Medical marijuana, particularly cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is being explored as a potential therapeutic option for people with Alzheimer’s disease due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and symptom-relieving properties. Research indicates that cannabinoids may help reduce some behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation, aggression, and sleep disturbances, which are common in Alzheimer’s patients[2][9]. Additionally, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates memory, mood, and immune responses, potentially influencing neurodegeneration processes associated with Alzheimer’s[1].
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to cognitive decline and memory loss. Current treatments like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine only alleviate symptoms without stopping disease progression, which has led to interest in alternative approaches such as medical marijuana[1]. Cannabinoids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may reduce neuroinflammation, a key factor in Alzheimer’s pathology. For example, CBD has been shown in animal models to calm immune pathways that drive neuroinflammation and reduce proinflammatory molecules in the brain, potentially slowing disease progression[3][4].
Clinical evidence, though still preliminary and limited, supports the safety and tolerability of cannabinoids in Alzheimer’s patients. A systematic review of clinical studies involving 278 participants found that medical cannabinoids were generally well tolerated and associated with improvements in agitation, aggression, and nocturnal disturbances[2]. Another clinical study reported that patients with Alzheimer’s showed improvements in symptoms such as agitation, apathy, irritability, and sleep or eating disturbances after 12 weeks of treatment with a cannabis-based oral solution containing THC and CBD[5]. These findings suggest cannabinoids may offer a safer alternative to traditional medications used to manage behavioral symptoms in dementia care, which often have significant side effects.
Despite these promising results, the evidence is not yet conclusive. Most studies have small sample sizes, and more high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish optimal dosing, long-term safety, and efficacy of medical marijuana in Alzheimer’s disease[2]. Moreover, some experts caution that regular cannabis use in older adults may carry risks, including increased chances of heart disease, certain cancers, addiction, and potential worsening of age-related cognitive issues[8]. There is also some evidence linking disordered marijuana use to an increased risk of dementia in population studies, though this does not directly address controlled medical use in Alzheimer’s patients[7].
In summary, medical marijuana shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing symptoms and possibly slowing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and anti-inflammatory effects. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC may reduce behavioral symptoms and neuroinflammation, improving quality of life for patients and caregivers. However, current research is preliminary, and more rigorous clinical trials are essential to confirm safety, efficacy, and best practices for use in this vulnerable population.
Sources:
[1] northpennnow.com/news/2025/oct/01/can-cannabis-protect-the-aging-brain-insights-on-alzheimers-and-neuroprotection
[2] themarijuanaherald.com/2025/10/study-cannabinoids-may-ease-dementia-symptoms-in-alzheimers-patients
[3] medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-help-treat-reduce-inflammation-alzheimers-disease
[4] news-medical.net/news/20251006/Investigating-cannabidiols-role-in-combating-Alzheimers-related-neuroinflammation.aspx
[5] bedrocan.com/the-effects-of-cannabis-medicines-today/
[7] nature.com/articles/s44400-025-00037-9
[8] medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-regular-cannabis-poses-experts-caution.html
[9] journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02698811251375895
