A recent study analyzing data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) has found that non-medical cannabis use may be associated with a reduced risk of subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The study, which included data from over 4,700 U.S. adults aged 45 and older, sought to uncover the relationship between different dimensions of cannabis use and cognitive function.
Researchers examined the reasons for cannabis use (medical, non-medical, or both), frequency, and consumption methods (such as smoking, eating, and vaporizing). They then assessed whether these factors were linked to an increase in confusion or memory loss, as reported by participants over the past year.
The results showed that adults who used cannabis for non-medical purposes were 96% less likely to experience SCD compared to non-users, based on adjusted odds ratios. Although the study also observed that medical and dual-use cannabis users were less likely to experience cognitive decline than non-users, these results were not statistically significant.
Interestingly, the study found no significant associations between the frequency or method of cannabis use and SCD. This points to the importance of further research to identify what drives the differences seen in cognitive decline among non-medical cannabis users.
The authors concluded that understanding the mechanisms underlying the association between non-medical cannabis use and reduced SCD risk is a priority for future research. This study adds valuable insight to the broader conversation on cannabis and cognitive health, especially as legalization efforts continue across the United States.