The implications of late-life cannabis use on brain health: A mapping review and implications for future research.
G. Weinstein, Sharon R. Sznitman
Ageing Research Reviews February 25, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101041 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | The authors conclude that limited evidence suggests cannabis use in older adulthood may not be linked with poorer cognitive performance, and may even be associated with improved brain health, in line with proposed neuroprotective properties of some cannabinoids. However, they caution that firm conclusions cannot be drawn because studies with strong methodological designs are lacking. |
Abstract
While medical and recreational cannabis use is becoming more frequent among older adults, the neurocognitive consequences of cannabis use in this age group are unclear. The aim of this literature review was to synthesize and evaluate the current knowledge on the association of cannabis use during older-adulthood with cognitive function and brain aging. We reviewed the literature from old animal models and human studies while focusing on the link of middle- and old-age use of cannabis with cognition. The report highlights the gap in knowledge on cannabis use in late-life and cognitive health, and discusses the limited findings in the context of substantial changes in attitudes and policies. Furthermore, we outline possible theoretical mechanisms and propose recommendations for future research. The limited evidence on this important topic suggests that use in older ages may not be linked with poorer cognitive performance, thus detrimental effects of early-life cannabis use may not translate to use in older ages. Rather, use in old ages may be associated with improved brain health, in accordance with the known neuroprotective properties of several cannabinoids. Yet, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from the current evidence-base due to lack of research with strong methodological designs.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Chronic cannabis use is associated with alterations in resting-state cerebellar-cortical connectivity. Psychopharmacology December 12, 2025
- Long-lasting behavioral, molecular and functional connectivity alterations after chronic THC exposure during adolescence in mice. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry July 13, 2025
- Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Cannabis Use-Related Adverse Psychosis Outcomes: A Public Mental Health-Oriented Evidence Review Journal of dual diagnosis July 3, 2023
- A longitudinal study of cannabis use and risk for cognitive and functional decline among older adults with HIV AIDS and behavior May 8, 2023
- Long-term effects of THC exposure on reward learning and motivated behavior in adolescent and adult male rats. Psychopharmacology May 2023
and 5 more in the library
Cites 10
- Cannabidiol inhibits THC-elicited paranoid symptoms and hippocampal-dependent memory impairment Journal of Psychopharmacology October 5, 2012
- Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse July 31, 2019
- The Grass Might Be Greener: Medical Marijuana Patients Exhibit Altered Brain Activity and Improved Executive Function after 3 Months of Treatment Frontiers in Pharmacology January 17, 2018
- Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles November 15, 2016
- Acute and Chronic Effects of Cannabinoids on Human Cognition-A Systematic Review. Biological Psychiatry April 1, 2016
and 5 more in the library