Breaking Waves - The Effect of Marijuana on Brain Waves and the Memory

Freund, Tamas

One of the most important elements of high-level nervous system functioning is the processing, interpretation and storing of stimuli from both the external and our own internal worlds. The hippocampus plays a key role in this process. Memory is the result of the precise synchronization of stimulating and impeding neurons.

Understanding psychoactive substances has long been a concern of science, yet the working of one of the most popular drugs, marijuana, has only recently begun to become apparent. Contrary to earlier views, marijuana connects to its own receptor in the nerve cell. This receptor plays a key role in the functioning of memory. It is well known that the use of marijuana affects memory, however, it also plays a role in adjusting the optimal levels of anxiety and relaxation. With precise understanding, a road may open to the development of more effective anti-anxiety medication with fewer side effects. It is now also clear that the marijuana receptor is the common path to all manner of drug addictions including alcohol and hard drugs. Thus the study of the nervous system in relation to marijuana will play an important role the treatment of addiction.

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