10th, 2010
Make no mistake..it is not good for you in any way whatsoever. It has been demonstrated that developing BRAIN CELLS ARE KILLED!! The worst thing is that it affects your PSYCHE in other negative ways and you dont even realize its happening untill you manage to shake the monkey. Yes there is a ton of misinformation on the internet, many of the sites have an air of authority, but they pick the 'science' that supports pot use in an effort to legitimize and legalize...neither of which should be done for the good of humanity..I say that with no exaggeration . Make no mistake..it is not good for you in any way whatsoever. Its affects are sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle..but ALWAYS NEGATIVE, someone said they did well in school while using, well you would have done even better had you not used. Me...a college grad w/mstrs, a former user, grower, been caught dealing, been caught buying, made alot of money, lost alot of money, kicked ass, got ass kicked, met and knew tons of users and looking back..generally nothing but negative affects for all. Wanna waste your short time here on earth? then use cannabis.
by Mrsk8bordz on January 24th, 2010
I have done enough research to concluded that the experiments done to show brain cell loss were unaccurately done. They were done with poor technology back in the 1950's-1960's and the scientists were ignorant and didnt look at the whole experiment properly. When the experiment was done, it was done on monkey in cages in a small room. When the THC was distrubuted, oxygen was cut off from the room which cause brain cell loss the the monkeys and the scientists blaimed brain cell loss on Marijuana. They didnt look at the big picture. A recent study was done on amother group of monkeys and it was done with better technology and this time, no brain cells were lost what so ever. So that is one of the many lies proved wrong. What makes me mad about it is that so many anti-drug companys still us that "fact" as an effort to make Marijuana look bad when its not. So many people beleive this "fact" too. Marijuana is a natual herb not a drug. A drug is a man made substance that is chemically created and can really damge your bodyy. Im currently 15 years old and have been smokeing Marijuana for about almost 7 months. It has done good, by opening my imagination when drawing because im an artist at High school of art and design in New York, and it gives me imagination. I love weed. I wish so many peolpe were not so ignorant. I want my fellow Marijuana smokers to gain knowledge and for ignorant people to see the truth... Peace out
by Wutangkillabee on October 27th, 2009
No, it simply freezes them. No damage done.
by Ban the government on June 30th, 2009
I would agree with many of you, but as a smoker and a young one at that, i do trully belive that it has an effect on the younger mind and will most deffenatly cause long term damage, if over used without brakes. i belive if you smoke on a regular bassis, as in, day to day, then it is bound to make major changes, same as if you watch to much TV, Eat to much food, Work to much, all these things have a major effect on you and your body. I am not a scientist but a 19 year old and even i relize that every thing should be in moderation, to much of anything cant be good and a drug, well they didnt make them illegal for nothing...! i hope there are others out there that have the same view... if so spread the word...! As i dont wont other youngsters to end up in DOP...! ( just to add i have been smoking heavly for 7 to 8 years ) and the only time i have ever felt the overall effect is within the past year or two... and subsequently have decreased, and the effects are backing off...!!
by SERPENTSSS on January 9th, 2009
You tell me, SCIENTIST!
by Anonymous on September 23rd, 2008
I'm not sure if it does or not, but i would like to talk about a theory i have, please bear with me a moment. first i would like to talk about drinking...my brother at the age of 19 was in an accident where he was drunk and his best friend didn't make it...that was 9 years ago...anyhow my point is so many violent acts happen while drinking: fighting, stealing, murder, car accidents...and the list goes on, not to mention the lists of medical risks drinking causes...cirosis of liver, heart disease, gout, acid reflux disease, on and on...and it is a fact that marijuana has been useful in helping or maintaining things like cancer and glaucoma...perhaps many more i'm not aware of...but if we had a congress that would wake up and see that stoners do not fight, they have no urge to kill, they are mellow and very alert actually...and if they would abolish bars and had only off-sale for alcohol so people have to go home and drink, they could open smoke shops...still have the driving under the influence law, bc i don't believe it is cool to drive under the influence of anything..they would see a dramatic decrease in dui deaths, the police would be free to worry about worse crime than a stupid bar fight. in my experience with marijuana users, they do not fight with each other...there would be a decrease in a lot of crime and dui deaths...what's the harm in switching it that way??? we've tried it this long with bars, and our cities and towns are full of violence.....let's try switching it a bit, i bet anything that there would be a DRASTIC change in all of our lives...
by Ec-nal Licensed Bootie Inspector on August 6th, 2008
Um..........wah?..,no man,.........naa.. yo...
by technios on August 6th, 2008
well if they say that brain cells can regenerate then.... what kills them makes them stronger in a way by giving your body a little practice at regeneration
by teemunney on December 13th, 2007
I think Thommy is dead wrong. I think its completely psychological... you become what you expect to become. I never bought into any of the crap about it changing you and making you dumb and lazy and awkward because I was never shown substantial proof.
