does weed enhance intelligence? Options

[Dan]

or just cause noise?


http://webcenter.health.webmd.netscape.com...ntentSRC_nsmain

[Robert the Bruce]

Intelligence?? I think of it as a given talent and I think 'insight' is more the case. IN fact I find little reason to believe the lasting effect of marijuana use has any beneficial impact on intelligence. But in your link there are descriptions of pyramid cells and the Pineal Gland or Third Eye is also shaped as a pyramid or Pine Cone (see the ancient caduceus now used as a symbol for medical professions). This is why the hats now called dunce caps (pejorative against we 'witches' lol) are shaped like Pyramids - to focus cosmic and other energy to the Thalmi which amplify and distribute this knowledge or energy.

These cells (pyramidal) normally work to excite neighboring cells; using their homemade cannabinoids temporarily allows more information to be processed by lowering the brain's inhibition of excess information processing. By lulling other brain cells, cannabinoids temporarily leave the pyramid cells free to fire away.

Now, researchers at Stanford University in California have found that other type of brain cells -- LTS cells -- can also make cannabinoids.

LTS cells ordinarily keep pyramid cells in check. This process works to guard too much information being processed from pyramidal cells to neighboring cells within the brain region.

But when LTS cells make their own cannabinoids, they tune themselves out from surrounding cells.

As a result, the brain's pyramid cells are temporarily freed from inhibition. They then process excess information to other cells.

The effects can last up to 35 minutes.

Marijuana's active ingredients may behave the same way, latching on to these cannabinoid receptor sites allowing information to be process in an altered way.

[Darksanity]

I have sometimes been in really concentrated states after smoking weed but it's pretty rare. And no it does not enhance intelligence (maybe makes you think your more intelligent...).

[code buttons]

I have sometimes been in really concentrated states after smoking weed but it's pretty rare. And no it does not enhance intelligence (maybe makes you think your more intelligent...).

It actually slows you down and, in perennial smokers it dumbs you down. Thus the adjective "recreational" to describe it. Comsumpsion of it should always be under control and moderation; and strictly for its medicinal and/or recreational purposes. It does, on the other hand, brings forth episodes of enlightenment. But only if you are, already, avidly searching for that property; and if you are focused and akin to it.

[Flex]

I took an online IQ test before and after smoking pot (identical questions). Before I smoked I scored 24 points higher... For me at least pot just makes me lazy and eat too much.

[trojan_libido]

Pot gives you bursts of creational energy, which can either be in thought or actions. Often I've found I'll spend a few hours on a project that has little merit other than for testing out ideas e.g. drawings, 3D modelling or programming. The original burst wains and you end up wandering off into other more leisurely activities, like TV lol. At least thats the pattern I've noticed.

[LifeMirage]

I would say it alters perception but not increase what most people would consider IQ.

[xanadu]

I read that they found a cannabinoid that promoted the growth of neurons in the brain. I'll try to come back with a link to it. We don't have all those receptors in our brains for cannabinoids for no reason.

[bluesfreefall]

Weed seems to allow for a degree of metaprogramming in the brain, which allows one to observe the programs that he/she is running. This is a kind of intelligence. In bringing the focus away from one's compulsory programming and helping him to question authority, it promotes independent thought. The "turning on" aspect of weed allows one to focus on one's nervous system and get in touch with chakras rather than run the program of social competition, it facilitates what could be called neurosomatic intelligence. While under the influence of weed, one definitely loses some cognitive abilities, but when the effect wears off, he can come away more intelligent about himself and the world around him.

[LifeMirage]

I read that they found a cannabinoid that promoted the growth of neurons in the brain. I'll try to come back with a link to it. We don't have all those receptors in our brains for cannabinoids for no reason.

The effect of a certain compound found in a plant rarely gives any indication of the effect of smoking an herb (containing a dozen or even 100's of compounds interacting in unknown ways).

The EndoCannabinoid system is of recent discovery with clinical drugs only recently entering the market and our understanding. I'm working on an article to help better understand the function and interaction of this system and compounds shown to effect it.

[xanadu]

Plus, don't forget they found that cannabinoids help prevent alzhiemers disease. It was in all the papers. I don't think it makes you smarter though it may promote neurogenesis under some conditions. So do many other things such as (reportedly) vinpocetine and lithium compounds. The amotivational effects of pot are well known. It causes less or no physical problems compared with alcohol but can be abused. If a person uses it and neglects to do things he/she needs to do then it's a problem. If someone can use it intelligently then it may not be a problem and may be a positive thing allowing the person to attain insight. Most teenagers and young adults will tend to abuse it but is that a good reason to keep it from all adults? It has many medical benefits particularly for patients with cancer, MS, arthritis and a number of other diseases. I think I'll go work on preventing alzhiemers in a moment.

[Flex]

Lol I don't see how cannabinoids help prevent alzheimers...I can't even remember where I put my keys after a bag

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term "bag" research the Volcano vaporizer (it is a fantastic little device that eliminates most of the tar and carcinogens).

[xanadu]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4286435.stm

Marijuana may block Alzheimer's

The compound may protect the brain
The active ingredient in marijuana may stall decline from Alzheimer's disease, research suggests.

