Cannabis and the Aging Brain: New Research Challenges Old Assumptions

For years, the message has been the same: cannabis damages memory and weakens concentration. However, new research from February 2026 presents a very different perspective. For middle-aged and older adults, moderate exposure to cannabis may actually help protect the brain.

Researchers at the University of Colorado (CU Anschutz) analyzed data from thousands of individuals and reached unexpected conclusions. Adults over 40 who used cannabis often showed sharper cognitive abilities and healthier brain structures compared with people who had never used it.

Cannabis users showed greater volume in several key brain regions.

The team relied on extensive data from the UK Biobank, examining information from 26,362 participants. The average age was 55, with ages ranging from 40 to 77. Participants were divided into three categories: those who had never used cannabis, moderate users, and frequent users. Led by Dr. Anika Guha, the researchers focused on brain imaging and analyzed areas rich in CB1 cannabinoid receptors, where cannabis compounds have their strongest effects.

As people age, the brain naturally shrinks in a process known as atrophy, which is linked to memory decline and, in severe cases, dementia. The study identified a notable pattern: cannabis users showed greater volume in several key brain regions. These included the hippocampus, which is essential for memory, the amygdala, which regulates emotions, and the striatum, which influences movement and reward processes.

According to Dr. Guha, larger regional volume in the context of aging may signal preserved brain integrity. In simple terms, the brains of cannabis users appeared less affected by age-related changes.

The structural differences were reflected in cognitive performance. Participants who reported moderate cannabis use achieved better results in tests measuring short-term memory, processing speed, and learning ability. In some areas, such as visual memory, frequent users performed especially well, suggesting that the effects may depend on the level of exposure.

The findings also challenged earlier assumptions about youth exposure. It has long been believed that cannabis use during adolescence permanently harms the brain. However, UK Biobank data showed that individuals who used cannabis only when they were younger and stopped later still displayed greater brain volume in CB1-rich areas and stronger cognitive performance than those who had never used it.

Researchers suspect that cannabis may have anti-inflammatory properties and that activation of the endocannabinoid system could help protect against neurodegenerative processes.

Despite the encouraging results, scientists stress caution. Cannabis is not a universal solution. The study identified smaller volume in the posterior cingulate cortex among users, an area linked to memory and emotion. Researchers also lacked detailed information about the types of cannabis used, including THC or CBD content, and noted differences in how men and women responded, indicating the need for further study.

Overall, the February 2026 findings suggest that cannabis affects the aging brain in complex ways. Moderate use may help preserve brain structure, but careful interpretation remains essential as research continues.

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(Featured image by Ahmed Zayan via Unsplash)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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