Marijuana, the ostracised drug thought to produce abnormal brainwaves, may soon be used by neurologists to prevent cerebral strokes. Cannabidiol--a compound extracted from cannabis--has been found to protect braincells by acting as an antioxidant (molecules that mop up oxygen), without producing the characteristic high. The surprising results came from an animal study conducted by three neuropharmacologists of the US National Institute of Health (NIH). It showed that the chemical can combat toxins-- typically produced in the nerve cells during stroke and a few other disease that damange the nerves. The scientists, however, are yet to test whether the chemical can protect human nerve cells.