Marijuana Study: Cannabis Has Potential To Cure Alzheimer’s; Ottawa Task Force To Help Legalize Cannabis

A new study found that marijuana compound can break off the damaging effects of Alzheimer's disease, which commonly occurs among oldest.

Alzheimer's is a common cause of dementia (a chronic disease of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury), that causes problems with memory. Although researchers have found potentials of marijuana, also known as cannabis, to prevent this age-related disease, however, the discovery is still considered premature.

Salk Institute researchers' study showed that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds found in pot can contribute to the removal of toxic proteins, known as amyloid beta, Gizmodo reported. Amyloid beta have been linked to Alzheimer's disease by some experts.

Despite a few numbers of studies that suggest benefits of marijuana, assistant unit chief of psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York, Dr. Scott Krakower said the biggest risk related to the use of cannabis is the increased risk of psychosis.

Meanwhile, in Ottawa, the federal government launched a traveling task force, led by deputy prime minister Anne McLellan, to study the best way to legalize the medicinal cannabis, The Star reported. However, task force advocates hope for unfettered access to recreational pot may contradict Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's government plan, which is a strict regulatory framework that limit the production and distribution of weed.

The former Toronto police chief, and now Liberal Member of Parliament, Bill Blair (also Trudeau's point person for medicinal cannabis issue), said on Thursday, July 1, that science has cleared that weeds "is not a benign substance."

Blair clarified despite studies have shown potential benefits of pot, the weed may have risks to some certain sectors of the population, particularly children, in the impact of developing adolescent brains, however, it may offer benefits to people who may be suffering from such illness, particularly, mental disorder.

McLellan explained the roles of her task force of medical and legal experts in legalizing weeds, which includes, consultation with provinces, municipalities, and the public before releasing a report due in November.