Does Cannabis Modify Cortisol or Stress Hormone Levels?
Cannabis, particularly its active compounds tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), has long been studied for its impact on mood, stress, and anxiety. However, a lesser-known effect involves the body’s stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the production of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This article explores current evidence (2020–2025) on how cannabis influences cortisol and other […]
Are Cannabis’ Cannabinoid Receptors Implicated in Agitation Control in Dementia?
Growing research is exploring whether the body’s cannabinoid receptors may influence agitation in dementia. According to NHS guidance on medical cannabis, while cannabis-based medicinal products are licensed for a few conditions, their use in dementia remains unproven due to limited clinical evidence. Understanding Cannabinoid Receptors Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are part of the body’s endocannabinoid […]
Can Cannabis Cannabinoids Affect Sleep Architecture in Dementia?
Sleep problems are among the most distressing symptoms for people with dementia and their caregivers. Some researchers have explored whether cannabinoids, compounds found in cannabis such as THC and CBD, might influence sleep architecture, the structure and rhythm of sleep cycles. However, according to NHS and NICE guidance, cannabis-based medical products are not recommended for managing sleep disturbance or insomnia in dementia due to limited evidence […]
Does Cannabis Regulate Neuroimmune Responses in Dementia?
The immune system plays an essential role in brain health. In dementia, neuroinflammation, an overactive immune response within the brain, contributes to neuron damage and disease progression. Because cannabinoids interact with immune-regulating pathways, researchers are investigating whether cannabis could help balance this response. However, according to NHS and NICE guidance, there is no proven clinical evidence that cannabis-based medical products regulate immune function […]
Can Cannabis Alter Neurotransmitters in Dementia Care?
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 […]
Does Cannabis Support Synaptic Health in Dementia Patients?
Healthy brain function depends on strong connections between nerve cells, known as synapses. In dementia, these synaptic connections break down due to inflammation, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of abnormal proteins such as amyloid and tau. Researchers have therefore explored whether cannabinoids, active compounds in cannabis, could help protect or restore synaptic health. However, according to NHS and NICE guidance, […]
Can Cannabis Cannabinoids Reduce Brain Inflammation in Dementia?
Brain inflammation, or neuroinflammation, is believed to play a major role in the progression of dementia. This process involves overactive immune cells in the brain that release inflammatory molecules, potentially damaging neurons, and accelerating cognitive decline. Because cannabinoids can influence inflammation in laboratory studies, researchers have questioned whether cannabis might help protect the brain in dementia. However, according to NHS and NICE guidance, there […]
How Does Cannabis Reduce Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia?
As interest in medical cannabis expands, one question often asked is whether cannabinoids can help reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in people with dementia. Although some small studies suggest mild improvements, the biological mechanisms remain uncertain, and clinical evidence is limited. According to NHS and NICE guidance, cannabis-based medical products are not recommended for dementia symptoms because evidence is weak, inconsistent, […]
Has Johns Hopkins Published Findings on Cannabis and Cannabinoid Use in Dementia?
Johns Hopkins University has been involved in several global research collaborations exploring the neurological effects of cannabinoids. While the university has contributed to studies on medical cannabis in pain, epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric disorders, no Johns Hopkins research has demonstrated clinical benefit for dementia symptoms or cognitive decline. Like NHS and NICE guidance, Johns Hopkins experts conclude that current evidence on cannabis and […]
Does Clinical Evidence Support Cannabis for Appetite Increase?
Cannabis has long been associated with increased appetite, but clinical evidence does not support its general use for appetite stimulation in medical care. According to NHS and NICE guidance, cannabis-based medical products are not licensed in the UK for treating poor appetite or weight loss, except in highly specific circumstances (NHS Guidance; NICE NG144). What The Research Shows Most research into cannabis and appetite […]