Authors of a new study on the neurological impacts of long-term THC use suggest that their findings could lead to effective anti-aging and pro-cognitive medications. They observed increased energy and synaptic protein production in mice that received low doses of THC, the main psychoactive substance in marijuana.

The study, published in the American Chemical Society journal Pharmacology and Translational Science, found that long-term low-dose THC had an anti-aging effect on the brain of older mice, restoring cognitive abilities and synapse densities. The results indicate that THC-induced changes in the brain may play a significant role in combating brain aging.

Supported by a German government-funded organization, the research involved treating young and old male mice with either THC or a placebo for about a month. Researchers measured brain function and levels of proteins related to metabolism, memory, and aging, focusing on mTOR, a protein that influences cognitive performance and aging-related cell functions.

In older mice, THC increased mTOR activity and boosted the levels of proteins that help form and repair synapses. Additionally, THC improved metabolic activity in the hippocampus, a brain region linked to learning and memory. Outside the brain, THC had a different anti-aging effect, reducing mTOR activity in fat tissue and increasing fatty acids that combat aging.

Researchers concluded that long-term low-dose THC treatment could be an effective strategy against brain aging, combining the cognitive benefits of mTOR activation with the anti-aging effects of reduced mTOR activity. The study noted that the effects on brain activity peaked around two weeks into the 28-day study, while effects on fatty tissue peaked at the study's end.

The findings suggest a dual effect on different cell types, which could lead to the development of anti-aging medications. However, the study also highlighted the need for further research, including human trials, to explore differences in dosage and administration duration and to balance potential anti-aging benefits against other long-term risks.

Additionally, the study noted age-dependent effects of THC, consistent with past research. While older mice showed cognitive improvement, younger mice experienced slight memory impairment. This suggests that the effects of THC on the metabolome differ significantly between young and old animals.

The report calls for more research to expand on these findings and assess the potential of THC as an anti-aging treatment, particularly in humans. Despite concerns about long-term risks, growing evidence suggests that cannabis may offer cognitive benefits, including reduced confusion and memory loss in users compared to non-users.