Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.

Is it conceivable that marijuana, a substance known for its potential to induce memory loss and impaired cognitive abilities, might provide benefits for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia? Several research articles and scientific literature reviews suggest the possibilities, including a 2021 review published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) that explores the utilization of cannabis and cannabidiols in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients.

Dr. Kyron Tamar, a qualified medical marijuana physician practicing in the Central Florida cities of Brooksville and Clermont, underscores the established anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis.

“Inflammation is a basis for all diseases,” Dr. Tamar states, noting the efficacy of cannabis in suppressing inflammation. “Cannabis is AAARP — anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and restorative and protective,” he said.

Dr. Tamar is an enthusiastic proponent of medical cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) to not only help relieve symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as anxiety, sleeplessness and agitated behavior, but also to prevent the onset of the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is not named as a qualifying condition by the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). However, OMMU’s website states…