Age differences in endocannabinoid tone are ameliorated after recent cannabis use

An age-related decline in endocannabinoid system (ECS) activity may contribute to conditions such as chronic pain and Alzheimer's disease. Although cannabis is increasingly used by older adults to alleviate age-related conditions, it remains unclear how cannabinoids affect ECS activity across the lifespan. The present study assayed levels of seven endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG, DEA, LEA, PEA, SEA, and OEA) in a sample of adults (N = 142; younger 21-24 years, n = 38; midlife 25-54, n = 73; older 55-71, n = 31) assayed before cannabis use (baseline [pre-use]) and ~ 1 h after flower or ~ 2 h after edible cannabis use. At baseline, older adults exhibited lower AEA and DEA than younger adults, and lower LEA than midlife adults. Acute cannabis use increased AEA, DEA, LEA, PEA, SEA, and OEA across all age groups (all p < .001). 2-AG showed no increase. For AEA and DEA, increases were larger in older adults (Time×Age). These findings indicate broad endocannabinoid elevations after cannabis use regardless of age, alongside age-related differences at baseline and in acute responses.