A Study Confirms That Cannabis Can Eliminate the Toxic Protein of Alzheimer’s Disease

This is not the first time studies and clinical trials show that the cannabinoids present in marijuana may act as an efficacious tool for treating chronic illnesses, cancer or epilepsy. In the present case, the scientists of the Salk Institute have been pioneers in checking if THC can eliminate the toxic protein, associated with the progression of the disease, which accumulates in the brain.

The findings speak for themselves. THC is not only highly efficacious for eliminating the accumulation of the toxic protein, but also collaborates in reducing the inflammation of the cells. This is another key aspect of Alzheimer’s, as it makes it difficult for neurons to communicate properly with one another.

In order to carry out their study, the researchers used human neurons, which they analysed in their laboratory. The neurons were altered to create the toxic proteins and then subjected to certain amounts of THC and other cannabis compounds. It was thus that they were able to study the way in which the neurons affected by the disease reacted to the treatment, with magnificent results.

Following their study, the researchers concluded that THC can reduce toxic protein buildup and inflammation by activating the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors: “Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer's, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells,” says Professor David Schubert, a member of the research group.

Schubert and his colleagues had already shown with other medicines that the endocannabinoid receptors were linked to the removal of protein buildup and inflammation. It is now that they have decided to investigate the power of THC for treating the disease.

More studies will be needed before one can confidently state that medicinal marijuana may become the definitive cure for Alzheimer’s. For one thing, as the scientists involved have said, clinical trials will have to be made with humans. However, there can be no doubt that this is an excellent start and that advances in relation to medical cannabis will continue to bring news as good as this.