As more people live longer, researchers are searching for ways to support healthy aging. A new systematic review published in the Journal of Cannabis Research looked at how cannabis compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may influence aging and longevity. The findings suggest cannabis could play a role in promoting brain health, reducing inflammation, and even supporting longevity.
What the Study Found
The review by Nain, Singh, Schlag, and Barnes (2025) examined 18 studies, including animal research and human studies. Here are the main takeaways:
- CBD showed strong potential. In studies using simple organisms like C elegans, worms, and flies, CBD increased lifespan, improved mobility in older age, and helped protect brain cells. It also reduced damage linked to age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, and showed anti-aging effects in models of cellular senescence and senescent skin fibroblast cells.
- Low-dose THC may help with brain health. In older mice treated with THC, tiny amounts improved memory, spatial learning, and brain connectivity. This suggests that THC, when carefully dosed, could support cognitive function and possibly restore cognitive function later in life. In some cases, chronic low-dose administration reduced signs of age-related cognitive impairments and improved neuronal health in aged mice.
- Other cannabinoids add benefits. Compounds like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN), along with cannabis terpenes, showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These may work together through what scientists call the “entourage effect,” engaging cannabinoid receptors in key brain regions.
- Human studies are promising but limited. Some research in older adults found that older adult cannabis users had stronger brain connectivity, which may help protect against age-related decline. Real-world evidence also showed that older patients using medical cannabis reported improvements in sleep, mood, chronic pain, and even reduced opioid use. Still, negative consequences from misuse or THC exposure at high levels are possible, especially for long-term cannabis users.
Why This Matters for Older Adults
As we age, problems like chronic pain, memory loss, anxiety, and sleep disorders become more common. The review suggests that cannabis, especially CBD, may help address some of these challenges. For families, navigating conversations about medical marijuana with aging parents is becoming increasingly important as more older adults explore alternative therapies.
Significantly, cannabis-based medicinal products could improve the quality of life and reduce reliance on other medications with fewer side effects. This aligns with the goals of fostering healthy aging and extending a healthy lifespan.
The Limitations
While the results are exciting, the study also highlighted essential gaps:
- Most of the strongest findings come from animal studies, not humans.
- Medical cannabis use in aging populations was studied in small and inconsistent samples.
- THC has a biphasic effect: low doses may help, but higher doses could harm memory and cognitive function.
- More clinical trials are needed to understand the long-term safety and best ways to use cannabis for age-related conditions and chronic diseases.
The Bottom Line
This review concludes that cannabinoids like CBD and THC show promise for promoting healthy aging, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain health. However, larger, well-designed studies in humans are needed to understand the benefits and risks fully.
For now, cannabis should be seen as a potential tool, not a magic solution, for aging well. Combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes good sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management remains crucial, but, cannabis-based medicine may one day play a larger role in supporting longevity.
As cannabinoid research continues to grow, new research insights and human brain data could reshape how we approach specific age-related challenges in aging, emerging as a global challenge linked to biological aging.
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Citation:
Nain, S., Singh, N., Schlag, A. K., & Barnes, M. (2025). The impact of cannabis use on ageing and longevity: a systematic review of research insights. Journal of Cannabis Research, 7(52). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00267-x
Dr. Rothman is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has received multiple special awards and recognitions, including Physician of the Year, from the Pinellas County Medical Association (2014 – 2015) and the President’s Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society.
He attended medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he also completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Rothman’s professional career includes being an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Clinical Instructor at the University of Tampa’s College of Nursing.
Dr. Rothman received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2016 and was one of the first recommending physicians through DocMJ in the state and is loved by many of those early patients today.