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India Today
12-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Weed and longevity don't mix: Bryan Johnson's anti-cannabis take explained
Weed doesn't vibe with longevity. Representative image created by AI. Weed is quietly damaging your brain, your body, and even your future Study shows that smoking weed leads to a 40% drop in blood flow According to Bryan Johnson, "If your goal is to live longer, cannabis works against that." Weed doesn't "vibe with longevity". Cannabis is having its moment in pop culture, romanticised in the movies, glorified in music, and casually used in social circles. However, beneath all the haze of hype lies a harsh truth: weed may be quietly damaging your brain, your body, and even your future. A few people are sounding that alarm louder than Bryan Johnson, the 47-year-old tech millionaire who has already spent millions trying to reverse his ageing process. Johnson, who is now the subject of a new Netflix documentary titled 'Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever', is known for living a meticulously optimised life. For him, every single heartbeat, every calorie, and even his hormones are tracked. The one thing he refuses to touch? You got it right, it's cannabis. WEED ISN'T WELLNESS While social media may try their best to portray weed as a harmless escape or a wellness tool (some harp about its medicinal properties too), new research says quite the opposite. Johnson recently referred to a new study that examined how cannabis affects blood flow and the results are startling to say the least. The study, based on a marker called flow-mediated dilation (FMD) which measures how well blood vessels expand, found that smoking weed leads to a 40% drop in blood flow, while edibles (brownies or chocolates laced with it) caused a 50% drop. These numbers are on par with the vascular harm caused by tobacco use. In Johnson's words, 'I'm not morally against weed. But if your goal is to live longer and better, cannabis works against that. It harms your heart and shortens your life.' THE INDIA BIG PICTURE In India, where cannabis is still illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the danger runs even deeper. The use of weed is spreading quickly amongst urban youth. Whether they are on college campuses, at house parties, or even among influencers promoting it as 'organic' or 'spiritual.' But experts are raising red flags. 'The very idea that it is a safe or gives a high that is organic is just misplaced,' says Dr. Dheeraj Lakhania, a Mumbai-based addiction psychiatrist. 'We have been seeing teenagers who start with casual use and that quickly spirals into dependency. This is a real public health issue, especially when they're unaware of the long-term harm.' And the harm isn't just psychological. Much of the weed circulating in India is mixed with dangerous adulterants (like boot polish and sedatives) that can easily trigger psychosis, organ damage, or result in fatal overdoses. And the harm isn't just psychological. Much of the weed circulating in India is mixed with dangerous adulterants (like boot polish and sedatives) that can easily trigger psychosis, organ damage, or result in fatal overdoses. IT ISN'T EXTREME, IT'S SMART Johnson's approach might seem intense: 3 p.m. dinners, zero sugar, bio-data-driven sleep and so goes the list. But his anti-cannabis stance comes from a place of deep logic. In his longevity model, anything that harms cognitive function, sleep quality, or cardiovascular health gets eliminated naturally. 'The data is simply very clear. Cannabis impairs your brain, disrupts rhythms, and it compromises your blood vessels too,' says Dr. Sreeja Pandit, a Delhi-based neurologist. 'This isn't about moral judgment. It's about protecting your future.' It may feel harmless in your twenties but the damage compounds over time, believe experts. Poor sleep, altered hormone levels, reduced motivation, memory loss â€' these are not only signs of ageing but these signal long-term exposure to substances your body doesn't need. Johnson's advice for the youth shouldn't be seen as a lecture but as a warning. Weed isn't a symbol of rebellion, neither is it a sign of freedom. 'There's a clear connection between regular cannabis use and lowered academic and professional performance,' says Dr. Rahul Jain, a Bengaluru-based internal medicine specialist. 'The younger the brain, the higher the risk.' That's why this message cuts through the noise. Johnson's life may be extreme, but his logic is simple: don't poison the very system that you're trying to perfect. Weed doesn't "vibe with longevity". Cannabis is having its moment in pop culture, romanticised in the movies, glorified in music, and casually used in social circles. However, beneath all the haze of hype lies a harsh truth: weed may be quietly damaging your brain, your body, and even your future. A few people are sounding that alarm louder than Bryan Johnson, the 47-year-old tech millionaire who has already spent millions trying to reverse his ageing process. Johnson, who is now the subject of a new Netflix documentary titled 'Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever', is known for living a meticulously optimised life. For him, every single heartbeat, every calorie, and even his hormones are tracked. The one thing he refuses to touch? You got it right, it's cannabis. WEED ISN'T WELLNESS