Cannabis can improve quality of life and support healthy ageing in elderly populations when used in the right conditions, according to a major systematic review of existing research.
The analysis, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research by researchers from the UK, reviewed 18 previous studies to establish whether cannabis can help combat health concerns that accompany an ageing global population. Scientists predict that there will be 2 billion people aged over 60 by 2050, and life expectancy will rise from 72 years to 77 years.
Due to the global ageing population, researchers expect to see an increase in the prevalence of age-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Cannabis has been shown by countless studies to have therapeutic benefits; however, the review authors identified significant gaps in the evidence base relating to healthy ageing, promoting wellbeing, and longevity.
The research revealed a crucial distinction. Whilst lifetime cannabis use, particularly when started early in life, may negatively impact cognitive function and brain health in older adults, cannabis use initiated later in life showed potential therapeutic benefits.
The study examined how a dysregulated endocannabinoid system (ECS) interacts with cannabis compounds.
“Since maintaining homeostasis is crucial for a long and healthy life, research is ongoing to understand how these cannabinoids interact with ECS receptors in the brain, potentially impacting homeostasis across different systems,” the researchers explained. “Studies exploring THC’s effects on endocannabinoid homeostasis, such as in the placenta and cancer cells, and its involvement in cell death (apoptosis), highlight its potential for maintaining cellular balance. Similarly, CBD’s ability to modulate the ECS, particularly its interaction with enzymes and receptors like FAAH and PPARs involved in fat and sugar metabolism, suggests promise for promoting healthy ageing.”
Researchers analysed studies published between 2008 and 2023 that related to cannabis and ageing. From an initial search of 2348 studies, researchers selected 18 studies that met their criteria.
The evidence base comprised 11 pre-clinical and 7 human studies, as well as real-world evidence.
“Real-world evidence on Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) was explored to understand their potential in addressing ageing-related challenges. However, the literature review was limited to reports published in the English language,” the study said.
Pre-clinical evidence came from studies of mice, fruit flies, zebrafish, and an organism called Caenorhabditis elegans (C. Elegans). Results showed that cannabis increased memory in mice, extended C. Elegans lifespan by 12-18%, improved zebrafish survival, enhanced cognitive performance in female mice, and demonstrated neuroprotective properties in fruit flies.
Evidence from the seven human-based studies shows that cannabis, specifically the cannabinoids THC and CBD, can improve memory, enhance cognitive function, and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
However, several studies showed cannabis to have a detrimental effect on the elderly, especially when cannabis had been used chronically and over a long period of time.
One study examined adults aged 60 and over who had used cannabis weekly for at least the past year, with an average of 23.55 years of use, comparing them to non-users.
“Long-term users showed poorer executive function, essential for planning and decision-making and reduced grey matter, suggesting negative effects on brain health with prolonged use,” researchers said.
Similarly, a separate 25-year study found that past cannabis use was linked to poorer verbal memory in middle-aged adults, although other cognitive functions remained unaffected.
Researchers found from real-world evidence that elderly patients experienced increased wellness, a higher quality of life, and a reduction in the use of opioids after being prescribed cannabis medicines.
“Crucially, preliminary findings suggest significant health and well-being improvements for older adults prescribed CBMPs, emphasising the potential of medical cannabis in addressing the unique challenges of ageing”, the study authors noted.
Concluding, the researchers acknowledged that lifetime cannabis use might have a detrimental effect on ageing, whereas cannabis use initiated in later life can promote wellness. They emphasised the need for more research.
“While the initial excitement surrounding cannabis and its potential for anti-ageing is warranted, significant research gaps remain, particularly in differentiating the impacts of lifetime cannabis use from those initiated during ageing,” the study 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 ageing might have different outcomes, including potential therapeutic benefits, though this remains to be conclusively determined.”
“Promising findings from experimental models underscore the importance of further exploration… These models reveal the biphasic effects of THC, where low doses may promote survival and reduce inflammation, while higher doses could lead to negative outcomes. Such insights can inform the development of more precise and effective cannabis-based therapies for age-related conditions.”
