New Study Reveals Cannabis Can Disrupt Energy Balance and Nutrient Storage in Adolescents, Leading to Long-Term Health Consequences
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Irvine has found that low-dose THC exposure during adolescence can have significant effects on energy balance and fat storage processes in adulthood. While previous studies have shown that regular cannabis users tend to have lower body weight and a reduced risk of diabetes, this new research uncovers a potential explanation for this paradox, revealing concerning implications for long-term physical and mental health.
The study, which was recently published in the journal Cell Metabolism, highlights the impact of cannabis on the body’s finely-tuned processes that govern energy storage. Adolescent exposure to THC, a primary component of cannabis, resulted in a leaner body and reduced risk of obesity and diabetes in adulthood. However, it also impaired the ability to mobilize stored nutrients needed for brain and muscle activity.
Scientists conducted experiments on adolescent mice, administering low daily doses of THC or a control substance. When the treatment was stopped and the mice reached adulthood, their metabolism was thoroughly assessed. The results were unexpected and alarming. The mice that had been treated with THC during adolescence showed reduced fat mass, increased lean mass, and partial resistance to obesity and hyperglycemia. They also had higher-than-normal body temperatures but were unable to mobilize fuel from fat stores – characteristics that are also observed in frequent cannabis users.
Further investigation into the molecular changes caused by THC revealed a surprising discovery. The fat cells of mice treated with THC produced large amounts of muscle proteins, which are typically only found in muscle and the heart. Conversely, the muscles of these mice produced fewer of these proteins. This abnormal production of proteins interferes with the healthy functioning of fat cells, impacting their ability to store and release nutrients. Consequently, physical activity and cognitive functions such as attention, which rely on a steady fuel supply to the brain, may be affected.
Daniele Piomelli, PhD, director for the UCI Center for the Study of Cannabis, emphasized the broader implications of the findings, stating, “All too often we think of cannabis only as a psychoactive drug. But its effects extend well beyond the brain.” THC, the main constituent of cannabis, mimics a group of chemical messengers called endocannabinoids, which regulate vital functions throughout the body. The study reveals that interference with endocannabinoid signaling in adolescence disrupts the functioning of the adipose organ, which could have far-reaching consequences for physical and mental health.
The researchers stress the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of adolescent cannabis use. Given the popularity and evolving cannabis landscape, understanding the impact of early exposure is crucial for designing effective prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate potential health risks.
The study was primarily funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, highlighting the importance of continued research in this area to inform public health initiatives and policies surrounding cannabis use.