TAKE A TOKE, MINIMIZE STROKE, RESEARCH SAYS

There may be a silver lining in a cloud of marijuana smoke. While most
medical researchers don't condone recreational marijuana use, marijuana
derivatives may prevent brain cell damage in strokes. Researchers at the
National Institute of Health, led by A.J. Hampson, found that cannabidol,
one of a class of marijuana constituents called cannabinoids, is a powerful
antioxidant. When tested on rat neurons in a lab dish (no smoking was
involved) the substance prevented the death of brain cells during conditions
simulating a stroke.

Another cannabinoid, commonly known as THC, proved to be an equally
effective antioxidant and neuron protector. However, the researchers said
THC's euphoric side effects would not allow doctors to administer it in high
doses. The study was reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences.

Checked-by: Don Beck