Study: Lifetime Cannabis Use Linked to Sharper Minds in Older Adults
Adults with a history of cannabis use may experience better cognitive performance later in life compared to those who have never – or rarely – used cannabis, according to new research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
The study was conducted by researchers affiliated with the University of Colorado and Georgia Institute of Technology, who analyzed cognitive function and brain structure in a nationally representative sample of more than 500,000 adults aged 40 to 70 living in the United Kingdom.
Participants provided detailed information about their lifetime cannabis use, completed a battery of cognitive assessments, and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate brain volume across multiple regions.
Larger Brain Volume and Better Cognitive Function
The researchers found that greater lifetime cannabis use was positively associated with increased brain volume, particularly in regions known to be rich in cannabinoid receptors. These areas included the caudate, putamen, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex—all of which play essential roles in memory, learning, emotional regulation, and executive function.
In addition to structural differences in the brain, individuals with a history of cannabis use also demonstrated better performance on cognitive tests measuring learning ability, memory recall, processing speed, and task switching.
According to the study authors, these findings align with a growing body of research suggesting that cannabis may exert neuroprotective effects in aging populations, rather than contributing to cognitive decline as is often assumed.
Challenging Long-Held Stereotypes
The authors concluded that cannabis use may be associated with both greater brain volume and improved cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults, especially in brain regions dense in cannabinoid receptors. They emphasized that these findings raise important questions about cannabis’ potential role in supporting brain health later in life.
Commenting on the results, Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, noted that the data directly contradicts one of the most persistent stereotypes surrounding cannabis users.
“These results challenge the long-standing narrative that cannabis use inevitably harms cognition,” Armentano said. “Unfortunately, research that undermines these assumptions often receives far less mainstream attention than studies that reinforce them.”
Consistent With Earlier Research
The findings are consistent with several recent international studies examining cannabis use and cognitive aging:
-
An Israeli study involving more than 67,000 older adults found that those with a history of cannabis use performed better across all cognitive domains, including attention, executive function, processing speed, and working memory. The study also reported a slower decline in executive function among past users.
-
A Danish longitudinal study similarly concluded that cannabis consumers experienced significantly less cognitive decline over their lifetimes compared to non-users.
-
A U.S. study of older adults living with HIV reported that individuals with a history of occasional cannabis use showed greater cognitive performance than those who had never used cannabis.
Original Study Data
The study, titled “Cannabis use is associated with brain volume and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults,” is indexed on PubMed and can be accessed here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41379083/
Let’s hear your personal story. Do you feel that your long-term cannabis consumption has affected your cognitive performance? Let us know in the comments!