I started using it occassionally as a teen, and into my early 20s I became a heavy smoker. I was a straight A student all through high school, & getting high did not change that. I went to college and got a bachelor's in CompSci...I was high most of the time but never slipped on my work. I was also in a band & working & dating & maintaining a good relationship with my family as well...always able to balance my life, no problems.
I then became a successful software professional at a multi-billion dollar company (obviously can't specify where, but I wish I could--they drug-tested me but I beat it). I'm making great money, I'm a leader, I'm well-respected, well-liked, always positive, personable, hard-working, dependable. Basically I'm the exact opposite of everything you've observed, Thommy. And I'm no different than I would have been if I weren't a stoner.
To those of you who have such negative opinions of smokers, guess what... its easy to find stoners that live up to all your stereotypes, they announce it and speak freely because they can blame their shortcomings on it... but there are also a lot of very NORMAL people doing it right under your nose, but you'd never know it because we're SMART and don't trust most people enough to let them catch on.
by Mike Lamore on November 21st, 2007
THC Sticks on to the brain cells and it takes it about a month for the brain to resume full function
but it's actually better having the THC in your brain. So my answer is: brain cells die everyday anyway, and getting high every day is ok !! so get high folks , and quit the blabber
by answerdude on November 3rd, 2009
No. The only proof I've seen was so biased, that it makes me think non-smokers are dumber than smokers if they believe that bull shit.. negative studies always contradict themselves, or the tests were done by certified retards in white suits.. They've had tests that "prove" marijuana is worse than cigarettes, but obviously it is when you have a monkey smoke 10 joints a day, and another monkey smoke only 2 cigarettes.. Thats dumb, and so are you if you believe those tests.. furthermore, I've been smoking for 5 years now, and I'm always told I'm brilliant or smarter than expected. I had a non-smoking friend for 3 years before he suspected I did weed (and thats cuz I smelled like it.). He said it must not be as bad as they say on tv, and asked me my opinion on it.. By the end of the day I had him smoking weed, and in my opinion, hes a more open-minded, fun seeking individual.. Smokers unite!!! Oh, one more thing, before I smoked, my IQ was around 120, and 3 years after smoking it was exactly 140. maybe its more by now, so obviously, I didn't become retarted
by Anonymous on November 11th, 2009
FUCK YOU NIGGERS WEED IS AWESOME!!!
by Mind Maestro on October 7th, 2009
The government would like us to believe that it is a detrimental drug, and the two links that were .gov domains both had contradictions and incorrect information. At one point they said:
"Marijuana is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision"
Ever heard of one of the largest states in America called California? There are cannabis clubs everywhere and they offer a "green card" (used to gain access to the clubs) for several reasons, the primary reasons being: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Our government likes to push pills, the things that can be chemically broken down and synthetically created. I know several Neuro-scientists and Medical Doctors who both argue that marijuana is safer, and more beneficial, then the little white pills the pharmaceutical companies would like us to use.
Short Answer: No, but propaganda is made to the contrary so the government can tax "medication" that they fund and create.
by Anonymous on June 19th, 2009
Were you high when you asked this?
For the short answer, skip to *
Directlt it will not damage your brain. But over the course of, oh, I don't know, 3 DAYS, you would get addicted to it. Once you start forgetting important stuff during your addiction, it is a sure sign that your brain is slowly dying.
