One of the most debated topics in medical science is whether or not cannabis has any effects on the aging process. While there have been many studies on the subject, the evidence is still not conclusive. This is because there are several factors that need to be considered. Firstly, what is the effect on the developing brain? Second, what is the effect on the skin? Finally, what are the costs involved?
Brain health
The benefits of using cannabis are being explored by scientists, with the potential to reverse ageing processes in the brain. Various compounds are being tested for their neuroprotective effects. Some of the cannabinoids used in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBN), and nabilone.
Scientists have long looked for ways to combat the brain’s aging process. They also hope to reverse cognitive deficits caused by neurodegenerative disorders. Unfortunately, they aren’t sure exactly how to accomplish this. However, they are making good progress.
For example, researchers have found that cannabinoids protect against neuroinflammation, which contributes to the aging process. Another study showed that the substance can improve memory performance. Other research shows that cannabis may have positive effects on Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have found that THC may have positive effects on oxidative stress, which is believed to play a key role in age-related diseases. A new study has shown that elderly mice that received low doses of THC had better cognitive performances than two-month-old control mice.
This has to do with the effects of THC on hippocampal neurons. Chronic THC exposure has been linked to accelerated loss of these important brain cells. As a result, researchers are looking to develop clinical trials to test the effects of THC on humans.
A new study finds that a compound called CBN, which is similar to THC, has neuroprotective properties. Although a little more controversial, the substance may prove to be less toxic than the active ingredients found in marijuana.
Other studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cannabis in increasing gray matter volume in the brain. While some studies have reported no discernable difference between gray matter volume in young and old subjects, others have reported a notable increase.
One of the biggest drivers of brain aging is alcohol and drugs, such as nicotine and caffeine. Psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression are also known to contribute.
Using advanced neuroimaging and other advanced tools, researchers at the University of Bonn conducted a study on the effects of THC on the brain. In addition to improving memory and cognitive abilities, they found that the drug was able to reverse the performance of older mice.
Skin aging
Phytocannabinoids, the cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant, may help reverse the aging process. The effects of cannabis on the aging process are still understudied. But, there are a lot of anecdotal reports.
A few studies have suggested that cannabinoids could reduce inflammation and excessive cell growth. It also has been shown to combat the oxidative stress associated with aging.
In addition, a study published in the journal Molecules showed that CBD may fight skin inflammation. These compounds work in conjunction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Basically, the ECS is a network of receptors that acts to counteract oxidative stress.
Studies have shown that the THC found in marijuana can help with a variety of medical conditions, including pain and anxiety. They can also treat inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
Unlike smoking, cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream. Instead, they are absorbed into the skin. Cannabinoids are able to slow down the aging process, in part because they act as antioxidants. Using a topical CBD-infused emollient cream is the best way to get the effects of cannabinoids.
Some studies have suggested that a topical application of cannabinoid oils is effective for dry skin, psoriasis, and wrinkles. There are several different types of cannabinoids, but the main ones are CBD and THC. While they are not the only cannabinoids that are beneficial for a person’s health, they do have a significant role to play in the treatment of a variety of skin disorders.
Although studies are still under way to determine the long-term effects of cannabis use on a person’s health, researchers are hopeful that it will have a positive impact on age-related conditions. However, it is important to note that marijuana use can also be detrimental to a person’s health.
Cannabis use is not a substitute for exercise. However, it may be a good way to increase circulation, reducing the inflammation associated with chronic low-level inflammation. Also, using a topical cannabinoid emollient cream can help relieve dry, itchy skin.
Considering the many advantages of using cannabis for the body and the brain, it’s not surprising that it has been introduced in the beauty and skincare industry. The market is projected to grow to $22 billion USD by 2026.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects on the developing brain
In order to understand the effects of cannabis on the developing brain, scientists need to examine the mechanisms involved. A number of animal models have been used to determine the effects of prenatal and perinatal cannabis exposure on neuronal processes. However, there is still a large amount of information to be analyzed, and several important aspects need to be studied further.
Using animal models, researchers have been able to identify two key windows of vulnerability during the development of the brain. These periods are characterized by specific patterns of morphologic and functional change.
One window of vulnerability is characterized by defects in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a molecular mechanism that regulates synaptic plasticity. This process allows the brain to adapt to new information. Various studies have investigated the role of the ECS during prenatal and perinatal cannabis exposure.
Another window of vulnerability is characterized by dysfunction in the GABAergic systems. Chronic THC exposure can disrupt dynamic changes in these systems. It also increases the activation of microglia, which are responsible for inflammatory cytokines.
Studies have also shown that prenatal cannabis exposure affects the synaptic properties of principal neurons. This may have detrimental effects on the brain’s emotional regulation.
Research has also shown that cannabis can be associated with an increase in the risk of cognitive decline. Researchers have found that frequent use of marijuana in adolescence was associated with decreased executive functioning in adulthood.
Studies have also shown that adolescent cannabis users have higher activity in the inferior parietal gyrus, which is crucial for executive functions. Adult cannabis users also have higher activity in the inferior frontal gyri and the posterior transverse temporal gyri.
In addition to examining the biological mechanisms underlying cannabis’ effects on the developing brain, these studies have also examined the effect of this drug on age-related behavioral and mental health indicators. For instance, frequency of cannabis use in adolescence was associated to a decrease in memory performance in adulthood.
Studies have revealed that these alterations are not permanent. Some functional abnormalities are attributed to a reduction in ATP, which is critical for maintaining neurotransmission.
Costs to the health system
There is a substantial knowledge gap about the health consequences of cannabis use. A review of current scientific evidence found that there is an association between cannabis and a number of comorbidities. However, the mechanisms behind this association are not well understood. Although research has shown that a diagnosis of alcohol problem disorder is associated with a significantly higher cost of care, the total economic burden of marijuana comorbidity is likely much larger.
Several studies have examined the effects of legalisation of recreational cannabis. Overall, the results of these studies appear to be consistent with previous studies, with minimal overall effect on healthcare utilisation.
In the first state to legalise recreational cannabis, Colorado, a non-significant decrease in overall hospitalisations was reported. However, there was a reduction in chronic pain admissions and motor vehicle accidents. Compared with OK, CO had lower overall hospitalisations, but there were no statistically significant differences.
Researchers also found that admissions for social anxiety disorder and other substances increased with the legalisation of recreational cannabis. Admissions for alcohol abuse, nicotine addiction, and cocaine use increased in Oklahoma and Colorado. These increases are consistent with the predicted changes in cannabis use disorder after the liberalisation of cannabis.
However, there is little evidence to suggest that these increases in hospitalisations are associated with actual increases in the cost of treatment. Moreover, the study does not account for the effects of treatment for other illnesses or outpatient settings.
Furthermore, the data used in the study are only available from a few states. This may mean that the estimated effects of legalisation of recreational cannabis are not applicable to a wide variety of hospitals. Hence, the effects of recreational cannabis legalisation are likely to be limited to a few specific medical conditions.
The US National Academy of Science (NAS) developed a summary of current scientific evidence on the health effects of cannabis. It is based on small and high-quality primary studies. Despite the absence of a comprehensive estimate of the direct costs of cannabis, the population-level effects of recreational cannabis legalisation may guide future policy decisions.
