The University of Colorado published a new study that found that the use of marijuana in middle-aged people around the age of 40 years was associated with increased brain volume in some areas and better IQ scanning results in comparison to those who did not use or use it at another level, but if used too much was associated with impairment of brain and thought function in many dimensions.

Overview of research from the University of Colorado

The study, using a database from the UK Biobank, studied tens of thousands of adults from middle to older age (about 4077 years) by collecting data on cannabis use history, brain scans, MRI and memory tests, attention and speed of data processing, and it suggests that in older age groups, the relationship between cancer and the brain is not entirely negative, as previously understood, but has a complex pattern and depends on the level of use.

The analysis found that the group that used marijuana at a moderate level had brain volume in many areas than the group that did not use it and had higher IQ scores in some aspects such as learning, short-term memory and thinking speed.

Why use at an intermediate level may be beneficial?

In research, it was found that when users are divided by volume/frequency, they see a pattern similar to the U-side reverse curve, meaning that the middle-use group has better brain and intelligence than the middle-use group, and the overuse group has found positive results:

Increased brain volume in areas related to learning, memory, and movement control such as the hippocampus and some parts of the brain of the masked skull.

Scores in learning, recalling new information, processing speed and focus on the overall picture are better.

Researchers suggest that the use of small to medium-sized cannabis may stimulate the endocannabinoid system in the brain to a degree that helps to adapt or relieve age-related impairment, such as reducing inflammation or helping to maintain the flexibility of certain neurological circuits.

The risk of using high amounts of marijuana is high.

Although the positive results were evident in the moderate-use group, a large number of other studies over the decades have conclusively suggested that heavy and persistent cannabis use is linked to deteriorating brain structures and impaired cognitive functioning, such as

Brain volume decreases in many areas, especially those who start using it at a young age and continue to use it for a long time.

Overall IQ scores decline, especially in memory, composition, and executive function such as planning, self-control, and decision making.

Brain activation in functional MRI scans abnormalities such as consuming more energy but not as good memory results as usual

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In addition, there are other risk factors to consider, such as the risk of developing psychiatric or mental illness in people with genetic risk, addiction, co-administration with other substances (alcohol, other drugs) and effects on the heart and blood vessels.

Limitations and what to look out for when interpreting

Although the news is that cannabis is good for the brain at a moderate level, the research itself has several limitations that the reader should know about.

Whether it is cross-sectional or semi-long studies, it is not accidental that people use/do not use cannabis from the beginning, making it difficult to distinguish causes and effects.

The cannabis strain, potency and use patterns of the participants were not controlled in detail, so there may have been some differences within the group that were not visible.

Lifestyle factors such as income, educational status, exercise, alcohol use and other medical uses, despite control efforts, may still be involved.

Reviews and research in other population groups have found results that are different, with some findings not benefiting the brain at all or only in subgroups with specific characteristics such as being used for medical purposes under medical supervision or being used in very small amounts from time to time.

Ideas for middle-aged individuals who are older

For middle-aged adults, the latest data only tells us that the use of marijuana in some groups may not cause brain damage as feared and may be associated with better brain outcomes in some indicators, but it does not mean that it should be started to use marijuana to expect intellectual outcomes.

Avoid heavy and continuous daily use.

Especially if you start using it at a young age or if you have a chronic psychiatric disorder.

Consult a doctor before medical use at any time.

Especially if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or other medications that may interact with each other.

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Pay attention to factors that have already been proven to be beneficial to the brain, of course

Exercise, adequate sleep, good diet, and regular brain training go hand in hand with each other.

So, in general terms, a study from the University of Colorado helped reopen the view that cannabis is not always a punishment for the elderly, but that the dividing line between benefit and punishment lies at the level of use and consumption of each person, which also requires additional scientific evidence before it can be used as a formal public health guide.