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1. RIA Neuroscience Study Points to Possible Use of Medical
Marijuana for Depression
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Available pertaining to logged-in reporters only
Citations Journal of Neuroscience
Newswise -- BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Scientists at the School in Buffalo's Analysis Institute upon Addictions
(RIA) are usually studying chronic strain along with depression, with a concentrate on
endocannabinoids, that are mind chemicals just like substances within marijuana.
The findings improve the possibility which components of marijuana could be useful in lowering
depression which comes from chronic stress.
"In your animal models we studied, we observed that chronic strain reduced the particular
manufacture of endocannabinoids, resulting in depression-like behavior," says RIA senior analysis
scientist Samir Haj-Dahmane, PhD.
Endocannabinoids are obviously produced chemical compounds in the brain in which affect motor
control, cognition, emotions and behavior. While your name suggests, they may possibly be similar
towards the chemicals found in marijuana (Cannabis sativa) and also its active ingredient, delta--
-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
"Chronic tension is actually one of the particular significant causes regarding depression," Haj-
Dahmane says. "Using compounds derived coming from cannabis -- marijuana -- to deliver back
regular endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods along with ease
depression."
He cautions this actually is preliminary research. "Our study thus far has used animal models; there
is still quite a new distance to go before we just about all know whether this could become efficient
in humans," he says. "However, we have seen which many people that have problems with post-
traumatic tension disorder have reported relief using marijuana."

2. Haj-Dahmane says your second step within the research is to see if using a marijuana extract,
cannabidiol (CBD), restores normal behaviors inside the animals with out resulting in dependence on
the drug.
The study, co-authored simply by Roh-Yu Shen, PhD, RIA senior study scientist, has been funded by a
grant in the National Institute of Mental Health. The idea appeared in the fall issue in the Journal
involving Neuroscience.
Downloadable photographs involving Haj-Dahmane as well as Shen tend to be accessible here:
http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2015/02/004.html.
Medical marijuana remains the controversial issue. Even though 23 states and additionally the
District involving Columbia possess approved its use to supply relief with regard to health issues like
glaucoma, nerve pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and also nausea through chemotherapy, some
experts are worried that will healthcare use of marijuana might normalize attitudes concerning the
drug and lead people -- specifically youth -- to be able to accept can be as true is completely safe.
RIA is truly a study center in the College in Buffalo plus a national leader within the study associated
with alcohol and also substance abuse issues. RIA's analysis programs, the vast majority of which
may have multiple-year funding, are usually success in the market new rules or old brain supported
by simply federal, state as well as private basis grants. Found on UB's Downtown Campus, RIA is a
member of the particular Buffalo Niagara Health-related Campus and a key contributor to be able to
UB's track record of research excellence. In Order To discover more, visit buffalo.edu/ria.
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