* YES
by KravMagaDave on February 13th, 2011
I'd have to agree with John Doe's answer completely. The studies purporting to show cannabinoid induced brain damage have long since been discredited as agenda based junk science. As for the strong anti-alcohol comment below stating that one standard drink kills 10,000 brain cells, I cannot agree. Studies have shown that mild alcohol consumption (on the order of 1 to 2 drinks per day depending on sex and body weight) actually improves cognitive functioning as well as long term brain and cardiovascular health. Additionally red wine has been found to contain a powerful polyphenolic antioxidant, resveratol, that has been shown to have highly beneficial neural and cardiovascular effects of its own. Beer, particularly darker beers, have been found to contain a polyphenolic antioxidant compound, known as xanthohumol, as well. Mild to moderate alcohol consumption dilates the blood vessels (I believe this is mediated by the direct effects of acetaldehyde and the indirect effect that alcohol has on tissue adenosine levels) thereby improving circulation and oxygen delivery. It also tends to slightly raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Undoubtedly excessive consumption of alcohol (3 or more drinks per day for years) causes long term brain and liver functioning problems. Much of this damage is mediated by the depletion of the essential B vitamin Thiamine from brain tissue that occurs with excessive alcohol consumption, the increase in oxidative stress as a result of alcohol metabolites like acetaldehyde and the upregulation of cytochrome p450 2e1 activity caused by it, and the increased bacterial permeability of the intestines (thus exposing the liver to higher concentrations of gut bacteria and promoting inflammation and scarring) as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Having said all that, it is utterly false (and was no doubt done for dramatic effect in making the comparison of marijuana to alcohol) to assert that one drink will permanently destroy 10,000 brain cells. What we need in the world is more scientific fact and less dramatic propaganda.
by l;askdhfgjk on January 13th, 2011
I have a 4.0 GPA, planning to be a doctor, so I can work with idiots like you who have lost all brain cells. From what I've read on this site, I feel that you all are stupid and should go jump off a cliff and save me the trouble of having to treat someone like you.
by maxbuschkopf1 on March 24th, 2011
inspiration comes to he who seeks it.
i've been smoking for a year and a half and im still in the advanced placement classes getting a's and having teachers telling me im smarter then them(actually i smoke with some of my teachers)
when i started smoking i can see how a person with weak willpower (ie) someone turning to it for depression. could be made less motivated but like i said motivation(inspiration) comes to he who seeks it.
by Patrick on April 9th, 2011
No, I don't think so.
Though I smoke occasionally, it has let me gain the confidence I need for school and for myself.
I wish I could smoke it in a Vaporizer though, but it's cheap to make a Gravity Bong, all you have to do is get a coke bottle, poke a hold in the bottom (or saw the bottom part off), get a bucket of water, get a cork, get a little funnel, put a little weed on it, let it smoke the bottle up, and whola!
Now that im into weed, I use YouTube to do some independent research on the subject, and it amazes me more than anything I've ever seen.
by Rose Matt on October 20th, 2011
That is just a myth. These people who are all saying "yep, Yeah, and sure does" don't know what the hell their talking about. Smoking anything isn't good for you, but their have NEVER been ANY test that PROVE marijuana cannabis kills brain cells, or even indicate that it does. If you feel like you should stop smoking, then stop. But, don't stress yourself to thinking that you permanently damaged your body. Because that's NOT the case. Just do some more research, or talk to a reputed doctor.
by sometimers on May 15th, 2011
Well weed makes me feel peaceful and content which I need in this mixed up world with people who don't want me to be able to feel that way because there are so many hateful and selfish nosey people who try to run everyones lives by trying to tell them what they need and don't need,and what should be legal or not legal. They should open their eyes and look around them and see what drugs are really harmful and deadly,instead of trying to make a big deal out of a plant that has never caused a person to do harm to anyone but is good enough to be used for medical purposes. They can't say that about tobacco or alcohol that is legal and very deadly. They can't even be put in the same catagory as Marijanua. Get rid of the people in government who downgrade this plant,(the hypocrites) lets vote them out and then we will have a better place to live and live in peace.
