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Is Cannabis Used to Reduce Psychotropic Medications in Dementia? 

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

Psychotropic medicines, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedatives, are often used to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia. However, these drugs can cause significant side effects, including drowsiness, falls, and confusion. With growing interest in medical cannabis, some researchers are asking whether cannabinoids could offer a safer alternative or help reduce reliance on psychotropic medications. 

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The Rationale Behind Cannabis Use 

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD act on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, sleep, and agitation. Because of these effects, some early studies have explored whether medical cannabis could calm distress or reduce aggression in dementia without worsening cognition. 

A 2024 review published in Age and Ageing found that small clinical trials reported modest improvements in sleep and anxiety among older adults using CBD-dominant oils under medical supervision (Age and Ageing, 2024). Importantly, no evidence supported abrupt replacement of prescribed psychotropic medications with cannabis. Instead, researchers highlighted that cannabinoids might serve as adjuncts, helping clinicians lower doses of existing drugs in carefully monitored settings. 

What The Evidence Shows 

Evidence remains limited. A 2025 PubMed Central cohort study found that low-dose medical cannabis did not worsen cognition in adults aged 65 and older but noted that heavy or unsupervised THC use increased behavioural dysregulation and memory problems (PubMed Central, 2025). 

In dementia, studies are still exploratory. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there is no strong evidence that cannabis reduces the need for psychotropic medicines, though small pilot studies suggest potential for symptom relief. NHS and NICE guidelines do not currently endorse cannabis for this purpose. 

NHS And NICE Guidance 

NICE guidance on dementia (NG97) and cannabis-based medicinal products (NG144) advises that cannabinoids should not be used to treat agitation, confusion, or psychosis in dementia (NICE, 2023). NHS England reiterates that cannabis-based products must be prescribed only under specialist supervision and are not approved for behavioural or psychiatric symptoms (NHS England, 2023). 

Clinical Bottom Line 

  • There is no established evidence that cannabis replaces psychotropic medications in dementia. 
  • CBD-dominant oils may help reduce anxiety or restlessness when used alongside standard care. 
  • Any dose changes must be supervised by a qualified specialist. 
  • Self-medicating with cannabis can worsen confusion and fall risk. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides educational guidance on the regulated use of medical cannabis in the UK. It explains how specialists determine eligibility, safety, and monitoring when cannabinoids are used alongside existing medications. Dementia is not a licensed indication, but structured oversight mirrors broader psychotropic safety principles. 

Takeaway 

Cannabis is not currently used to replace or reduce psychotropic medications in dementia care. Early research hints at calming effects, but evidence remains preliminary. The safest approach is to use only specialist-prescribed, CBD-dominant products within a comprehensive, person-centred care plan, never as a substitute for clinically indicated medicines. 

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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