While social media may try their best to portray weed as a harmless escape or a wellness tool (some harp about its medicinal properties too), new research says quite the opposite. Johnson recently referred to a new study that examined how cannabis affects blood flow and the results are startling to say the least. The study, based on a marker called flow-mediated dilation (FMD) which measures how well blood vessels expand, found that smoking weed leads to a 40% drop in blood flow, while edibles (brownies or chocolates laced with it) caused a 50% drop. These numbers are on par with the vascular harm caused by tobacco use. In Johnson's words, 'I'm not morally against weed. But if your goal is to live longer and better, cannabis works against that. It harms your heart and shortens your life.' THE INDIA BIG PICTURE In India, where cannabis is still illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the danger runs even deeper. The use of weed is spreading quickly amongst urban youth. Whether they are on college campuses, at house parties, or even among influencers promoting it as 'organic' or 'spiritual.' But experts are raising red flags. 'The very idea that it is a safe or gives a high that is organic is just misplaced,' says Dr. Dheeraj Lakhania, a Mumbai-based addiction psychiatrist. 'We have been seeing teenagers who start with casual use and that quickly spirals into dependency. This is a real public health issue, especially when they're unaware of the long-term harm.' And the harm isn't just psychological. Much of the weed circulating in India is mixed with dangerous adulterants (like boot polish and sedatives) that can easily trigger psychosis, organ damage, or result in fatal overdoses. And the harm isn't just psychological. Much of the weed circulating in India is mixed with dangerous adulterants (like boot polish and sedatives) that can easily trigger psychosis, organ damage, or result in fatal overdoses. IT ISN'T EXTREME, IT'S SMART Johnson's approach might seem intense: 3 p.m. dinners, zero sugar, bio-data-driven sleep and so goes the list. But his anti-cannabis stance comes from a place of deep logic. In his longevity model, anything that harms cognitive function, sleep quality, or cardiovascular health gets eliminated naturally. 'The data is simply very clear. Cannabis impairs your brain, disrupts rhythms, and it compromises your blood vessels too,' says Dr. Sreeja Pandit, a Delhi-based neurologist. 'This isn't about moral judgment. It's about protecting your future.' It may feel harmless in your twenties but the damage compounds over time, believe experts. Poor sleep, altered hormone levels, reduced motivation, memory loss â€' these are not only signs of ageing but these signal long-term exposure to substances your body doesn't need. Johnson's advice for the youth shouldn't be seen as a lecture but as a warning. Weed isn't a symbol of rebellion, neither is it a sign of freedom. 'There's a clear connection between regular cannabis use and lowered academic and professional performance,' says Dr. Rahul Jain, a Bengaluru-based internal medicine specialist. 'The younger the brain, the higher the risk.' That's why this message cuts through the noise. Johnson's life may be extreme, but his logic is simple: don't poison the very system that you're trying to perfect. Join our WhatsApp Channel
Mint
09-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
Anti-ageing influencer Bryan Johnson warns against smoking weed; social media dismisses him, ‘Rather live a happy life'
Bryan Johnson, after having spent millions to reverse ageing, has posted an Instagram Reel about the effects of weed (marijuana) on health. The 47-year-old tech entrepreneur is the subject of the Netflix documentary, Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever. Johnson referred to a new study showing that smoking or eating cannabis reduces blood flow, just like tobacco. The study found a 40% drop in blood flow for those who smoke it and 50% in those who consume it in edible form. The study is based on a marker called flow-mediated dilation (FMD). It measures how well your blood vessels expand. Bryan has clarified he's not against weed. However, he believes it harms heart health and shortens lifespan. 'This is not an anti-weed rant. This is a pro-blood flow PSA. Just like tobacco, cannabis may come at the cost of a healthy heart. So, whether it's in a pipe or in a brownie, weed does not vibe with your longevity,' he says in the viral video. Social media users reacted to the video, which has gained nearly 4.5 lakh views within a few hours. 'Do things that vibe with your longevity and heart health,' wrote one of them. One of them suggested, 'Keep smoking weed, guys.' 'Switching to meth,' quipped another. One of them was not convinced by Johnson's logic: 'I totally understand that fact, but life without it is so boring, I would rather live a happy life until my 60s/70s than live a boring life until 100.' 'I've never smoked weed before, and this made me want to start,' came a sarcastic comment. One user wrote about quitting the habit of smoking weed, 'Just go a month or two without it. You'll realise how badly you should've quit a long time back. I sleep better now, breathe better, interact socially better, and so much more.' Alex Finn, a California-based CEO of Creator Buddy, earlier muted Bryan Johnson to feel happier. He stopped using health-tracking devices for better sleep and less stress. Finn believes trying to track and optimise every part of life creates more stress than benefits. Since quitting, he says he sleeps better and feels healthier. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he called out the obsession with health data and said most of it is 'made up'. He now follows a simple routine: exercise sometimes, eat less junk and enjoy life without chasing health scores.
