There are many benefits of using cannabis, and it has become increasingly popular for both medical and recreational purposes. But there are also some risks, including those that may lead to a higher risk of developing serious health problems such as cancer.
In this study, we examined how cumulative and recent marijuana use is associated with epigenetic aging as captured by blood DNA methylation. The findings suggest that cannabis use is associated with age-related epigenetic changes, suggesting a link between marijuana and accelerated aging.
Neuroprotective properties
Cannabis has been shown to be a potent neuroprotective agent in many clinical cases of brain injury and stroke. It has also been shown to improve cognitive functioning and alleviate symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
The neuroprotective properties of cannabis stem from its ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory response in microglia. This process is associated with many common neurological diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanism behind this protective effect remains unclear but is believed to be primarily CB1-mediated.
Several studies have found that CBD, the non-psychoactive compound from cannabis, has anti-neuroinflammatory effects in human brain cells and neurons. Using in vitro assays, these researchers discovered that CBD protects nerve cells from the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide.
They also discovered that the antioxidant effect of CBD protects mitochondrial function, a major pathway that leads to cell death. This is a promising discovery that could help treat age-related neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
In addition to being a neuroprotective agent, CBD also has anti-seizure and anti-neuropathic pain effects. It is also thought to promote neurogenesis, a process that causes new neurons to form in the brain.
Finally, CBD is thought to increase cellular resilience by increasing the number of blood vessels and by improving circulation in the brain. This is important for allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected areas.
As it is thought that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the aging process, there is an ongoing need for studies to examine the impact of cannabis on this biological system. Currently, research examining the effect of cannabis on the aging process is limited to pre-clinical models and a small number of published studies.
We conducted a systematic review of studies to evaluate the impact of cannabis use on aging-related outcomes. We identified 26 studies with varying designs and methodologies. They mainly compared cannabis users to non-users in healthy aging, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, HIV, and pain populations. While there was some variation in the products and cannabis concentrations used, results generally indicated that higher doses and heavier lifetime use were associated with modest reductions in cognitive performance. These findings suggest that standardized and reliable measures are needed to better characterize the impact of cannabis on aging-related cognitive outcomes.
Anti-aging properties
The effects of cannabis on the aging process can be seen in the way it improves skin tone, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces the appearance of sun spots, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging. It can also help prevent and treat inflammatory conditions such as acne and eczema.
Phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate various internal functions including appetite, hormones, sleep, immune system, mood, and much more. The endocannabinoid system is a natural, chemically-based network of cannabinoid receptors that are found throughout the body.
One of the biggest ways that cannabis helps to slow down aging is by boosting the body’s own antioxidant defenses. CBD is an excellent source of both natural and synthetic antioxidants that help to fight free radicals that can wreak havoc on the body’s cells, tissue, and organs.
Researchers have found that CBD can boost the levels of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a major antioxidant. This antioxidant scavenges the harmful byproducts of oxidative stress, including ROS and H2O2.
Another study showed that a high concentration of UAE extract from Cannabis sativa L. (from concentrations of 1-250 ug/mL) decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species in fibroblasts. This decrease was accompanied by the inhibition of the matrix metalloproteinases collagenase and elastase.
In addition to fighting off harmful free radicals, CBD also bolsters the body’s immune systems and supports cellular metabolism. This can help to reduce inflammation, which is a major contributing factor to the signs of aging and chronic illness.
This effect is due to the fact that CBD inhibits mTOR signalling, an evolutionary conserved pathway that coordinates basic cellular and organismal responses such as cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. This can help to increase longevity in many model organisms.
As we age, our body’s ability to make healthy levels of collagen and elastin begins to decline, which can lead to dullness, loss of firmness, dryness, and other skin issues. Fortunately, CBD can help to restore this lost elasticity and improve the skin’s overall health by supporting the production of collagen and elastin.
Mood boosting properties
The mood boosting properties of cannabis are the result of its chemical structure and interaction with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates your mood, pain and stress levels. It’s a complex system that’s composed of ligands and receptors like keys and locks that work together to create a homeostatic balance.
The ECS is activated by cannabinoids and terpenes, which are compounds that are found naturally in cannabis. These compounds have a wide range of effects, from mood enhancement to sleep improvement and even wake-promoting abilities.
Using an animal model, researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany tested the cognitive functioning of young, mature and aged mice. They gave low doses of THC to the animals, and observed their behavior. The results showed that THC significantly restored their memory and learning performance to levels comparable to two-month-old control animals.
In addition, a variety of temperament dimensions were examined for their relation to anxiety and depression symptoms. The most important were harm avoidance and novelty seeking, which are based on behavioral biases that can increase the risk for anxiety and depression.
Harm avoidance was moderated by high marijuana use, but not by low marijuana use. Similarly, NS was not moderated by high marijuana use, but was related to higher anxiety and depression among those low in marijuana use.
Gender had some impact on the relationships between HA, marijuana use, and anxiety and depression symptoms. HA was more positively correlated with anxiety symptoms for women than men, and NS was negatively correlated with anxiety for women.
Although the research is not conclusive, these findings suggest that cannabis can energize your mood and boost your energy levels. This is a result of the way cannabis interacts with your ECS and your serotonin system.
It also acts to promote neuroplasticity, which is the ability of your brain cells to change themselves and adapt to new conditions. This can help your brain function better and prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia from developing later in life.
In the aging process, the brain has an increased rate of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that can lead to premature aging. Studies have shown that cannabis can have a positive effect on these conditions by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Pain relief
In addition to its anti-aging properties, cannabis also offers a range of benefits for the body. One of the most important is its ability to alleviate pain, especially chronic pain. This form of pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including injury, illness and diseases. It can also be triggered by emotional stress, which makes it particularly difficult to cope with.
The pain relief properties of cannabis are attributed to the effects of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. These compounds are known to relieve pain by acting on the endocannabinoid system, which includes CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Both THC and CBD have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the severity of both acute and chronic pain. They also improve cognitive function, which can lead to an overall better quality of life.
In order to effectively treat pain, it is best to choose a strain with a balanced ratio of both THC and CBD. This will prevent the patient from becoming tolerant to the plant’s effects, and will also limit the amount of THC that can be detected in their bloodstream.
Many medical cannabis patients have found that a balanced CBD and THC blend is the best way to achieve maximum pain relief. This is because the two compounds can have different effects on the endocannabinoid systems and underlying pain pathways.
For example, THC can amplify the perception of pain through its interaction with the CB1 receptors, while CBD may weaken the effects by dampening its affinity for these same receptors. The right combination of these factors will produce the strongest pain-relieving effects possible for your specific condition.
As with any type of treatment, it is always best to consult a doctor before starting on any new medication or supplement. They will be able to provide guidance on the safest and most effective ways to use cannabis to treat your pain.
The effects of cannabis on the aging process are not yet well understood, but the research is promising. The plant may help slow down the onset of age-related conditions, such as depression and dementia. It may even be able to promote the production of a certain brain chemical, called dopamine.
