For decades, the cultural narrative around cannabis and the brain was simple: it’s bad for you. A new wave of research is forcing a rewrite, especially for adults over 40.

Note from author: For those of you not yet 40, one day with enough luck you will be. This is for you, too ;)

A large study of middle-aged and older adults found that cannabis use was linked to measurable brain and cognitive advantages. That matters because older Americans are using cannabis at record rates. Nearly 1 in 5 adults aged 50–64 report past-year use, and usage continues to rise in those 65+. Almost the entirety of past cannabis research focused on teen use. Unlike teen-focused cannabis research, this study looks directly at aging brains: the population that cares most about memory, longevity, and cognitive resilience.

“More older adults are using cannabis… such as for sleep and chronic pain,” said lead author Dr. Anika Guha. As lifespans stretch longer, researchers are now asking the real question: what happens when cannabis becomes part of long-term aging?

The team analyzed over 26,000 adults aged 40–77, combining self-reported cannabis habits with MRI brain scans and cognitive testing. They focused on areas dense with CB1 receptors — the biological targets of cannabinoids — including the hippocampus, a critical structure for memory that typically shrinks with age and is closely tied to dementia risk.

What they found surprised even the researchers. Cannabis users tended to show larger brain volumes in multiple regions and stronger performance across learning, memory, attention, and executive function. In aging research, preserved volume often signals protection against atrophy and neurodegeneration.

“I was a little surprised… better performance among cannabis users,” Guha admitted. The results push against decades of assumptions shaped by studies focused on acute intoxication rather than long-term patterns.

The benefits weren’t about excess — they followed a moderation curve. Across most measures, moderate users showed the strongest combination of brain structure and cognition. Some heavy-use groups posted standout scores in specific areas, suggesting dose-dependent effects that scientists are still untangling.

There were nuances. One brain region associated with emotional processing showed smaller volume in higher-use participants, but the meaning isn’t clear. Some research links that same pattern to stronger working memory. The takeaway isn’t that cannabis is universally good or bad — it’s biologically complex.

“The story is nuanced,” Guha said. Cannabis outcomes likely depend on formulation, dose, intent, and life stage — variables the modern low-dose market is only beginning to standardize.

More research is already underway examining not just brain size, but brain function. Early signals suggest cannabinoids may positively influence how aging neural circuits operate, not just how they look on a scan.

For OFFFIELD, this is exactly why the conversation is shifting. We’re watching science catch up to what athletes and active adults already feel: when cannabinoids are used intentionally, in controlled doses, they’re not about escape, they’re about regulation, recovery, and performance longevity.

The future of cannabis isn’t excess. It’s precision.

And the brain may benefit most from that evolution.

Researchers found when workouts are too hard or too easy, people quit. But when cannabinoids make exercise feel better, people stick with it.

You hear a lot of people say “go hard!” or “embrace the suck!” Turns out those people actually enjoy it. If you’re not one of those people, you’re going to want to hear this.

Scientists wanted to know why some people keep exercising for years while others quit. So they studied 273 gym goers. They found something surprisingly simple: people who enjoy their workouts exercise more often, stick with it longer, and turn it into a habit. It wasn’t about willpower. It was about how the workout feels. When exercise feels too hard, people want to stop. When it feels too easy, people get bored. But when it feels challenging and doable, people enjoy it and they keep coming back for more. In fact, about 9 out of 10 people naturally choose an intensity that already feels right for them. The big lesson: if it feels good, you keep doing it.(1)

Now here’s where it gets really interesting. Another study looked at 49 regular cannabis users who went on two runs: one with cannabis and one without. The runners said the run felt more enjoyable when cannabis was involved. The difference wasn’t small or random: it was statistically meaningful (p = 0.004), which means it was very unlikely to be an accident. They also reported more positive feelings, less negative feelings, and more “runner’s high” sensations during the cannabis run. They didn’t run faster. They felt better doing it.(2)

A third study found that 80% of cannabis users mix cannabis and working out, with 70% saying it increases enjoyment, 78% saying it boosts recovery and 52% saying it motivates them.(3) Dispelling the myth that it makes you lazy.

Why does this matter? Your body already has a built-in system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). One of its jobs is to help control mood, pain, stress, and enjoyment. When you exercise, your body releases natural cannabinoids (like anandamide) that help create the famous runner’s high.(4) Cannabinoids from plants work on this same system. So when this system is supported, exercise can feel better, more fun, and less uncomfortable.

This is by no means saying that cannabis solves all our problems. What this means is that cannabinoids, when administered correctly to fit your needs can create the consistency so many of us are looking for.

Put it all together and the story is simple:

When exercise feels better, people do it more.

Enjoyment isn’t a bonus. It’s the engine. OFFFIELD isn’t about forcing your body to suffer. It’s about helping your body and brain work together so movement feels good and when it feels good, you keep showing up.

That’s how consistency is built. That’s how longevity happens. And that’s how performance actually lasts.

Footnotes / Sources

1. De Meester et al., 2022 — “Does intensity matter for exercise enjoyment and adherence?” (Study of 273 gym members showing enjoyment strongly predicts habit, frequency, and long-term consistency.)
   
   

2. YorkWilliams et al., 2023 — “Cannabis and Exercise: Real-World Running Study” (49 runners, cannabis condition showed significantly higher enjoyment, p = 0.004, more positive affect, less negative affect, more runner’s high.)
   