Forbes
06-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Longevity: From Buzzword To Nascent Business Category
The topic of longevity has recently captured the public imagination, thanks in part to the success of Netflix documentaries like Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones and Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever. Once confined to niche scientific communities and wellness blogs, the idea of the extending human lifespan—or at least improving the quality of later years—is now entering mainstream conversation. In January 2021, Nature, one of the most popular journals in the life sciences field, began publishing a journal dedicated to aging called Nature Aging. In addition, a report by found that the amount of investment in this field has grown steadily over the past decade. A number of high-profile figures are backing the space. Jeff Bezos reportedly has invested in Altos Labs, which is focused on cellular reprogramming. Alphabet's Calico Life Sciences is another key player, exploring how biology and machine learning can combine to extend human life. And in one of the largest known personal investments in the space, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly committed $180 million of his own money into Retro Biosciences, a startup aiming to extend human lifespan by ten years. These bold moves suggest that longevity is no longer a fringe idea—it's becoming a serious venture category. But for all the headlines and hype, longevity remains an emerging and somewhat amorphous sector. Are we trying to live longer, or live better? Some initiatives aim to extend the human lifespan, pushing the boundaries of biological possibility; whereas others are focused on the improving the health span—reducing and even aiming to prevent the number of years people spend in poor health. In addition, the science is still unsettled. Many of the businesses receiving significant capital are building on promising—but still emerging—research. This creates a uniquely complex environment for investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers alike. Navigating the longevity space requires not only technical and scientific literacy but also a healthy dose of skepticism. As the field gains traction, the challenge lies in separating breakthroughs from buzzwords, and robust evidence from mere enthusiasm. In the midst of this uncertainty, one initiative is trying to bring order to the chaos. Longevity Global, a nonprofit founded by neuroscientist and entrepreneur Dr. Christin Glorioso, is building a global community to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors in the longevity ecosystem. Communities like Longevity Global play a vital role in shaping nascent fields. Academic research has long shown that communities are critical in the early stages of market formation. They help legitimize the space, encourage knowledge sharing, and accelerate innovation. Glorioso, who is also CEO of NeuroAge Therapeutics, which uses AI to track and prevent brain aging, started the organization out of a personal need. 'When I launched my company in 2022, I was looking for a community of like-minded people interested in the longevity space, but couldn't find many,' she explains. That absence inspired action. Today, Longevity Global has grown to over 926 members, with a unique mix of stakeholders: 44% are entrepreneurs, 38% are researchers, and 15% are investors. The organization is designed to foster peer-to-peer learning, focusing not only on scientific developments but also on the business of longevity—how to fund, scale, and build credible ventures in a field still defining its boundaries. It acts as a connective tissue for the ecosystem, helping stakeholders find collaborators, learn from one another, and collectively solve the complex problems associated with aging. The community is expanding globally, with chapters in San Francisco, New York City, Dubai, Switzerland, and, most recently, Boston. "Boston has the elements of a great longevity ecosystem—cutting-edge research and a thriving startup scene," says Justin Taylor, Head of the Boston Chapter. "We're building a collaborative community to help advance it further." Recognizing the accelerating role of AI in longevity research, the Boston chapter—together with partners Mindvyne and host the Aging Code Summit in June. The event will explore the future of aging through the lens of AI and feature a pitchfest showcasing longevity startups, offering a front-row seat to some of the most promising ideas in the field. As longevity continues to evolve from concept to category, it will require more than just capital—it will need coordination, credibility, and collaboration. Communities that bring together stakeholders across science, startups, and finance may influence how this field matures. In the years ahead, the success of the longevity sector may depend less on isolated breakthroughs and more on the ecosystem's ability to learn, adapt, and grow together.
