ECSTASY AND CANNABIS 'HIT MEMORY'

Scientists have found more evidence to suggest that taking ecstasy or
smoking cannabis may lead to memory problems.

A survey of 763 internet users found ecstasy users had problems with
long-term memory while cannabis users had problems with short-term
memory.

It found users of both drugs suffered a "double whammy" with
difficulty remembering all sorts of things.

Writing in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the researchers warned
users to be aware of the risks.

Memory tests

The findings are based on a web-based survey completed by people
throughout the world.

Of these, 283 had taken ecstasy. Some 81 people said they had taken
the drug more than 10 times. A total of 242 people said they had never
taken drugs.

Each participant was asked a series of questions designed to test
their short-term and long-term memory.

For instance, they were asked how likely they were to forget certain
tasks, such as forgetting to pass on a message.

They were also asked how likely they were to find a television
programme difficult to follow.

Their answers were analysed by a team of researchers from across the
UK.

They found that ecstasy users were 23% more likely to have problems
remembering things than those who had never taken the drug.

Cannabis users were 20% more likely to have problems remembering
things.

The researchers also examined how accurately each participant filled
out the questionnaire.

They found that people who regularly take ecstasy or smoke cannabis
were more likely to have made mistakes compared to others.

'No deterrent'

Dr Jacqui Rodgers, a researcher at the University of Newcastle and one
of those involved in the study, said the findings were a cause for
concern.

"Users may think that ecstasy is fun and that it feels fairly harmless
at the time.

"However, our results show slight but measurable impairments to memory
as a result of use, which is worrying.

"It's equally concerning that we don't really know what the long-term
effects of ecstasy use will be, as it is still a poorly understood
drug.

"The results indicate that users are potentially creating a time bomb
of potential cognitive difficulties later in life."

However, the UK charity DrugScope said the findings were unlikely to
deter ecstasy users.

"What is needed is a longitudinal study into ecstasy use, following
users over a period of years to find out the long-term effects," said
a spokeswoman.

"Then we would have much more information to talk in an informed way
about the long-term effects of ecstasy."