Low Dose THC Found to Improve Brain Health

A new study published in the ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science Journal looked at how THC affects aging in the brain and body. The researchers focused on CB1 receptors, which is important for brain functions like memory and learning. They found that giving low doses of THC to older mice improved their memory and made their brains behave more like younger versions of themselves. This was because THC boosted a protein called mTOR, which helps cells grow and use energy.

In the brain, THC increased mTOR activity, which helped make new connections between brain cells, improving memory and cognitive function. Interestingly, while mTOR activity increased in the brain, it decreased in fat tissues, which is similar to what happens when someone follows a low-calorie diet. Pretty wild! This dual effect of THC—boosting brain activity while slowing down metabolism in other parts of the body—could be a potential way to slow down aging and keep the brain healthy.

For obvious reasons this gets us very excited about the opportunities to implement low-dose THC products into training, like our High Performance Energy Gummies, which contain only 1.5mg of THC per gummy and 5mg of CBG also found to lower anxiety and improve memory.

Key Findings in the Study:

Improved Memory and Brain Health: Long-term, low-dose THC treatment improved memory and increased the density of synapses (connections between brain cells) in older mice, making their brains function more like those of younger mice.

Anti-aging Effects: THC’s dual effect on mTOR activity (increasing it in the brain and reducing it in fat tissue) mimics the benefits of a low-calorie diet, which is known to slow aging.

Epigenetic Influence: THC treatment was linked to changes in metabolites that could affect gene expression, hinting at a potential mechanism for its long-lasting effects on brain aging.

mTOR: The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, metabolism, and synaptic plasticity by sensing nutrient availability and energy status. It influences processes such as protein synthesis and autophagy, making it a key factor in aging, cognitive function, and various diseases.

Tracking Your Enjoyment

A study titled “Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency” emphasizes the critical role of exercise enjoyment in promoting long-term adherence to fitness routines. It found that when individuals engage in exercise that aligns with their preferred intensity, they experience higher levels of enjoyment, leading to stronger exercise habits, more frequent workouts, and a greater intention to continue exercising.

Enjoyment acts as a motivating factor, reinforcing positive feelings and commitment to regular exercise. Tailoring workouts to match individual preferences for intensity can enhance the pleasure of exercise, ultimately fostering better engagement and sustainability in health club settings.

Another study found that cannabis may be a primary motivator for people to exercise more often because it elevates their enjoyment. This is a key factor for OFFFIELD, as we are endurance athletes in every sense of the word. We’re not just focused on getting to the finish line quicker in our next marathon, but also getting to the finish line way slower when it comes to life.

All of our products are formulated to activate your Endocannabinoid System, responsible for regulating mood during exercise. Our High Performance line of products, including Energy Gummies and Sports Drinks specifically focus on enjoyment as a key contributor to overall performance enhancement.

The Bliss Molecule

Have you ever heard of a molecule, Anandamide? It's a special chemical in your body known as the “bliss molecule,” that helps you feel happy and relaxed.

When you run or do lots of exercise, sometimes you get a great feeling afterward or during longer duration training. This is called the Runner's High (you may have noticed we’re obsessed with it). Scientists used to think this was only because of endorphins, which are like natural painkillers. But now they know anandamide, a cannabinoid we produce in our body, is also the primary reason for the effects in both mind and body.

Anandamide works by fitting into receptors throughout your body, kind of like a key fitting into a lock. When this happens, it makes you feel good… real good. Funny enough, these receptors are the same ones that react to the chemicals in cannabis, or phyto-cannabinoids. Although similar, Anandamide is created by your own body.

So next time you're out running and start to feel amazing, you can thank anandamide. And if you want to hit it a little earlier, you can try our products designed to mimic our best buddy Anandamide. You don’t have to thank us, but we do accept compliments.

New Study Reveals Benefits: Reduced Anxiety, Lower Obesity Risk, and Enhanced Memory

A groundbreaking new study conducted by researchers at Washington State University has revealed several significant health benefits associated with cannabis use, including a reduced risk of anxiety and obesity, as well as enhanced memory function. The findings, published in *Scientific Reports*, offer fresh insights into how CBG may impact mental and physical health.

Key Findings

1. Reduction in Anxiety:

The study found that individuals who had used cannabis within the past month were 31% less likely to experience anxiety compared to non-users. Participants who consumed cannabis recently showed marked resilience to stress, with significantly lower anxiety levels during the trial. These findings suggest that, particularly CBG, may offer a natural and effective means of managing anxiety without the cognitive impairments often associated with traditional treatments [oai_citation:1,Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory - Neuroscience News] [oai_citation:2,CBG found to reduce anxiety and enhance memory in clinical trial]().

2. Lower Risk of Obesity:

Another surprising outcome of the study was the discovery that recent cannabis users were also 31% less likely to be obese. This finding challenges the common stereotype that cannabis use leads to weight gain due to increased appetite or "the munchies." Instead, the study suggests that cannabinoids may influence metabolism, appetite regulation, and energy balance in ways that contribute to a healthier weight profile [oai_citation:3,Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory - Neuroscience News] [oai_citation:4,CBG found to reduce anxiety and enhance memory in clinical trial]

3. Enhanced Memory Function:

In addition to reducing anxiety and obesity risk, the study found that CBG may enhance memory, particularly verbal recall. CBG appeared to improve participants' ability to remember and recall information. This finding could have significant implications for those seeking to manage anxiety without sacrificing cognitive function [oai_citation:5,CBG Shows Promise in Reducing Anxiety Without Intoxication - ScienceBlog.com]

Implications and Future Research:

These findings highlight the potential of cannabinoids like CBG in addressing some of the most pressing health concerns today, including anxiety disorders and obesity. As more people seek natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, the role of cannabis in health and wellness continues to expand. However, while these results are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to explore the long-term impacts of cannabis use on mental and physical health.

Future studies will likely focus on the physiological effects of cannabis, such as its impact on heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, as well as its broader implications for cognitive and metabolic health. Additionally, researchers are keen to investigate how different cannabinoids interact and what combinations might offer the most therapeutic benefits.

For those interested in exploring the details, the full study is available here [oai_citation:6,Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory - Neuroscience News] CBG found to reduce anxiety and enhance memory in clinical trial].