South China Morning Post
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Who is Dave Pascoe, who once led Bryan Johnson in the anti-ageing Olympics? He takes 170 capsules a day, spends at least US$30,000 on his regime, and calls his body ‘a prized racehorse'
Tech giant and millionaire Bryan Johnson, star of the Netflix documentary Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, may be an online sensation for his age-defying antics, but he is by no means the only one obsessed with biohacking . There are so many people interested in enhancing longevity that Johnson created an online leaderboard called the Rejuvenation Olympics, where participants are ranked by the pace at which they're slowing down their ageing process. Bryan Johnson and son Talmage, with whom he swapped blood as part of his experiment in reversing his own ageing process. Photo: Bryan Johnson Surprisingly, Johnson was once outranked on that leaderboard by Dave Pascoe, who describes himself as a 'biohacker and rejuvenation and longevity athlete' on his Instagram account. According to his website, he is 62 but claims to have an epigenetic age of precisely 37.95. Advertisement Dave Pascoe is 62 years old but claims to have a sub-40 biological age. Photo: @maxhertan/X So, just who is Dave Pascoe, the bachelor who considers his body 'a prized racehorse, or a cherished high-end performance vehicle', as his website puts it? What does Dave Pascoe do for work? Dave Pascoe doesn't believe in calorie restriction. Photo: @ Per his LinkedIn profile, Pascoe graduated from Michigan State University and later attended Irene's Myomassology Institute, Michigan, training to become a massage therapist. He also worked as a senior network security analyst at the Ford Motor Company and a security architect at AT&T, his biography states. Although he is now retired, as confirmed on his website, he calls himself chief biohacker at 'The Business of Me'. What's his fitness routine?
The Independent
02-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The 80:20 training routine that can help you live longer according to a specialist trainer
On New Year's Day, Netflix launched Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever – a documentary following entrepreneur Bryan Johnson as he pours his time and considerable wealth into 'extending his life beyond all known limits'. For the vast majority of us, it's unrelatable and unsettling viewing, but the science around living better for longer gaining more traction in a more general way. Longevity specialist Peter Attia's now has a 1.2 million-strong Instagram following, and Andrew Huberman's health podcast has become all conquering in the audio-charts. Fortunately, many ways to optimise your long-term health don't require a multi-million pound investment. ' Training for longevity means exercising with the primary goal of developing a body that allows you to thrive for as long as possible,' says Ollie Thompson, a personal trainer who specialises in the subject. 'It's about future-proofing your health – staying physically capable and independent, as well as mentally sharp and vibrant, rather than struggling with disease, chronic pain, mobility issues, frailty or a loss of independence. 'In my opinion, the foundations for achieving this are in resistance training and cardiovascular exercise.' In other words, a pair of running shoes and a gym membership or dumbbell set can deliver long-lasting health benefits disproportionate to their relatively reasonable price tags. There are other low-cost habits you can adopt to boost your longevity credentials too. Below, Thompson walks through his guide on how to train for longevity – and thankfully, there isn't a Johnsonian list of 54 morning pills or blood plasma transfusions in sight. Exercising for longevity Thompson says the common denominator behind any successful exercise plan is long-term adherence – how well you can stick to it. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) states, 'every move counts towards better health', so committing to any regular activity is going to offer benefits beyond doing nothing at all. 'Consistency – making exercise a regular part of your lifestyle – will have a far greater impact on longevity than obsessing over perfect programming while drifting in and out of habits,' says Thompson. 'If adherence and discipline aren't concerns, then to maintain all aspects of physical health your week should ideally include two to four resistance training sessions and 150 or more minutes of cardiovascular exercise.' Resistance training for longevity Resistance training does exactly what it says on the tin; it challenges your muscles to overcome resistance, whether that's lifting weights or battling gravity with bodyweight exercises like press-ups and pull-ups. This has the benefit of increasing muscle size, strength and endurance, while also fortifying the surrounding tissues such as bones, tendons and ligaments. The result? A functional and robust body with a far lower risk of injury. And the benefits don't end there. 