Elderly mice that vape hemp and cannabis every day see benefits

This study examined the neurobiological effects of cannabis on the aging brain using a mouse model. It was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience in February 2023.

Elderly mice were divided into three groups and exposed to cannabis flower vaporized at 210°C (410°F) in a Volcano vaporizer. One group inhaled vaporized flower with approximately 10% Δ9-THC (and 0.05% CBD) while one group inhaled vaporized flower with approximately 10% CBD (and 0.36% THC). The third group received placebo vapor. The mice were exposed to the vapor for 30 minutes a day for 28 days followed by a 2 week washout period.

The primary metrics examined were analgesic (pain relieving), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and cognitive effects of cannabis. The researchers monitored the THC and CBD in the bloodstream of the mice to match levels established in previous human research.

The results indicate that 'chronic' (daily for 28 days) inhaled CBD had a lasting positive effect on general neurological efficiency, and inhaled THC acted as an effective pain reducer. 

In the authors' words:

Cannabis high in CBD but not THC increased network strength and efficiency, an effect that persisted after washout. 

These data would indicate chronic use of inhaled cannabis high in Δ9-THC can be an effective analgesic but not for treatment of anxiety or cognitive decline. 

The full text article is here at PubMed Central.