Cannabis 'could reverse ageing process' after THC found to improve memory and learning in older mice

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The chemical in cannabis that makes people feel ‘high’ appears to improve learning and memory in older mice, a new study has found – with similar tests on humans planned for later this year. “It’s at a much higher level than it should be.” Physciatrist Michael Bloomfield, from University College London, said the”well-conducted” study was “exciting” as it “opens up a whole new chemical system, called the endocannabinoid system, as a potential target for new avenues of research which could include illnesses like dementia.” Older mice who received cannbinoids showed improved learning and memory “However, we are still in very early days and further research is needed. "This means that the possibility of doctors potentially prescribing, cannabis THC or similar compounds for memory problems in older people is still a long way off.” Dr Bilkei-Gorzo and his team at the University of Bonn in Germany tested the effects of THC in mice aged two months, 12 months and 18 months. “It’s a real danger, because we know that everything depends on the dosage and the age that you start.” Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This study shows that a component of cannabis, called THC, could have a beneficial effect on memory and learning in older mice.