Cannabis use in middle-aged and older adults is positively correlated with the volume of certain brain regions and cognitive performance, according to the results of a recent study conducted by researchers affiliated with academic institutions based in the United States. The study’s findings were published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

“Using data from the UK Biobank, which includes health information from more than 500,000 adults, associations between cannabis use, regional brain volume, and cognition in participants ages 40-69 years (mean age = 54.5) were evaluated.” the researchers wrote about their methodology.

Historically, cannabis opponents and mainstream media have portrayed cannabis consumers as being unintelligent and cannabis use as being bad for the human brain with no exceptions. However, a growing body of scientific research is proving that is not the case for adult cannabis consumers.

“Lifetime cannabis use was positively associated with regional brain volume in CB1-rich regions, including the caudate, putamen, hippocampus, and amygdala. Greater lifetime use was also linked to better performance in learning, processing speed, and short-term memory. Individuals reporting use limited to adolescence also showed larger regional volumes and better cognitive performance than nonusers. Sex differences in cannabis effects on brain volume and cognition were also observed.” the researchers found.

“Results highlight that cannabis may influence brain health differently across the life span, potentially offering protective effects in older age while posing risks earlier in development. Protective effects may result from endocannabinoid-mediated modulation of inflammation, immune function, and neurodegeneration. Observed sex differences likely reflect variation in the endocannabinoid system and underscore the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in studies of cannabis and brain health.” the researchers concluded.

A previous study led by a team of investigators in Colombia examined the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil by Alzheimer’s patients experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study’s authors found that CBD was both safe and effective, and helped mitigate cognitive decline in the study’s subjects.

Another study conducted in Brazil also examined CBD and cognitive performance. The study’s authors found that therapeutic use of CBD doesn’t adversely impact cognitive performance and may potentially improve it in certain patients.