Annette’s Cannabis Chronicles: A Baby Boomer’s Journey to Wellness. (Issue 16)

Annette’s Cannabis Chronicles: What About Brain Health?

Hello again friends,

As we get older, it’s natural to think more about keeping our brains sharp—our memory, focus, and mental clarity become more important than ever. I’m sure many of you have experienced those “senior moments”: walking into a room and forgetting why or losing a word mid-sentence. It’s part of life!

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about cannabis—especially CBD, CBG, and small amounts of THC—and how they might help support brain health. So, I did some digging and want to share what I found with you.

What Does Cannabis Have to Do with Brain Health?

Our bodies have something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps keep things balanced, including in the brain. It plays a role in controlling inflammation, mood, sleep, memory, and how our brain cells communicate. So, it makes sense that cannabinoids from cannabis, like CBD and THC, might have an effect on brain health.

Here’s what science is starting to show us.

🧠 How Cannabis Might Help Your Brain

1. Reducing Brain Inflammation
   Chronic inflammation in the brain is linked to memory problems and diseases like Alzheimer’s. CBD is known to help reduce inflammation, and new research shows it might help protect brain cells and support memory in Alzheimer’s models. Studies in aging mice found that long-term CBD use reduced brain inflammation and improved memory related to key brain areas.¹ ²
2. Protecting and Helping Brain Cells
   Our brains can adapt and grow new connections—this is called neuroplasticity. Cannabinoids like CBD and CBG seem to help protect brain cells and encourage this growth. Research shows CBD may keep thinking skills sharper and reduce inflammation as we get older, while CBG looks promising in protecting neurons by lowering inflammation and stress on cells.²

CBG is interesting because it works with several systems in the brain to protect cells from damage. Another cannabinoid tested in lab studies helped restore memory in Alzheimer’s models and reduced brain inflammation.³

While it’s early days, these findings are promising.

3. Helping with Anxiety and Sleep
   When we’re anxious or not sleeping well, it affects how well our brain works. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, which indirectly helps brain health.⁴^&⁵ Some people also find that low doses of THC or CBN help with sleep. A well-rested brain just works better!

⚠️ What About Memory Loss?

Many worry that cannabis might hurt memory, and it’s true that high doses of THC can temporarily affect short-term memory, especially for new users. But recent studies suggest that very low doses of THC might actually protect memory and thinking skills in older adults. Taking it slow and starting with low amounts seems to be the key.⁶

🧬 Cannabis and Alzheimer’s?

Early research suggests cannabinoids might help clear the sticky proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease and reduce brain inflammation. While cannabis isn’t a cure, these studies are encouraging and show there’s more to learn about how cannabis could support brain health.¹

In 2025, researchers also found that CBD reduced buildup of harmful proteins, helped nerve growth, and improved memory in Alzheimer’s models.²

My Take?

I’m careful about brain health. No magic cures here, but cannabis is one helpful tool I use. CBD helps me sleep better, feel calmer, and stay focused. Over time, I’ve also added CBG into my routine—it’s become one of my favorite daytime helpers. I like to think of CBG as my “clarity boost,” because it seems to help me stay sharp and steady without feeling wired.

Microdosing has made a big difference for me, especially when I’m combining cannabinoids. For example, a small amount of CBD and CBG during the day keeps mental chatter down and my focus steady. At night, I sometimes add a very low dose of THC—just 2.5 mg or less—if I need extra help calming my mind for sleep. It’s enough to relax without feeling foggy the next morning.

I also try to keep the rest of my brain-health habits in place—eating well, moving my body, and giving my eyes (and mind) a break from screens. For me, it’s all about balance and gentle, steady support.

If you want to try cannabis for brain support, here are some gentle ideas of what has worked for me:
• Use a CBD + CBG tincture or edible during the day to ease mental chatter and support clear focus without any high.
• Try CBG on its own for a daytime “clarity boost” that may support brain cell health and resilience.
• Experiment with microdosing—tiny, consistent amounts of CBD, CBG, and (if desired) THC—to gently support focus, mood, and relaxation without impairment.
• Use a low dose of THC (2.5 mg or less) at night if you need help sleeping or calming your mind.

Final Thoughts
We’re just beginning to understand cannabis and brain health, but the story is getting more interesting every year. As always, start low, go slow, and talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions or take medications.

Until next time—stay sharp, stay curious, and stay well.
—Annette

References

1. Raïch, E., et al. (2025). Cannabidiol as a multifaceted therapeutic agent: mitigating Alzheimer’s disease pathology and enhancing cognitive function. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy
2. Agha Mirza, N., et al. (2025). Long-term cannabidiol treatment reduces brain inflammation and improves hippocampal-dependent memory in aging mice. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
3. Gugliandolo et al. (2018). In vitro model of neuroinflammation: Efficacy of cannabigerol. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
4. Shannon, S., et al. (2020). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal
5. Ried, K., et al.  (2022). Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Journal of Sleep Research
6. Bilkei‑Gorzo et al. (2024). Bidirectional effect of long‑term Δ⁹‑Tetrahydrocannabinol treatment on mTOR activity and metabolome. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science

⚖️ Disclaimer
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experiences. It is not medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Always check with your healthcare provider before changing your wellness routine, especially if you take medications or have health conditions. Cannabis use is for adults 21+ and complies with Washington State law.