The research analyzed data from 26,362 adults across the UK
Cannabis has often been seen as a substance mainly used by younger people, but new research suggests older adults may also experience certain benefits.
For years, marijuana has been linked to teenage experimentation and youth culture. However, usage patterns now show that older age groups are increasingly turning to it as well.
The Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at the NYU School of Global Public Health reported noticeable increases in cannabis use among older adults, especially those who are college-educated, married, female, and have higher incomes.
The results were published in JAMA Internal Medicine and also highlighted how cannabis use continues to grow over time.
“If we look even further back to 2006 and 2007, less than one percent of older adults used cannabis in the past year. Now, we’re seeing that seven percent have used it in the past month alone,” said Benjamin Han, an affiliated researcher with CDUHR.
While most previous research has focused on how cannabis affects teenagers and young adults, scientists are now paying closer attention to its impact on older individuals.
Older people are using cannabis more than ever
According to researchers, there may be specific benefits for some older users.
“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,” Dr. Anika Guha, a clinical psychologist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, explained in a statement.
“Plus, people are living longer. We have to ask, ‘What are the long-term effects of cannabis use as we continue to age?’”
The team analyzed data from 26,362 adults between the ages of 40 and 77 in the UK and found that the hippocampus, the part of the brain linked to memory, showed positive responses to cannabinoids.
Participants reported their current cannabis use, underwent MRI scans to examine brain structure, and completed a series of cognitive tests. Researchers then focused on brain regions rich in CB1 receptors, which interact with cannabinoids.
The results showed that individuals who used cannabis in some form tended to perform better on certain cognitive tasks compared to non-users.
They found positive cognitive performances
“I was a little surprised that every cognitive measure that demonstrated a significant effect showed better performance among cannabis users,” Guha said. “It goes against your default assumptions because I think a lot of research out there has shown cannabis is associated with worse cognitive function, at least acutely.”
That said, she emphasized that balance is important, noting that moderate users showed larger brain volumes and stronger cognitive performance, although outcomes can vary from person to person.