by Algorythms on December 2nd, 2010
We,ve all heard that drugs effect people differently I personally do not like to refer to weed as a drug it grows from the ground it's a herb or plant whatever you prefer. But I personally feel that weed can be negative for you or positive. Prior to smoking for the first time I felt as if I was blowing through life not looking around at how beautiful the world actually was I didn't think about things I didn't think about why I thought about things. After smoking is when I truly felt alive for the first time I had increase empathy I could do intricate things In my mind that I couldn't do be for these effects stayed with me even after smoking but I truly feel as though I would have been a mindless consumer my whole life if I never smoked for the first time. On the other hand my brother did it and it did nothing for him he didn't like how thought provoking it was so he shunned it and everything related to it. On the other hand I feel as if I can't relate to non smokers as well as smokers because we can't have those same high level conversations. 21 year old biology major at LSU
by CollegeDropout on November 16th, 2010
@Kool Shen
Alcohol does not kill brain cells either. It is a no-brainer (no pun intented) that alcohol is more damaging to the body (liver) and brain (neurons) but neurons are not brain cells and they are damaged more as a byproduct of drinking (b1 deficiency) than anything. Also the brain is capable of completely repairing neurons, much less slowly rebuilding brain cells (that aren't killed by either pot or alcohol anyway). Both alcohol and marijuana are linked in an ever-increasing array of studies to increased cognitive abilities (with the exception of heavy drinking, and heavy smoking too if you ask me). Also, it may be interesting for you to know that hops contain THC, but it is mostly broken down by the brewing process (and no you won't fail a drug test from it).
by geoffreysantoro on March 21st, 2010
It only affects young people because their brains and body are not fully developed. This is the same for ANY drugs. People under the age of about 18-22 should not ingest drugs because it can stop growth.
That's why high schoolers who smoke weed are dumb. But adults who do it are smart.
by tat2d76 on December 31st, 2009
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2159875/does_marijuana_really_kill_brain_cells.html
A great article on the controversy surrounding Dr. Heaths study.
by geoffreysantoro on March 21st, 2010
It only affects young people because their brains and body are not fully developed. This is the same for ANY drugs. People under the age of about 18-22 should not ingest drugs because it can stop growth.
That's why high schoolers who smoke weed are dumb. But adults who do it are smart.
by Aaronp2k on April 3rd, 2010
to be honest, iv smoked weed since i was 16 (im almost 22 now), and iv found myself becoming a lot smarter, i even begun experimenting with music and various other art forms. now i am getting releases with record labels like so many other music artists who used marijuana did in the past.
weed effects various people differently, it all depends on the person and their gene pool.
it is true that by smoking weed you kill brain cells because as previously mentioned above anything you inhale that burns will kill brain cells. but you do not have to smoke weed, you can eat it, you can develop oil from it and use it for various skin conditions.
people smoke it because it effects the brain a lot quicker, it unlocks parts of the brain that are never used by anyone who has never smoked weed and you find yourself becoming more open minded and seeing the world for what it is rather than seeing it the way the government wants you to see it. the government does not like this, why do you think john lennon was assasinated, and bob marley got shot (and carried on his performance despite being shot).... I will tell you why, because he dedicated his whole life to opening peoples eyes and he was not about to let a bullet probably set up by the government stop him.
in a nutshell, smoking weed is harmful but nowhere near as harmful as tobacco or alcohol, and any other type of marijuana use is not harmful (unless you are 1 in 100 thousand people in your country who are mentally effected by it) using vaporizers, making space cakes, using it as oil to treat skin conditions and etc will not harm you.
why isn't it legal?
here is a few points:
back in the day when it was legal, people rioted because their eyes were open and they realised some of their basic rights had been restricted and that the government was corrupt. the governments could not maintain control and so they illegalized marijuana and rounded up all the hippies (tree huggers they used to refer to them as) they could so that they could silence their message of world peace and fairness in the world.
they can tax something you can grow, but there is no point when you are allowed to grow it yourself. they would not gain any benefit from it, the paper companies would go out of business (you can make hemp paper from marijuana) , the oil companies would go out of business (yes you can use marijuana for hemp oil, and it can be used to power cars and pretty much anything industrial that runs on oil).
alcohol makes people become less intelligent if they binge drink (which lets face it, everyone does it) making it easier for the government to feed them propoganda and maintain control across the nation. if weed was legal less people would drink alcohol, the government don't want this because they will lose money then.
ciggarettes kill people but they are addictive and generate an extreme amount of money for the government.
to back up all of what i said, my friends dad has smoked weed every day for about 45 years, and he is as sane as my mum who is a school teacher and has never smoked weed in her life and rarely drinks.
by Doc on September 20th, 2010
I asked a person this question that used a lot of marijuna. He could not remember.
So I dont know. Lol
by Jonah_D on September 8th, 2010
For those that don't know, all smoke will cause harm to your body. This is why people DIE of smoke inhalation in fires.
A good amount of smokers also make their own home use devices, such as bongs, pipes and other devices, which usually contain materials that have been found to be harmful, like PVC piping, aluminum which can cause alzheimers, and some other metals which I don't feel like listing...