'Consistent resistance exercise enhances metabolic function by improving insulin sensitivity, supports cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and inflammation, helps maintain hormonal balance to combat age-related declines and strengthens the immune system to help fight off disease,' Thompson adds. To maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of your resistance training sessions, he recommends two or three weekly full-body workouts focussing primarily on compound (or multi-muscle) movements such as the squat, deadlift and pull-up – see our feature on the three best exercises for longevity for his top picks. 'For optimal longevity, incorporating power-based movements is also key, as power declines at twice the rate of strength with age but plays a critical role in maintaining physical capability and preventing falls in later years,' Thompson adds. If you're no stranger to the gym, power-based movements might include exercises like sprints, jumps and ball slams. However, those newer to this type of training should take a more conservative approach. 'Integrating more speed and power-based exercises into your routine doesn't need to mean jumps or sprints,' says Thompson. 'Simply reducing the weight and increasing the speed of an exercise is a great entry point, whether it's a step-up, cable core rotation or even a press-up.' Cardiovascular exercise the 80:20 way 'Cardiovascular' refers to bodily systems involving the heart (cardiac) and blood (vascular). Cardiovascular exercise is any activity that raises your heart rate for a prolonged period and gets blood pumping to deliver oxygen to the working muscles – from running and cycling to walking. 'Cardiovascular exercise is, of course, essential for heart health, but it also plays a critical role in reducing the risk of major diseases and cancers, supporting brain health, enhancing energy production, improving sleep quality and managing stress,' Thompson says. He recommends aiming for 150 minutes or more of cardiovascular exercise each week, as per the WHO and NHS guidance. But he provides bonus caveats for those wanting to maximise the perks. 'For the best cardiovascular benefits, aim to spend 80 per cent of this time at a low-to-moderate intensity [commonly referred to as zone two training], where your heart rate is roughly 180 bpm minus your age,' Thompson says. 'The remaining 20 per cent of your cardiovascular exercise should be high-intensity efforts, such as interval training. This combination builds both a wide aerobic base and a high aerobic peak – known as VO2 max – which is strongly associated with better health, longevity and reduced all-cause mortality.' For the high-intensity efforts, Thompson recommends the Norwegian 4x4 protocol. This involves four rounds of intense four-minute efforts, separated by three-minute recovery periods, and the format can be applied to most forms of cardiovascular exercise. Popular options include running, cycling and using a rowing machine. What differentiates training for longevity? Thompson is the first to admit that much of the above sounds similar to a training session any twentysomething might tackle in the gym. The devil, he says, is in the detail, and the differences can be filed into five categories. A balanced approach: 'Prioritising a well-rounded routine is crucial. Each major muscle group should receive equal attention unless addressing specific needs such as injury recovery, muscular imbalances or weak points.' Shift your perspective: 'Instead of training purely for aesthetics, calorie burning or 'damage control' for a poor diet, shift your focus to overall health. I firmly believe that when you prioritise health and proper movement, aesthetics naturally follow.' Train movements, not just muscles: 'Prioritise fundamental movement patterns like lunging, pressing, pulling and hip hinging. Complement these with exercises that enhance mobility, stability, range of motion and core strength. Examples include single-arm rows with rotation, suitcase carries, single-leg deadlifts and dynamic landmine presses.' Full range of motion matters: 'Many joint pain and mobility issues in later years stem from injuries sustained in midlife, or a lack of movement due to improperly addressed injuries. Training with a full range of motion can significantly reduce injury risk by strengthening muscles and joints throughout their entire movement capacity.' Adjust for age and recovery: 'As you age, biological changes make recovery more challenging – hormones shift, joints endure more wear, muscle-building becomes slower, sleep quality may decline and recovery from workouts takes longer. While lifestyle factors like nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management play a crucial role, it's equally important to structure training sensibly. Managing workout intensity and recovery becomes essential to maintaining progress without overloading the body.' Healthy habits to support your efforts to train for longevity We've already established the role exercise can play in building a fit, functional body for life. These four lifestyle factors also play a major role: Prioritise sleep: ' Protecting your sleep hygiene and ensuring high-quality sleep each night is essential for recovery, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing,' says Thompson. Tips for improving your nightly slumber include establishing a regular bedtime routine, sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine within eight hours of bedtime and banning your phone from the bedroom. Nourish your body with whole foods: 'Focus on a diet rich in whole foods to provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs – prioritise protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.' Manage stress proactively: ' Chronic stress contributes to various health issues, including the most common diseases,' Thompson says. 'Implementing stress-management practices such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can significantly improve long-term health.' Move frequently throughout the day: ' Staying active outside of structured workouts is vital. Incorporate movement into your daily routine. Take short walks, stand while working, fidget and avoid prolonged sedentary periods. Regular movement benefits metabolism, joint health and overall longevity.' What is the minimum effective dose when exercising for longevity? The minimum effective dose is the least amount of action needed to achieve a goal – an attractive prospect for anyone who is time-poor and looking to optimise their exercise efforts. But what does that look like when training for longevity? 'I believe the minimum effective dose when training for longevity depends to some degree on your starting point,' says Thompson. 'That said, I'm a strong believer that it's never too late to start – you can transform your life at any age by taking control of your health and fitness. 'If you've stayed physically fit and healthy, maintaining strength, muscle and aerobic conditioning through your thirties and midlife, your minimum effective dose may be lower than if you're starting your fitness journey in your sixties. This is because years of consistent training create a 'safety net' – greater muscle mass, healthier and better-functioning muscle, more resilient joints, a stronger cardiovascular system, and better metabolic health.' He says that factors such as sarcopenia and dynapenia – in English: age-related muscle and strength loss – become more significant concerns in your fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond. 'However, if you've built greater reserves [of strength and muscle] earlier in life, you'll be in a stronger position to maintain muscle mass and physical function as you age.' For this reason, Thompson prescribes a minimum effective dose of two full-body resistance training sessions per week, along with 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. This, he says, can 'helps slow muscle loss, maintain strength and support overall cardiovascular health'. Should you use longevity products? The word 'biohacking' is permeating ever-more corners of social media, and the supplement market has never been more stacked. But are we running before we can walk in the pursuit of longevity? 'One common trend in the longevity space is the emphasis on long lists of non-negotiables, morning routines, extensive supplement stacks and biohacking protocols,' says Thompson. 'Every few months, as new research emerges, many people overhaul their lifestyles to incorporate the latest 'optimal' habits. 'Many people become overwhelmed, feeling like they've failed if they can't adhere perfectly to every protocol, which leads them to fall off [their fitness efforts] entirely.' His advice to counter this: 'Don't overlook the big rocks for the pebbles.' That is to say, you can achieve arguably greater benefits by focussing on more accessible tried and tested health-promoting behaviours, rather than investing in pricey products promising incremental gains. 'While genetics play a role in lifespan, healthspan – your quality of life as you age – is largely determined by lifestyle. More than 80 per cent of that comes down to the fundamentals; regular exercise, quality sleep, proper nutrition, stress management and daily movement. 'Build consistency with these foundational habits first. Once they're solid, you can layer in more specific strategies. Only after that should you consider biohacks and the extra one per cent activities, because they'll only make a difference if the fundamentals are already in place.'
