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.

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.

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.

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

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,

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....

Actually marijuana has recently been proven to grow and expand brain cells.

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.

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!

Some studies do say that is the case http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/marijuana/index.html http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html

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

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.

Oh man, yeah! It makes your brain soft and yr. feet fall off! Honestly, no.

actually no. recent studies have shown that it temporarily impairs certain regions of the brain but dose not actually kill them

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.

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

"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

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.

no, but it can do far worse over a long period of time

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!

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

probably. it probably kills more lung cells than brain cells. after the age of eightteen, your body starts falling apart. so it doesnt really matter too much how many cells of any particular organ you lose. you could die in your fifties.

No, in fact smoking weed and, get this, drinking alcohol may actually promote brain cell growth. Spark one and pass that bottle yo...;)

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

Um..........wah?..,no man,.........naa.. yo...

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...

It affects the passage of time. Minutes can turn into hours. Sometimes it can slow things down and allow you to take more time given you more time to think. It is more attuned to the loss of short term memory. Therefore losing things is common. Not sure about breaking brain cells.

Answer withdrawn. To the down rater: In your unfortunately sick brains you may have not noticed but you have down rated 15 points off the previously posted answer. . Fun is over pot head, now go pick your nose in another corner.

what are you drunk?

You tell me, SCIENTIST!

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.

its deffently makes you forget shit if you use it alot for a long time cause it happens to me and all my friends

NO.

no, a study in the 60's and 70's said that marijuana was proven to kill brain cells. Although the study was conducted by the government and it was very rushed. Recent tests on patients using a THC substitute have actually shown an increase in brain cells.

I think not. It can't be very good for your lungs though. The CO steals the ability of your body to take up oxygen.

Smoker for 40 years. No problem yet.

no. myth

yes

Yes.

Directly - NO. Prolonged & excessive use , though, will lead to inactivity, lethargy and binge eating. Since you may not be doing those things you might normally do otherwise, like pay attn in class or read a book or play sports or otherwise stimulate your brain - your brain cells are not developing as much as they might. So - indirectly - maybe.

i would have thought so

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

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...!!

yes! www.Dr.Amen.com

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.

I would be curious to know the answer in a study of THC's effects, alone. Can it cause effects to the brain without the possible health effects caused by consuming it via SMOKE generated methods? Could the brain "transformations" caused by THC be proven as truthful (perhaps metaphysical) states of understanding?

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.

No, it simply freezes them. No damage done.

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

FUCK YOU NIGGERS WEED IS AWESOME!!!