FREE SHIPPING AT $150.
FREE SHIPPING AT $150.
March 26, 2023 4 min read
New research on cannabis use and cognition in midlife
As of June 2022, 37 US states have passed medical cannabis laws and 19 states have legalized recreational cannabis. Cannabis has proven beneficial for a range of conditions such as childhood seizure disorders, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite in people with HIV/AIDs.
Recently, a new generation of cannabis products has exploded onto the scene, driven by marketing that fuels a multi-billion dollar industry.
Interestingly, the average content of THC (tetra-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive and potentially addictive chemical in cannabis) in smoked whole-plant products has risen from 1% to 4% in the 1970s to 15% to 30% from today’s cannabis dispensaries.
In addition, edibles and vapes may contain even higher concentrations of THC.
It seems there is an increase in public perception that cannabis is a harmless substance, but the long-term benefits and risks of cannabis remain unclear.
Recent evidence indicates that one consistent pattern has emerged: heavy long-term cannabis use can impact midlife cognition.
Recent research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry closely followed nearly 1,000 individuals in New Zealand from age 3 to age 45 to understand the impact of cannabis use on brain function [1].
The longitudinal design enabled comparison of a person’s midlife cognitive abilities to their childhood cognitive abilities prior to using cannabis. In addition, this research enabled to ascertain the role of hippocampal gray matter volume in mediating associations between long-term cannabis use and cognitive deficits.
There are 5 major findings from this research:
The implications of this study are that long-term cannabis use is robustly associated with cognitive deficits in midlife.
These may be consequential given that mild cognitive deficits in midlife are a risk factor for dementia [5]. Â
More research is needed to ascertain whether long-term cannabis users show elevated rates of dementia in later life.
This is crucial given the huge burden of dementia, and it is timely given the confluence of two trends: the growth of the aging population, and the record high rates of cannabis use among today’s older adults.
So, what actions can you take if you experience cognitive effects of cannabis?
Long-term users of cannabis may potentially develop brain fog, lowered motivation, difficulty with learning, or difficulty with attention. Symptoms are typically reversible, though using products with higher THC content may increase risk of developing cognitive symptoms.
If you are experiencing cannabis-related cognitive symptoms, consider the following:
Creatine is a supplement that has many applications, not just helping with strength and muscle. One thing you can do to help improve brain function is supplement daily with creatine.
Â
Â
References:
1.   Meier, M.H., et al., Long-Term Cannabis Use and Cognitive Reserves and Hippocampal Volume in Midlife. Am J Psychiatry, 2022. 179(5): p. 362-374.
2.   Bourque, J. and S. Potvin, Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning: From Acute to Residual Effects, From Randomized Controlled Trials to Prospective Designs. Front Psychiatry, 2021. 12: p. 596601.
3.   Lovell, M.E., et al., Cognitive outcomes associated with long-term, regular, recreational cannabis use in adults: A meta-analysis. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol, 2020. 28(4): p. 471-494.
4.   Lorenzetti, V., et al., Does regular cannabis use affect neuroanatomy? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci, 2019. 269(1): p. 59-71.
5.   Gonzalez, H.M., et al., Midlife cardiovascular health and 20-year cognitive decline: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study results. Alzheimers Dement, 2018. 14(5): p. 579-589.