Cannabinoids and Healthy Aging: What the Science Says about CBD and THC
Summarize
Scientists from the United Kingdom reviewed 18 studies completed over the past 15 years to determine whether cannabinoids could mitigate the decline associated with aging and enhance the well-being of older people. The main cannabinoids studied were CBD and THC. The studies reviewed included animal or human participants. The animal studies found strong anti-aging effects, but the human studies’ effects were mixed.
The overall trajectory of cannabis research is promising. The researchers concluded that cannabinoids show potential for protecting the brain and reducing immune response. Animal studies have found that cannabinoids lead to longer lifespans and improved learning, offering hope for the future of aging research.
However, scientific studies have yielded conflicting results. For example, the researchers reviewing the 18 studies point to the fact that separate research demonstrated cannabis can have an anti-aging effect on the brains of lab mice. The mice given low-dose delta-9 THC experienced restored cognitive abilities and synapse densities and induced consecutive bidirectional changes in the brain. Conversely, a human study suggested cannabis may damage human memory function, and a different study found cannabis may protect memory in humans.
After reviewing the 18 studies, the researchers concluded,
“Current evidence from human studies highlights that long-term cannabis use, particularly when initiated early in life, may have adverse effects on cognitive function and brain health in older adults. In contrast, limited research suggests that cannabis use initiated in aging might have different outcomes, including potential therapeutic benefits, though this remains to be conclusively determined.”
Also, various experimental models have found that low doses of THC may reduce immune response and have anti-aging effects, but higher doses could produce adverse outcomes. This suggests that, should cannabis deliver anti-aging and other positive effects, the therapies should involve developing more precise dosage amounts to fit the age-related conditions.
It is important to note that clinical researchers do not view cannabis as a panacea for aging or other health issues. Researchers in the United Kingdom wrote,
“While these compounds show promise in addressing specific age-related challenges, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and emotional balance remains crucial for promoting healthy aging and overall well-being.”
CBD and THC may offer interventions that support a healthy lifestyle and aging.
This study underscores the need for more research, especially large-scale human trials, to fully understand the effects of cannabis on the human body. The FDA’s reluctance to regulate CBD products is based on the lack of sufficient data. The growing body of evidence suggests that cannabinoids have significant potential as therapeutics, ensuring that research in this area will continue. As the global population ages, cannabinoids may emerge as a safe intervention for preserving well-being and function in later life.
Share this post
0