Biobank data from the United Kingdom helps researchers examine drug usage in understudied group
Research studying the effects of cannabis on the brain has often focused on adolescents, but a new study from CU Anschutz researchers looks at population-level impacts of cannabis usage on the brain in older adults.
"More older adults are using cannabis. It's more widely available and is being used for different reasons than in younger folks - such as for sleep and chronic pain," said Anika Guha, PhD, a clinical psychologist and faculty research associate in the Department of Psychiatry at CU Anschutz. "Plus, people are living longer. We have to be asking, 'What are the long-term effects of cannabis use as we continue to age?'"
The research team found that cannabis usage in older adults was generally associated with larger volumes in several brain regions and better cognitive function in adults ages 40 to 77. Guha said she was surprised by the extent of the positive findings. But she emphasized that cannabis use studies are difficult with often unknown variables, noting the constituents and potency of the cannabis products study subjects used were unknown.
Key points:
- Research found larger brain volumes and better cognitive function among middle age and older adults who used cannabis, especially in moderate use cases.
- The areas of the brain studied include learning and memory, processing speed, attention and executive function, traditionally thought of at odds with cannabis consumption.
- However, another brain region saw lower volumes - suggesting the impact cannabis has on the brain is complex and nuanced, requiring further investigation.
"We're really interested in thinking about both the benefits and risks and understanding this drug in the context of mental health, dementia and more," said Guha. "There's so much more to explore."
In the following Q&A, Guha details the study's findings, the complexities of studying relationships between brain function and cannabis, and why nuanced discussion around studying the drug is critical.
