A recent study showed that marijuana can help in reducing memory loss in old age. The study showed that specific elements of marijuana can help in reducing inflammation in aging brain. Chronic inflammation in the brain is believed to contribute to memory impairment. Findings reveal that it can also stimulate the formation of new brain cells.

Researchers said that they are not saying that people should smoke marijuana to fight Alzheimer’s. They are merely suggesting that the development of a legal drug that contains certain properties similar to those in marijuana might help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Researchers added that any new drug’s properties would resemble those of tetra-hydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant, but would not share its high-producing effects.

During the study, a group rats was given a constant dose of a cannabis derivative for three weeks whereas a control group of rats received no intervention. The treated rats did better in the in follow-up memory tests.

Lead researcher, Gary Wenk, professor of psychology at Ohio State University said, “What we are saying is it appears that a safe, legal substance that mimics those important properties of marijuana can work on receptors in the brain to prevent memory impairments in ageing. So that’s really hopeful.”