Cannabis may boost brain volume and cognitive function, study finds

While cannabis has recently been criticized for its negative potential Health risksA recent study suggests that its use can increase brain size and cognitive fitness.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus analyzed cannabis use, Brain scan And cognitive test results for more than 26,000 adults aged 40 to 77, using data from the 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 greater amounts in several brain regions characterized by high densities of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors—regions involved in processes such as memory, information processing, and memory.” Emotion regulation“,” lead study author Anika Guha, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, told Fox News Digital.

A recent study suggests that cannabis use can increase brain size and cognitive fitness. (Istock)

Cannabis users also scored better on cognitive tests that measure learning, processing speed, and executive function.

This finding differs from many previous studies, which focused on short-term cognitive impairment during or shortly after Use of cannabis“, the researcher noted.

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“These findings suggest that the relationship between cannabis and the brain may vary across the lifespan, and that moderate use in mid to later adulthood may be associated with positive outcomes.” Brain health “Results,” Guha said.

Not all brain regions have shown positive effects among cannabis users. The posterior cingulate, which is involved in self-reflection and memory, was smaller as marijuana use increased.

“The point is not that people should start using more cannabis based on these results alone.”

Given the increasing popularity of cannabis among all ages, this type of study is important to understand its long-term effects and the pros and cons of its use, according to the American “space” website. Matt Glowiak, Ph.Dsenior addiction specialist at Recovered, an organization that provides information and resources for mental health and addiction treatment.

Drug effects are likely to depend on factors such as age, dose, frequency, product composition, and individual impairment. (AP Photo/Martin Messner, File)

“Given the relationship between cannabis use and larger brain size, he thinks it may help [older] “Individuals retain cognitive function that would otherwise decline naturally,” Chicago-based Glowiak, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

“This is a huge benefit, but we need to explore it further, before encouraging those who are not considering incorporating cannabis into their products. Health care system“.

Limitations and caveats

Because the study was observational in nature, it couldn’t prove that cannabis use improves brain health — instead, it only showed an association, according to Dr. Mark Siegel, chief medical analyst at Fox News, who was not involved in the study.

“The preponderance of previous evidence is not consistent with improved cognitive function from chronic cannabis use,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. “This study is anomalous, and although it cannot be ignored, it is not a justification for use.”

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The study also relied on the UK Biobank, which offers a “large and rich dataset,” but is limited to the questions participants were originally asked, Guha said.

“In particular, we only have a broad measure of how many times someone has used cannabis over their lifetime,” she said. “We don’t have access to details about how they did it Cannabis usedsuch as whether they smoked or used edibles, the type or potency of cannabis, or when in their life they used it most heavily.”

Cannabis users reported better results in learning, processing speed, and executive function. (Istock)

“These details are likely to be of great importance for understanding how cannabis affects brain aging.”

Given these limitations, Guha suggests that the findings should be viewed as an early indicator that cannabis use may be linked Brain aging“And as a starting point for more targeted research that can unpack these relationships.”

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“The bottom line is not that people should start using more cannabis based on these results alone,” she stressed. “While cannabis may have potential benefits in some contexts, a large body of research also documents important risks, confirming that cannabis is neither entirely beneficial nor entirely harmful.”

The effects of the drug will likely depend on factors such as age, dose, frequency, product composition and individual weakness, according to Guha.

One expert said: “Given the widespread use and legalization of cannabis, it would be great to know that it has a positive effect on brain health – however, this sounds too good to be true, and it is too early to claim.” (AP)

“As with any substance, individuals should consult a healthcare provider before beginning use, especially if they have a history of mental health concerns, as THC (the primary psychoactive component of cannabis) can exacerbate symptoms such as: Psychosis in vulnerable individualsShe added.

Alex Demetriou, MD, is double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep MedicineHe reiterated that this study is “strange,” as most previous research has shown “adverse effects” from cannabis use.

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“Given the widespread use and legalization of cannabis, it would be great to know that it has a positive impact on brain health – however, this sounds too good to be true, and it is too early to claim,” he said. “I advise you to proceed with caution and moderation.”

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Demetriou agreed More large-scale studies Review papers are needed to get a “clearer picture”.

“What this study on cannabis shows is that there may be conflicting information, which requires further investigation.”