Scientists showed a synthetic version of the compound may reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer's and thus help to prevent mental decline.

They hope the cannabinoid may be used to developed new drug therapies.

The research, by Madrid's Complutense University and the Cajal Institute, is published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

The scientists first compared the brain tissue of patients who died from Alzheimer's disease with that of healthy people who had died at a similar age.

They looked closely at brain cell receptors to which cannabinoids bind, allowing their effects to be felt.

They also studied structures called microglia, which activate the brain's immune response.

Microglia collect near the plaque deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease and, when active, cause inflammation.

The researchers found a dramatically reduced functioning of cannabinoid receptors in diseased brain tissue.

This was an indication that patients had lost the capacity to experience cannabinoids' protective effects.

The next step was to test the effect of cannabinoids on rats injected with the amyloid protein that forms Alzheimer's plaques.

Those animals who were also given a dose of a cannabinoid performed much better in tests of their mental functioning.

The researchers found that the presence of amyloid protein in the rats' brains activated immune cells.

However, rats that also received the cannabinoid showed no sign of microglia activation.

Using cell cultures, the researchers confirmed that cannabinoids counteracted the activation of microglia and thus reduced inflammation.

Drug target

Researcher Dr Maria de Ceballos said: "These findings that cannabinoids work both to prevent inflammation and to protect the brain may set the stage for their use as a therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease."

Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "This is important research because it provides another piece of the jigsaw puzzle on the workings of the brain.

"There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, so the identification of another target for drug development is extremely welcome.

"The Alzheimer's Society looks forward to seeing further research being carried out on cannabinoid receptors as drug targets for Alzheimer's disease but would warn the public against taking marijuana as a way of preventing Alzheimer's.

"It is now generally recognised that as well as providing a 'high', long-term use of marijuana can also lead to depression in many individuals."

Different receptors

Harriet Millward, of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said there were two main types of cannabinoid receptor, CR1 and CR2.

"It is CR1 that produces most of the effects of marijuana, including the harmful ones.

[Gahan]

Stating a drug has 'brain damaging' effects is probably outdated and simplisitc, IMHO. A more accurate way to describe the residual effects of marijuana consumption on the brain is 're-arranging'. At least one study has shown an increase in neuron density after long-term pot use--in certain areas of the brain. Other areas are observed to decrease in density.

However, certain higher executive functions are most certainly damaged.


As an interesting aside, studies in rats have shown cannabis-induced neurotoxcicity in the Hippocampus can be prevented by anti-oxidants and anti-inflammitories (the two used in the study were aspirin and vitamin E).

Also, damage to cortical neurons seems to be mediated by activation of caspase-3, which theoretically could be supressed at least to some extent by Sesamin, and I believe Vinpocetine and several other nootropics.

[Kmal]

Weed seems to allow for a degree of metaprogramming in the brain, which allows one to observe the programs that he/she is running. This is a kind of intelligence. In bringing the focus away from one's compulsory programming and helping him to question authority, it promotes independent thought. The "turning on" aspect of weed allows one to focus on one's nervous system and get in touch with chakras rather than run the program of social competition, it facilitates what could be called neurosomatic intelligence. While under the influence of weed, one definitely loses some cognitive abilities, but when the effect wears off, he can come away more intelligent about himself and the world around him.

This is very true IMO.

Little personal note,I smoked pot all last year, for the wrong reason. I smoked to "get fucked up" with friends and whatnot. In school I did horrid, all c's and 1 b. (Normally I'm an all A student.) This summer, for the first time, I smoked weed with my dad (an old country boy from Mississippi, finished 8th grade with an IQ of around 140, one of the smartest people I know. He taught me a bunch of introspective ideals.

Now, everytime I smoke pot, I learn something, either about myself, or a new pattern in something. Smoking pot for the right reasons seems to help alot. Now I'm making all A's and have an introspective reason for it. Seems to have lessened my frequency doing it, and now its more meaningful.

I learn easier. EVerything is easier.

IMO, it does alot more than most people think

[PrometheanUrge]

Weed seems to allow for a degree of metaprogramming in the brain, which allows one to observe the programs that he/she is running. This is a kind of intelligence. In bringing the focus away from one's compulsory programming and helping him to question authority, it promotes independent thought. The "turning on" aspect of weed allows one to focus on one's nervous system and get in touch with chakras rather than run the program of social competition, it facilitates what could be called neurosomatic intelligence. While under the influence of weed, one definitely loses some cognitive abilities, but when the effect wears off, he can come away more intelligent about himself and the world around him.

This is very true IMO.

Little personal note,I smoked pot all last year, for the wrong reason. I smoked to "get fucked up" with friends and whatnot. In school I did horrid, all c's and 1 b. (Normally I'm an all A student.) This summer, for the first time, I smoked weed with my dad (an old country boy from Mississippi, finished 8th grade with an IQ of around 140, one of the smartest people I know. He taught me a bunch of introspective ideals.

