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Cannabis Use Linked to Brain Volume and Cognitive Function in Study

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Study involved 26,362 adults aged 40 to 77
  • Greater cannabis use associated with larger volumes in several brain regions
  • Researchers stated findings do not encourage cannabis use

A recent observational study examined the relationship between cannabis use, brain structure, and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. The findings are based on data from over 26,000 participants and contribute to ongoing research on cannabis and brain health.

The study found that individuals with higher lifetime cannabis use showed larger volumes in brain regions such as the caudate, putamen, hippocampus, and amygdala, which are known to contain high concentrations of CB1 receptors. These participants also demonstrated better performance in learning, processing speed, and short-term memory tasks compared to those with less or no cannabis use.

Among participants who reported cannabis use limited to adolescence, the study observed larger regional brain volumes and improved cognitive performance when compared to non-users. However, the research also identified an association between higher cannabis use and lower volume in the posterior cingulate region, indicating that the relationship between cannabis use and brain structure varies across different areas of the brain.

What the numbers show

  • 26,362 adults aged 40 to 77 participated in the study
  • Study publication date: February 2026
  • Brain regions examined included caudate, putamen, hippocampus, amygdala, and posterior cingulate

The research team emphasized that the study was observational and does not establish a causal link between cannabis use and brain health outcomes. The design of the study limits the ability to determine whether cannabis use directly causes changes in brain volume or cognitive function.

Researchers stated that the results should not be interpreted as a recommendation to use cannabis. They noted that the effects of cannabis are likely influenced by several factors, including age at use, dosage, frequency, product composition, and individual vulnerability.

The findings highlight the complexity of understanding how cannabis use relates to brain structure and cognitive abilities in adults. The study adds to a growing body of research examining the potential impacts of cannabis on the brain, particularly in middle-aged and older populations.

Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these associations and to determine how different patterns of cannabis use may affect brain health over time. The authors indicated that future studies could help address these questions and inform public health guidance.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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