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Can Cannabis Alter Neurotransmitters in Dementia Care? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Cannabis-based compounds such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) act on the brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that influence neurotransmitters responsible for mood, memory, sleep, and behaviour. Because dementia disrupts these same systems, researchers have explored whether cannabinoids could help restore balance. 

However, according to NHS and NICE guidance, there is no clinical evidence that cannabis safely or effectively alters neurotransmitter function to improve dementia symptoms (NHS Guidance; NICE NG144; NICE NG97). 

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How Cannabis Affects Brain Chemistry 

The ECS interacts with neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, all vital for emotion, sleep, and cognition. Laboratory studies show that cannabinoids can influence how these brain chemicals are released, potentially producing calming or mood-modulating effects. 

A 2024 review in Nature Reviews Neurology found that cannabinoids may reduce glutamate excitotoxicity (a process linked to nerve damage) and modulate GABA and serotonin activity, which could theoretically ease agitation or anxiety (Nature Reviews Neurology, 2024). 

However, the review also emphasised that these findings come mainly from animal and cell models, not human dementia studies, and translating such mechanisms into meaningful clinical outcomes remains unproven. 

What Clinical Studies Show 

A 2023 randomised crossover trial of THC/CBD formulations in older adults with dementia found no significant changes in cognition, mood, or overall neurotransmitter activity compared with placebo (PubMed Study, 2023). 

The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research noted in a 2024 commentary that cannabinoids may interact indirectly with neurotransmitter systems, especially serotonin and dopamine, but the evidence remains preclinical and theoretical, not therapeutic (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2024). 

Systematic reviews published through 2025 similarly found no consistent neurotransmitter-related benefits in dementia patients using cannabis-based products (Meta-Analysis, 2024). 

The Clinical Bottom Line 

  • Cannabinoids can influence neurotransmitter systems in theory but not proven in dementia. 
  • Laboratory evidence suggests modulation of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA activity. 
  • Human trials show no measurable neurotransmitters or cognitive improvements. 
  • NICE, NHS, WHO, and Johns Hopkins experts advise that cannabis should not be used for dementia care outside research trials. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

Educational organisations such as AlleviMed provide clear information on how medical cannabis eligibility is assessed in the UK. They explain that cannabis-based products are licensed for specific conditions like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, not for dementia or neurotransmitter regulation. 

Takeaway 

Although cannabinoids can influence neurotransmitters in the laboratory, no human studies confirm these effects improve dementia symptoms. According to NHS and NICE guidance, cannabis should only be studied further under controlled research, not used in clinical dementia care. 

Julia Sutton, MSc
Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD
Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy. 

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