Cannabis Use Linked to Larger Brain Regions in Seniors

A recent study involving 26,000 UK participants in their 50s has explored the relationship between cannabis use and brain structure. Researchers discovered that individuals who reported moderate cannabis use, defined as one to 100 times in their lifetime, possessed larger brain regions associated with memory and cognition. These findings were derived from MRI scans and cognitive tests conducted on participants from the UK Biobank. Conversely, participants who identified as high-use cannabis consumers, having used the drug more than 100 times, displayed brain regions comparable in size to non-users. For certain measured brain regions, these high-use individuals even showed smaller volumes than both moderate users and non-users. Lead neuroscientist Dr. Anika Guha noted that moderation appeared beneficial across several outcome measures, with moderate users demonstrating larger brain volumes and better cognitive performance. This association between enhanced cognitive function and larger brain regions may suggest a higher cognitive reserve, potentially reducing dementia risk later in life. The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, analyzed data from individuals aged 40 to 77. It acknowledges limitations, including its observational nature, reliance on self-reported data, and lack of information on THC/CBD content or consumption methods, preventing definitive causal conclusions.