Myth or Truth: Does Marijuana Kill Neurons?
Experts claim there is no evidence that marijuana can burn neurons, however, they warn about the abusive use of compounds from the plant
By Sechat
Amidst the controversy surrounding the legalization of marijuana possession for personal use, a lingering question fuels heated debates:
Does marijuana have the power to burn neurons?
MYTH! Experts unanimously state that there is no evidence to support the idea that marijuana can burn neurons. According to doctors and researchers, uncontrolled substance use can pose risks to the central nervous system, but the claim that it can annihilate neurons lacks scientific basis.
In an interview with Veja, Dr. Claudio Lottenberg, President of the Council of the Beneficent Society Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein, emphasizes:
"The indiscriminate and uncontrolled use of marijuana, evidently, brings risks to the central nervous system, however, it is not capable of killing neurons".
Dartiu Xavier, coordinator of the Program for Guidance and Assistance to Dependents at Unifesp, agrees, pointing out that adult use of the plant can alter its functioning, but not lead to destruction. He also emphasizes that substances like alcohol and solvents can have a more toxic effect than cannabis, effectively damaging neurons.
Warning!
A concerning context is the use of marijuana by young people, as according to experts, adolescence is marked by incomplete formation of the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for decision-making. Thus, excessive marijuana use at this stage can be crucial in development, negatively affecting this formation.
Lottenberg emphasizes that this concern does not apply to the therapeutic use of cannabis. "Medicinal use is monitored, with safe doses," assures the doctor.
But how did the belief that marijuana "burns neurons" come about?
In 1974, a study in the United States exposed monkeys to continuous marijuana cigarette smoke, resulting in their deaths three months later. Brain analysis revealed a decrease in the number of nerve cells. However, it was later discovered that the destructive action was caused by smoke intoxication, which reduced oxygenation in the monkeys' brains.
In summary, the idea that marijuana burns neurons is a misinterpretation of an experiment that was misinterpreted and does not reflect the reality of the substance's effects on the human brain.