Now, everytime I smoke pot, I learn something, either about myself, or a new pattern in something. Smoking pot for the right reasons seems to help alot. Now I'm making all A's and have an introspective reason for it. Seems to have lessened my frequency doing it, and now its more meaningful.

I learn easier. EVerything is easier.

IMO, it does alot more than most people think

I have a similar experience to this, though (like the majority of information regarding illegal substances) entirely anecdotal.

I used to smoke for the wrong reasons as well, mostly just to have a good time with my friends. I would frequently retreat into myself, becoming antisocial and odd after a period of being more fun. One of the times that most sticks out in my mind is when, after smoking up, my mind was going in what seemed to be an infinite loop regarding the nature of thought. There seemed to be no answer to whatever it was I was thinking about (basically the nature of thought. I don't remember the details, but the thoughts themselves have, in a sense, been integrated into my personality) and I sat there for a long time, stuck. Another time I thought about the interrelatedness of events, and the nature of history. What I am getting at here is that I got "high" but so high that my mind couldn't really handle it. I was realizing things, but I just wasn't ready for it yet.

Then I took acid. I won't really go into detail about it, but it was the most enlightening experience of my life, and it took me higher than weed ever had. Ever since then, its like I'm primed to go high; even to the point where I'm living on a slightly higher plane (as arrogant as that sounds, its the best I can explain it). Every time I smoke now, I see a new pattern, see how someone else thinks or produces (items, thoughts, art, anything) or I learn something new about human nature as a whole.

Weed and acid are similar in my opinion, with both of them changing your mind to eliminate your normal ways of thought and enable you to see life from different perspectives. I have seen no degenerative effects from either of those, though you could say it has changed my personality.

[trojan_libido]

I can relate to what you've said PrometheanUrge. It seems that weed can cause you to start thinking outside of your biological box. You can begin to see the patterns humankind is making in the sand. Most people who've never thought about philosophy, or outside their own bodies, will think that those thoughts are strange. Yet most of them are valid.

I find I get more metaphysical now when I smoke, I find myself pondering the interelated nature of things. It makes me creative in a raw brainstorming way, but kills my stamina for carrying things out.

Acid is on another level. You naturally edge towards thinking metaphysically on acid, you're thrown into brain loops and abstract thought. The lid of your mind is lifted and you get to experience every nuance of your brains thought without it filtering out the pointless stuff. This kind of experience requires some reintegration, but can feel as though you've just spring cleaned your mind.

I dont think weed increases intelligence though. Just because a man thinks about something else doesn't make his thinking any more intelligent.

[Kmal]

It may not increase IQ, but it definately increases lateral thinking and enhances the right brain; Seeing patterns in why something has happened or in anything that in some way repeats itself.
^ Th

[Myristicin]

I use cannabis occasionally (around 8 times a year) and i feel that it does promote greater intelligence, although not while on it but 2-3 days after the last ingestion. I think this is neurogenesis' aspect of enhancing memory, and it's ability to assist learning.

[trojan_libido]

I think everyone who has anything to say about cannabis, both sides of the fence, all agree it temporarily damages memory. Can you explain a little about this 'neurogenesis aspect of enhancing memory'?

[Phi]

I think of it as an oar. Does the oar help steer the boat? Well, usually, but it will depend on how you use it...

[Flex]

After 4 plus years of being involved in this post, and much personal research, I have come to a definitive answer.

No!

I am very sorry to say that I am more addicted to marijuana now than ever. It has been about a week and a half since my last use, and I am fully confident I will partake again over spring break. Marijuana is more challenging for me to abstain from than any other compound I have ever tried (and I have tried quite a few) including food. It is easier for me to fast for two weeks than to go the first 3 days after cannabis.

[photon]

I think from my personal experience weed just change the internal eye of the observer and gives you only the things you really want to have, if you want to "dream" just smoke and "dream" if you want to learn, train memory, draw, whatever... Offcourse if you smoke you'll have lungs damaged and you brain will never be the same, maybe a real damage i don´t know, i'm not a doctor and i don´t think weed enhance intelligence, just gives you another point of view...

[1LOVE]

namaste..so i will begin stating i am going threw a faze of psychadelics, i am a university student and research everything to do with plants for i am becoming an arborist. so threw my experience. i've come to the conclusion that is cannabis enhances creativity to another level. try this as an experiement, and hear me out: have a plane peice of paper in front of your face rite after smoking cannabis and wait ten minutes and put on some XXYYXX music (really artistic music) then let your fingers to the test. i tried this and drew the most abstract creature. i never even thought of drawing it or have ever seen the entitie before. however from this perspective on creativity, marajuana should be used for the rite reason, when one feels the need to be creative or trying to be at peace with the world or in another sense, wanting to feel grounded to earth. Ive done dmt last week and i understand what life is truly about. so now if i do smoke marajuana..its for the rite reasons. never abuse the herb of the plant. just like anything else u do in life..u do it too much, eventually there will be a definite problem. so with that being stated. meditate..close your eyes and become relaxed and enlightened. u will have to search ur inner self to actually understand what it is doing to help yourself threw your continuous experience and journey threw this conscious life we live threw our thoughts.. namaste friends

[Joesus]

mental masturbation feels good don't it?