Positive response to cannabis treatment in rats with Alzheimer's: UPM researchers

In 2019, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) neuroscience researcher Associate Prof Dr Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas concluded from his study that cannabis use was able to stimulate the growth of new neurons in healthy rat brain cells.

This, he said, shows that the active ingredients in the cannabis plant have the potential to treat diseases related to the deterioration of brain function, such as Alzheimer’s.

Now, Aris is still continuing his research, but in the laboratory with rats diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

"Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the active ingredient in marijuana can stimulate neurons which is useful for diseases like Alzheimer's.

“We used to test on healthy mice and we are now testing on mice with Alzheimer’s and the results are promising.

“When a rat has Alzheimer’s, it has symptoms like forgetfulness and his brain cells will experience deterioration," he explained.

"So when treated with cannabis, it showed a positive response to its...