A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, has shed light on the potential impact of cannabis use during adolescence on metabolism and overall health. The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, explored the molecular changes that occur in the body’s fat depots (adipose organ) after exposure to cannabis.
The researchers administered low daily doses of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, to adolescent mice and then assessed their metabolism after reaching adulthood. Surprisingly, the mice that had been treated with THC during adolescence showed reduced fat mass, increased lean mass, partial resistance to obesity and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), higher body temperature, and an inability to mobilize fuel from fat stores. These effects mirror some of the characteristics observed in regular cannabis users.
Upon further investigation, the researchers discovered that the fat cells of the THC-treated mice appeared normal under a microscope but were producing large amounts of muscle proteins, which are typically not found in fat cells. Conversely, the muscles of these mice produced fewer of these proteins. This disruption in the normal functioning of fat cells could interfere with their ability to store and release nutrients, affecting physical activity and mental processes that rely on a steady supply of fuel to the brain, such as attention.
The study suggests that cannabis, particularly THC, can have lasting effects on adipose organ function when used during adolescence. These effects could have significant implications for physical and mental health. The findings highlight the need to consider the broader impact of cannabis beyond its psychoactive properties and emphasize the role of endocannabinoid signalling, which is mimicked by THC, in regulating various bodily functions.
It is important to note that this study was conducted on mice, and further research is needed to determine the precise effects of cannabis use on human metabolism and health, particularly during adolescence.