The basic point, while weed can be harmful, it can also be helpful, so it varies by the person, but it doesn't cause brain damage. The cells in the brain are altered, however, after some time without the harmful smoke the cells return to their normal state, allowing for regular function. This time can very from a week in some people to up to almost half a year, based upon the individual and their smoking habbits.
POINT? Let people smoke if they want to, because everyone does it at their own risk, and while it isn't as bad as some other things, it can be harmful, so one should not think that it isn't doi g anything bad, because it can, even if you don't know it.
How long does it take for weed to get out of your body?
by Answerbag Staff on March 5th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
My friend smokes, she's only 14, how can I convince her to stop? She knows what it can do but she pays no attention. I need help please :/
by sashaxxlol on November 29th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Ive Had my period for 15 days now and ive had sharp pains where my right overy is it hurts realy bad!and realy bad back pain.any ideas?
by xo-lollypop-xo on November 28th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
My friend smokes, she's only 14, she knows what it can do to harm her but she pays no attention. How can I convince her to stop? :/
by sashaxxlol on November 29th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
can your doctor force you 2 go 2 a weight management course?
by Miss_Shy on September 28th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
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Comments
And I suppose the potheads that are dumb as dirt were like that in the first place? It wrecks your head, end of story.
by James Larrick on February 21st, 2004
Agrees. I was a complete pothead in high school and maintained a 3.5 GPA. If it wrecked my brain, no-one's been able to tell
by pjchik on March 26th, 2004
Amen. The main reason people are scared of marijuana is because they don't know much about it and its effects.
by elemteacher on April 3rd, 2004
Pot is not COMPLETELY harmless. Heavy use of pot for years causes problems including short-term memory loss in some people
by webgrunt on April 13th, 2005
it is oh so bad for you...
by Julian Ortega on May 2nd, 2005
Marijuana causes far less physiological damage than alcohol. Alcoholics aren't any too healthy, either.
by RedJohn on February 9th, 2006
i still aint gonna pump my veins wit tht shit but tht explained alot
by worship me im god on March 9th, 2006
but you don't pump anything into your veins when you smoke???
by Area51 on January 19th, 2007
you guys are dumb, you smoke weed you dont pump it... i smoke weed everyday and have been for the last few years and there are no signs of stupidity or any other brain effects.
you cant say how weed affects the brain or a person if you dont smoke yourself.you have to practice what you preach so keep your mouth shut unless youre gunna go blaze...Dumbass. Effects from marijuana use all depends on the person not what people tell you.
by ellisblackBFK on April 30th, 2007
I'm not saying you're wrong, but I am saying that just because they've never smoked, doesn't mean they can't have a valid opinion.
For example;
I can say an SUV will usually roll over more easily than a car (by looking at studies) even though I've never tried rolling a car OR an SUV.
You don't have to smoke to research the facts.
Once again, I'm not saying smoking makes you dumb, I'm just saying your logic in this case doesn't quite flow.
by Vashtar on May 13th, 2007
Sorry, that was directed to Ellis
by Vashtar on May 13th, 2007
That post was a snippet from a document called "Frequently Asked Questions about Cannabis Hemp", written all the way back in 1994, by Brian S. Julin.
The original document is HUGE and has a lot of great information in it. You can view it at:
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/drugs/hemp-marijuana/
by big_t8r on May 17th, 2007
Thanks Bigt8r, still reading.
Interesting stuff.
(Hemp seed will not get you high, and is legal if sterilized).
"Hemp seed oil provides the human body with essential fatty
acids. Hemp seed is the only seed which contains these oils
with almost no saturated fat. As a supplement to the diet,
these oils can reduce the risk of heart disease. It is
because of these oils that birds will live much longer if
they eat hemp seed."
I have a bird, and if I can do so legally, I plan to do this.
by Vashtar on May 18th, 2007
***PLAGIARISM ALERT***
when people post an answer they found somewhere on the internet, they should list references!
MINUS 5 POINTS.
by Anonymous on May 5th, 2009
It may not kill brain cells, I believe that I does, but I do know that over time it changes your brain chemistry which is the major problem with all the different kinds of drugs out there.
by tkden77 on May 11th, 2009
Your brain changes its brain chemistry all the time, neurons connect and build new bridges and other paths are forgotten. Your brain is constantly re-writing itself over years, like a huge electrical orchestra tweaking its harmonies, which accounts for the growth (or lack of growth)we experience as human beings throughout life.
