Pubdate: Fri, 23 Dec 2005
Source: Brandon Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005, Brandon Sun
Contact:  http://www.brandonsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2437
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1974/a05.html
Author: Chuck Beyer

DOCTOR SHOULD DO RESEARCH

Dr.William G. Hobbs, who wrote the letter Anti-Drug Message Important 
(Dec. 15), should have the academic experience to know that facts 
must be substantiated.

First, he says that marijuana "destroys nerve cells ... In the 
frontal lobe -- where cells are not regenerated." Dr. Hobbs should 
refer to the recent work of Xia Zhang at the Neuropsychiatry Research 
Unit at the University of Saskatchewan. His recent studies are 
showing that cannabinoids promoted generation of new neurons in rats' 
hippocampuses and that "chronic use of marijuana may actually improve 
learning memory when the new neurons in the hippocampus can mature in 
two or three months."

Second, Dr. Hobbs should know that THC is not an alkaloid.

Because of its hydroxyl (OH) groups, THC is technically an alcohol. 
It lacks nitrogen and is therefore not an alkaloid. Not knowing the 
difference can be a matter of life or death.

Because he is a doctor, he has a responsibility to be a little more 
careful that the rest as his opinion could easily be mistaken for 
medically proven facts. I recommend a second opinion.

CHUCK BEYER

Port Alberni, B.C.
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