What Does the Research Say About Cannabis, Aging, and Longevity? | Research

The takeaway

A systematic review of 18 studies found that cannabinoids show promise for supporting healthy aging in preclinical models, but human evidence remains too limited to draw firm conclusions.

Gerontology researchers, older adults exploring cannabinoid therapies, clinicians treating aging populations.

Only 18 studies (11 animal, 7 human) have directly examined cannabis and aging

What the researchers found

Eleven preclinical studies showed promising results for cannabinoids in aging, including improved lifespan, cognitive function, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and enhanced social interaction. Low-dose THC appeared beneficial while higher doses showed drawbacks. Seven human studies suggested potential therapeutic applications but were insufficient for comprehensive conclusions.

Why it matters

With global populations aging rapidly, identifying interventions that support healthy aging is a major research priority. This review is among the first to systematically compile what is known about how cannabinoids interact with the aging process through the endocannabinoid system.

The numbers in context

18 studies included (11 preclinical, 7 human); preclinical models included C. elegans, rodents, zebrafish, and mice; human studies focused on populations aged 50+; low-dose THC showed benefits in preclinical models while higher doses showed drawbacks.

How the study worked

PRISMA-guided systematic review of 18 studies (11 preclinical using C. elegans, rodents, zebrafish, mice; 7 human studies in populations aged 50+) investigating the direct impact of cannabinoids on aging and longevity.

What this study cannot tell us

Only 18 studies met inclusion criteria, reflecting how little direct research exists on this topic. Most evidence comes from animal models that may not translate to humans. The seven human studies were heterogeneous in design and endpoints. Publication bias may favor positive results.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary: Although this is a systematic review (a strong methodology), the underlying evidence base is very small (18 studies) with most being preclinical, limiting the strength of conclusions.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, representing the current state of research.

The bigger picture

The endocannabinoid system changes with age, and there is growing interest in whether modulating it with cannabinoids could slow age-related decline. This review highlights the gap between encouraging preclinical results and the limited human evidence, a common challenge in cannabinoid research.

Questions still open

What are the optimal cannabinoid doses for aging populations? Does cannabis use initiated in old age have different effects than lifetime exposure? How do cannabinoid effects on aging interact with common medications used by older adults?

Common questions

Can cannabis help you live longer?

Some preclinical studies in animal models showed improved lifespan and cognitive function with cannabinoid treatment, but these findings have not been confirmed in humans. The seven human studies suggest potential benefits but are too few and varied to support any definitive longevity claims.

Is low-dose THC better than high-dose for aging?

Preclinical studies in this review suggested that low doses of THC showed benefits for aging-related outcomes, while higher doses showed drawbacks. This pattern is consistent with other cannabinoid research showing biphasic dose-response effects, but optimal human dosing has not been established.

Read the original research

The impact of cannabis use on ageing and longevity: a systematic review of research insights.

Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 52

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Nain, Sonam; Singh, Niraj; Schlag, Anne Katrin; Barnes, Michael. (2025). The impact of cannabis use on ageing and longevity: a systematic review of research insights.. Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00267-x