Researchers discover possible solution to THC-associated memory loss

A team of researchers from the University of Pompeu Fabra, in Barcelona, ​​Spain, concluded that a simple pill can take away the side effects of THC, namely memory loss, when it is used for medicinal purposes. For now the tests were only in mice.s, but the goal is to get to human trials soon, said Rafael Maldonado, one of the study's principal investigators, to Cannareporter.

THC, when used for medicinal purposes, can act as an analgesic, but it is common for it to come with some side effects, such as memory loss (particularly recent memories). A new study, published in April of this year, suggests that there is a way to treat neuropathic pain and prevent these kinds of unwanted effects. Clinical trials in mice have shown that applying a biomolecule, called a peptide, orally at the time of consumption can be enough to mitigate the problem, for those who see it as such.

How does it work?

What causes THC to produce analgesic effects is the way it binds to CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. In turn, these receptors interact with the serotonin 5HT 2A receptor, and this interaction causes memory problems. However, to solve this problem it is necessary to avoid such interaction. With that in mind, the researchers designed and produced peptides capable of ending said interaction. In this way, it will be possible for THC to act against pain without activating the serotonin receptor. 

“Another peptide had already been created that reduced the memory loss caused by THC, but the one in this study is smaller and more stable, that is, it allows oral administration”, explained Rafael Maldonado, one of the main investigators of the study, to Cannareporter. .

After giving the peptide to the mice orally, along with an injection of THC, the researchers assessed their pain threshold and memory capacity. The results showed that mice treated with THC and the optimized peptide gained the benefits of THC in relieving pain and at the same time showed better memory compared to those treated with THC alone. 

THC was injected into the mice in order to achieve consistent levels of the substance in the body, to facilitate the study in the laboratory. However, the researcher explains, the effectiveness of the tablet, with the biomolecule, will be the same, regardless of the way the individual chooses to consume cannabis or cannabis-based products.

Rafael Maldonado says that the team is currently consulting the EMA (European Medicines Agency) to advise them on how they can proceed to start the first phase of human trials, whose process generally takes around 9 months. . There is still no date set for the start of the tests, but it is, assures Rafael, something they want to see done soon.

On the importance of this type of studies, the researcher says that “for patients who use cannabis for medicinal purposes, the possibility of minimizing the effects of the plant is an excellent opportunity”. In this way, it is possible to have the benefits without having the consequences. “For those in pain, this type of product will contribute to a safer use of medical cannabis,” he adds.

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