I don't know if it can really be said that just because something changes the way your brain works it is bad. Education changes the way our brain works, at both an electrical and chemical level over time, for example. The big problem is that with all the taboo and hush hush going on there is no way for us to really study the effects of this substance because of its scheduling. Criminalization seriously handicaps in depth, unbiased research.
by Anonymous on May 14th, 2009
In response to Anonymous, I don't believe weed is the worst drug by any means and think alcohol is probably worse than weed, but it will change the way things function in your mind and brain overtime,maybe even the kind of bud that you smoke, don't know I'm not an expert, but if that doesn't matter to you then smoke out any chance you get I guess. I just know from experience that I have many friends that used to smoke a lot in high school and now are seeming to have problems more than other friends that didn't smoke and now only in their late 20's.
by tkden77 on May 15th, 2009
I do agree wih this article 100% because I have done tons of research on this "brain cell damage/loss" myth and what I have found says a lot about poor experiemnts that were conducted on monkey back in the 1950's-1960's. It was said that when the experiment was first conducted, i was done on monkeys caged up in a small room. When the THC was distributed, oxygen was cut off little to none. When oxygen fails to reach the brain, the brain will loose brain cells and pass out if oxygen is cut off long enough. But even during the period of oxygen deprival, brain cells are still lost. So at the end of the experiment, when the monkeys brains were observed and conclusions were made, scientists saw brain cell loss and concluded that Marijuana causes brain loss. And this was a very ignorant thing to conclude because scientists were quick to say that brain cells were lost when they accualy didnt think about,"Well maybe this or this could have caused it?? I will repeat the experiment and observe". But his was back in the 50's-60's so scientist were ignorant, and what is so bad about that is that so many anti-drug companys still use that stupid ass "fact" as one of there efforts to make Marijuana look so bad.What I hate about this is that so many people have beleived this for decades. And what is funny about this is that as the articl says and that I have read in many articles is that a recent study on monkeys was done and brain cell loss came out negative. This experiment was done with better technology and properly. So this "fact" along with many other "facts", have been proven wrong. I just wanted to put this out there for the ignorant and for many other people who love to smoke Marijuana to gain knowledge about this so you know the truth. In addition, im currently 15 years old, have been smokeing Marijuana for about 7 months and I really love it. I have been doing a lot of research so that I know the truth and so that when a dumb ass ignorant ass hole brings up false information on Marijuana in school or on the street or anyway else, I will be able to make that person look bad and prove to the people there tha itt is all bull shit and that everythi g has been proven wrong and how. This is because if I dont, that false information that was shared that very moment, will continue to be spread and will float around for generations just as it has. People need to see the truth and get educated. Marijuana is a natural herb and to me isent consider
by Mrsk8bordz on January 24th, 2010
ok, i am an honour roll student, and i smoke weed, clearly it doesnt affect your brain cells too much.
by ColeSmith on June 29th, 2010
Hello my fellow cannabis lovers,
I read an article about mail-order pot on Cannabis Culture.
It referred to JayJoints and PotByPost. Whom are suppose to be reliable and legitimate but I stumbled on a blog which was very interesting related to the same and not on the list of scammers.
The site is http://thepabloescobarden.wordpress.com and their introduction is as follows:
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This blog outlines our Cannabis products and services.
If you have further questions please don’t hesitate to email us at: thepabloescobarden@gawab.com "
Well, I took a look at their cannabis menu and ordered 2 grams of Pablo's Marijuana for $30.00 plus $30.00 shipping fee. I paid by money order but they accept many other methods of payment. It arrived within 5 days in discreet envelope that no one could notice what was inside. I was amazed at the quality of the bud, it was great and I got a great buz off it.
If anyone out there is interested, I am passing this info along and you can try it yourself. The website again is http://thepabloescobarden.wordpress.com
by Flyinghigh001 on August 19th, 2010
The one thing that bothers me is that all of the older generations stood by the false fact that marijuana is a drug. It is not it's a plant that just so happens to be smoked for medical and recreational uses. We live in a country of retards who just don't understand or are just too naive to get marijuana legalized. If those old ass political fools actually use their brain to think, they could realize how much marijuana can benefit our country. Personally I think the political system is corrupt over money, if that's the case then legalize marijuana. Simple
by huntershamlian on February 2nd, 2011