A recent study suggests a potential link between cannabis use and reduced instances of subjective cognitive decline (SDC), wherein individuals who incorporate cannabis into their routines, whether for medical or recreational purposes, report experiencing less memory impairment and confusion than nonusers.
Published in the “Current Alzheimer Research” Journal, the study’s significance lies in its departure from prior research that has often associated subjective cognitive decline with a higher risk of dementia in later life. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about the cognitive impacts of THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.
The research, conducted by scholars from SUNY Upstate Medical University, examines various facets of marijuana use and its association with SCD among older and middle-aged adults in the United States. Unlike previous studies, which primarily focused on heavy marijuana consumption’s adverse effects on mental performance, this study delved into the nuanced relationship between marijuana use frequency, reasons for consumption, method of administration and subjective cognitive decline.
The researchers obtained insights from respondents 45 years of age and older in 14 states as well as Washington, D.C., by examining data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The study, which included 4,744 valid responses on SCD, investigated the use of cannabis by participants, including how often they used it, why they used it (medically, recreationally, or both), and how they consumed it (smoking, ingesting it, vaporizing it, etc.).
The study disproved assumptions regarding the negative effects of cannabis use on cognition by showing that recreational marijuana usage was highly linked to a decreased risk of SCD in contrast to nonusers. The researchers proposed several hypotheses to explain these findings, including the potential role of cannabis in improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels, both of which are implicated in cognitive function.
However, the study also identified some mixed results. While certain consumption methods, particularly smoking, were associated with a higher prevalence of SCD, the relationship between marijuana use frequency and subjective cognitive decline was not statistically significant. Moreover, the study highlighted the prevalence of SCD among individuals using marijuana for medical or combined medical and nonmedical reasons, hinting at the complexity of the relationship between marijuana use motives and cognitive outcomes.
Despite shedding new light on the potential cognitive benefits of marijuana use, the study acknowledges several limitations. Self-reported data, potential underreporting or misreporting of cannabis use, and the lack of geographical diversity in the sample raise questions about the study’s generalizability and reliability.
In conclusion, while the study challenges prevailing beliefs about the cognitive impacts of cannabis, it underscores the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential risks associated with cannabis consumption. By considering multiple factors, including reasons for use, future studies can provide a more nuanced understanding of cannabis’s effects on cognitive health.
For now, users of licensed marijuana products from various companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) can take comfort in the fact that they may not face any major risk of cognitive decline if they use cannabis products in moderation.
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