Cannabis has recently been criticized for its potential negative effects. health risksrecent research suggests that its use may improve brain volume and cognitive performance.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus analyzed cannabis use. brain scan Results from a cognitive test of over 26,000 adults aged 40 to 77 using data from UK Biobank.
The study found that cannabis users, especially those who reported moderate lifetime use, showed greater amounts in several brain regions.
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“Compared to individuals with no history of cannabis use, those who reported cannabis use showed increased volume in several brain regions characterized by high densities of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors, areas involved in processes such as memory, information processing, and memory. emotional regulation,” study lead author Dr. Anika Guha, a researcher at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, told FOX News Digital.
Cannabis users also scored higher on cognitive tests that measure learning, processing speed, and executive function.
This result differs from many previous studies that focused on short-term cognitive impairment during or immediately after treatment. cannabis usethe researcher pointed out.
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“These findings suggest that the relationship between cannabis and the brain may differ across the lifespan, and that moderate use in mid-to-late adulthood may have positive effects.” brain health The result is,” Guha said.
Among cannabis users, not all areas of the brain showed positive effects. The posterior cingulate cortex, which is involved in introspection and memory, decreased in volume with higher marijuana use.
Because cannabis is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages, this type of research is important to understand its long-term effects and the pros and cons of its use. Dr. Matt Glowiakthe lead addiction expert at Recovered, an organization that provides information and resources for mental health and addiction treatment.
“Given the relationship between cannabis use and increased brain volume, it is thought that cannabis may be helpful. [older] “Individuals retain cognitive function that can naturally decline,” Chicago-based Glowiak, who was not involved in the study, told FOX News Digital.
“This is a huge advantage, but we need to think a little more before encouraging people who would otherwise not consider incorporating cannabis into their lifestyle. health care. ”
Because the study is observational in nature, it cannot prove that cannabis use improves brain health, only that it shows a link, said Dr. Mark Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst who was not involved in the study.
“The preponderance of evidence to date is not consistent with improved cognitive function with chronic cannabis use,” Siegel told FOX News Digital. “This study is an outlier and cannot be ignored, but it does not justify its use.”
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The study also relies on UK Biobank, which provides a “large and rich dataset”, Guha said. However, this is limited to the questions originally posed to participants.
“Especially, we only have a rough measure of how many times someone has used cannabis over their lifetime,” she said. “We don’t have access to the details of how they were done. used cannabisWhether you smoked or used edibles, the type and potency of cannabis, and when you used it most often in your life. ”
“These details could be critical to understanding how cannabis affects the aging brain.”
Given these limitations, Guha suggests that the findings should be seen as an early indicator that cannabis use may be associated with: brain aging“And as a starting point for more targeted research that can shed light on these relationships.”
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“The important thing is not to say that people should start using more cannabis based solely on these findings,” she stressed. “While cannabis may have potential benefits in some situations, many studies have also documented important risks, highlighting that cannabis is neither completely beneficial nor completely harmful.”
Guha said the drug’s effectiveness is likely to depend on factors such as age, dose, frequency, product composition and individual vulnerability.
“Like any substance, THC (the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) can worsen symptoms, so you should consult your health care provider before you start using it, especially if you have mental health concerns. Mental illness in vulnerable individuals” she added.
Dr. Alex Dimitriou is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicinereiterated that the study was an “outlier” as most previous studies have shown “adverse effects” of cannabis use.
“Given the widespread use and legalization of cannabis, it’s great to know that cannabis has a net positive benefit for brain health. However, this is too good to be true and it’s too early to make any claims,” he said. “We advise you to proceed with caution and moderation.”
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Dimitriu agreed. larger study And review papers are needed to get a “clearer picture.”
“What this cannabis study shows is that there may be conflicting information and further investigation is needed.”
