THC Could Protect Brain From Aging, Study Finds

Two senior girlfriends 83 years old smoke medicinal marijuana together. One of them shows the other A promising new study suggests that long-term, low-dose THC intake may protect the brain from aging, improve cognitive function in older age, and promote overall longevity.

A group of researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany recently published a study in the journal ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science that investigates the impact of long-term THC treatment, the main psychoactive compound of cannabis, on brain aging.

The study centers on a key cellular pathway known as mTOR, a protein that plays a crucial role in aging by regulating how cells manage energy and create new structures, such as synapses in the brain, essential for learning and memory.

The researchers aimed to determine whether long-term, low-dose THC could affect the aging brain by influencing mTOR activity and overall metabolism.

They found that THC had a dual effect. Initially, in the brain, THC enhanced mTOR activity, which in turn raised the production of energy and important proteins required for brain function. This resulted in an increase in synaptic proteins, crucial for establishing and sustaining connections between neurons. However, following this initial increase, mTOR activity and metabolic processes in other parts of the body, such as fat tissue and blood, decreased. This reduction resembled the effects seen during a low-calorie diet, which is recognized for its potential anti-aging benefits.

The study, therefore, suggests that this dual effect—enhancing brain activity while lowering metabolism in other parts of the body—might help explain why THC could be advantageous for brain aging.

To achieve these results, the researchers conducted experiments using mice treated with low doses of THC over a long period to see how this treatment affected the mice as they aged, particularly in relation to their brain function and overall metabolism.

MORE FOR YOU Russian Troops Captured One Of Ukraine’s Dutch Armored Vehicles, Rode It Back Into Battle—And Promptly Got Killed

Apple iPhone 16 Pro: New Design Echoed In Latest Leak

The Sound Of Failure At Sonos

Researchers conducted long-term experiments on mice treated with low doses of THC to examine its effects on brain function and metabolism as the mice aged. They focused on how THC influenced mTOR activity in the brain and also investigated its impact on fat tissue and blood. Compared to untreated mice, those receiving THC showed increased mTOR activity, which supported higher energy production and synaptic protein creation in the brain. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.

By signing up, you agree to receive this newsletter, other updates about Forbes and its affiliates’ offerings, our Terms of Service (including resolving disputes on an individual basis via arbitration), and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement . Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

This suggests that THC treatment might help the brain better manage aging. THC could offer therapeutic benefits for cognitive decline associated with aging. This perspective challenges conventional views on cannabis and suggests new medical applications, especially for age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease .

Researchers point out that most studies examine the short-term effects of high cannabis doses, which frequently show negative results. However, this study indicates that a carefully controlled low-dose regimen could have beneficial effects, especially related to aging.

Although the study was done in mice, its findings might have implications for human aging. If similar effects are seen in people, this could lead to new methods for managing aging and cognitive decline.

While the study highlights the potential benefits of long-term THC use, it also raises concerns about its long-term safety and balance of effects. Limitations include reliance on mouse models, which may not fully represent human aging and brain function. Uncertainties remain regarding dosage, long-term safety, and overall health impacts. Furthermore, the focus on low-dose THC does not address potential side effects or differences in individual responses, which are important factors for considering therapeutic use in humans.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn . Check out my website .

Dario Sabaghi is a freelance journalist specializing in international news and the cannabis industry.

Since 2021, he has been contributing to Forbes,

…

Read more at www.forbes.com