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Can Cannabis Reduce Wandering or Pacing in Dementia? 

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

Wandering and pacing are common behaviours in dementia, often linked to restlessness, confusion, or unmet needs such as hunger or discomfort. These behaviours can increase the risk of falls and distress for both patients and caregivers. With growing interest in medical cannabis, researchers are now exploring whether THC and CBD, the active compounds in cannabis, might help reduce such agitation-driven movements. While early studies suggest potential calming effects, evidence is still limited, and cannabis is not recommended for this purpose by UK health authorities. 

Can medical cannabis be accessed legally for women’s health?

Why Wandering Happens 

According to NHS guidance on dementia, wandering and pacing are part of a group of symptoms known as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). These may be triggered by anxiety, boredom, disrupted sleep, or changes in brain function affecting orientation and memory. NICE guidance recommends non-drug approaches first, such as structured daily routines, safe walking spaces, and reassurance. 

Could Cannabis Help? 

Cannabis affects the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate anxiety, mood, and movement control. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain’s emotional and motor centres, while CBD interacts with serotonin (5-HT1A) and CB2 receptors to reduce anxiety and neuroinflammation. 

A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (PubMed 36247984) found that a balanced THC: CBD oil reduced overall agitation and restlessness in people with severe dementia. Similarly, a 2024 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry (PubMed 38447959) noted that cannabinoid-based treatments may help calm repetitive or restless behaviours, although results vary and larger studies are needed. 

What NICE And NHS Say 

The NICE dementia guideline (NG97) and NICE guidance on cannabis-based medicinal products (NG144) both state that cannabis is not recommended for managing behavioural symptoms such as agitation, aggression, or wandering. The Alzheimer’s Society UK echoes this position, advising that evidence for cannabis in dementia remains preliminary and experimental. 

Clinical Bottom Line 

  • THC: CBD formulations may reduce agitation-related restlessness but are unproven for wandering or pacing. 
  • CBD could lower anxiety and help stabilise activity patterns, though human data are limited. 
  • NICE and NHS advise that cannabis should not be used outside of research or specialist supervision. 
  • Environmental and behavioural interventions remain the safest and most effective strategies. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides educational information about medical cannabis regulation and eligibility in the UK. It explains how cannabis-based products are prescribed under MHRA and Home Office standards but does not promote cannabis for dementia or behavioural symptoms. 

Takeaway 

While early research suggests cannabis may help reduce restlessness in dementia, there is no reliable evidence that it prevents wandering or pacing. According to NHS and NICE guidance, non-drug strategies such as maintaining structured routines, safe environments, and reassurance remain the cornerstone of dementia care until stronger clinical data emerges. 

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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