   

3. Front. Public Health, 2019 — “The New Runner's High? Examining Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Exercise Behavior in States With Legalized Cannabis”

4. Raichlen et al., 2012 / 2013 — Studies showing that anandamide (an endocannabinoid) rises during exercise and is a key driver of the runner’s high, not just endorphins.
   

The rise of GLP-1's have changed our culture's relationship with obesity. It's never been more confusing. Every TV commercial is for Ozempic or Mounjaro. Every celebrity is now priding themselves on losing weight and looking... different. At OFFFIELD, we're trying to change our relationship with our health by finding joy in it. Science backed and proven.

With decriminalization of cannabis research, we're also learning why cannabis users have such lower rates of obesity than non-users. With far fewer side-effects and unknowns than GLP-1's.

A study by Cavalheiro and colleagues explores an intriguing possibility: could phytocannabinoids, the biologically active compounds in Cannabis sativa, offer a novel tool to combat the metabolic dysfunction of obesity by harnessing their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential?

Why this matters
For athletes and active folks, metabolic resilience is just as important as strength or endurance. A system bogged down by chronic inflammation won’t recover as fast, won’t adapt as well, and won’t take performance gains to the next level. If cannabinoids can support metabolic re-settling, for example reducing waist circumference, improving lipid profiles, and improving cellular inflammation signals, then the conversation shifts from “weed and weight gain” to “smart use of hemp-derived biology to support leaner, fitter terrain.” Ok, that's a mouthful but you get it.

What the review found
This paper is a narrative review, meaning the authors pulled together existing preclinical and clinical data rather than generating new experimentation themselves. Key take-aways:

Epidemiological data suggest that cannabis users on average have lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than non-users. This is counter-intuitive given the “munchies” narrative, yet starts to hint that underlying metabolic processes may be altered.

Specific phytocannabinoids (notably Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) were discussed for their distinct pharmacological profiles. 

The authors link obesity’s pathophysiology to endocannabinoid signalling, adipose tissue inflammation, oxidative stress and neuro-metabolic regulation and suggest that modulating the cannabinoid system may rebalance some of these derangements.

Regarding clinical outcomes, some small studies indicated reductions in triglycerides, increases in HDL cholesterol, increases in adiponectin (an insulin-sensitive hormone), and reductions in waist circumference and fat mass.

Mechanistic angles: how might it work?
The review details a few mechanistic pathways worth your attention:

Endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulation: The ECS, via CB1 and CB2 receptors among others, influences appetite, lipogenesis (fat creation), adipocyte differentiation and inflammation. Over-active CB1 signalling in adipose tissue and liver has been implicated in obesity and insulin resistance. By contrast, modulation (or antagonism) of CB1 might yield metabolic benefit. The phytocannabinoids discussed may alter this signalling.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions: Obese adipose tissue secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines, generates oxidative stress and drives systemic metabolic harm. CBD and related compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in pre-clinical settings. By reducing adipose inflammation the downstream metabolic burden could decrease.

Adipocyte and mitochondrial effects: Some evidence (primarily in animal models) suggests cannabinoids influence adipocyte function, reduce lipogenesis, increase mitochondrial activity, and influence browning of fat (shifting white fat to more metabolically active beige or brown phenotype) though this remains speculative for humans.

Neuro-metabolic regulation: Appetite, reward, energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis are all subject to central nervous modulation. Cannabinoids may influence these pathways though here the risk of psychoactive effects or undesired CNS impact is higher.

So what does this mean for an active, performance-minded person?

The anti-inflammatory, metabolic-support potential of cannabinoids means they might complement recovery protocols. Beyond traditional recovery strategies like sleep, nutrition, and mobility, hemp-derived cannabinoids may offer another lever for addressing adipose (especially visceral fat) inflammation, thereby improving systemic recovery.

Waist circumference is one of the more relevant markers: it’s a proxy for visceral fat and metabolic risk, and was among the anthropometric measures improved in some studies.

The idea isn’t that cannabinoids are a “magic bullet” for fat loss; rather, they may serve as a metabolic adjunct, supporting the body’s ability to respond to training, nutrition and lifestyle interventions more effectively.

Key take-home statements

Phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa show promising metabolic and anti-inflammatory profiles relevant to obesity and visceral fat dysfunction.

Human observational data suggest cannabis users have lower BMI and waist circumference. Small intervention data suggest improvements in triglycerides, HDL, adiponectin and fat distribution.

Mechanistically, the pathways of greatest interest include endocannabinoid system modulation (especially CB1 and CB2 receptors), adipose tissue inflammation, mitochondrial and adipocyte function, and systemic energy-balance regulation.

For us, these findings provide a credible scientific anchor to position cannabinoid sports products, especially when combined with exercise, recovery optimization, and nutrition.

Final thoughts
This review by Cavalheiro takes the conversation around cannabis and metabolism out of the “stoner myth” zone and into serious scientific terrain. For OFFFIELD’s mission, blending performance, recovery and innovation, it offers a strong bridge between nature-derived compounds and athlete-centric outcomes. The key is to turn the promise into educated, realistic, transparent messaging and product design that complements, not replaces, the fundamentals of training, nutrition, recovery and sleep.

In short, cannabinoids aren’t a shortcut to fat loss, but they may become a smart adjunct tool in the fitness toolbox.

Study: C avalheiro EKFF, Costa AB, Salla DH, da Silva MR, Mendes TF, da Silva LE, da Rosa Turatti C, de Bitencourt RM, Rezin GT (2022) Cannabis sativa as a treatment for obesity: from anti-inflammatory indirect support to a promising metabolic re-establishment target, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 7:2, 135–151, DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0016.