What role does cannabis play in longevity and aging? This is what a recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research hopes to address as a team of industry researchers from the United Kingdom investigated the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on longevity and aging. This study has the potential to help researchers, medical professionals, and the public better understand the benefits of cannabis on healthy aging.
For the study, the researchers conducted a literature review of past studies that involved preclinical models using mice, zebrafish, rodents, and clinical models with humans aged 50 years or older that attempted to ascertain how CBD and THC impacted longevity. In total, the researchers examined 18 studies, 11 of which involved preclinical models and 7 involved clinical models with humans. In the end, the researchers found that while the preclinical models showed promise in identifying benefits of CBD and THC on longevity at low doses, they were less effective at higher doses. Additionally, the researchers note the limited human studies make it difficult to ascertain definitive results.
The researchers note in their conclusions, “Longitudinal studies and well-designed clinical trials are critical to understanding the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of cannabis use in aging populations. Future research should optimize dosages, investigate mechanisms of action, and explore the influence of cannabis use initiated in aging as opposed to lifetime exposure. Clarifying these aspects is vital for informing public health strategies and developing targeted therapeutic interventions for age-related conditions.”
This study comes as legalized cannabis for medical and recreational use continues to increase across the United States, with only a handful of states presently outlawing cannabis entirely.
What new discoveries about cannabis and healthy aging will researchers make in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: Journal of Cannabis Research