diff --git a/trainer/model_utils.py b/trainer/model_utils.py
index 555b1df..43f405a 100644
--- a/trainer/model_utils.py
+++ b/trainer/model_utils.py
@@ -44,17 +44,34 @@ def get_latest_model_paths(model_dir, k):
     fpaths = [os.path.join(model_dir, f) for f in fnames]
     return fpaths
 
-def load_model(model_path):
+
+def load_model_weights_only(model_path):
+    # only works with newer versions of pytorch
     model = UNetGNRes()
     try:
-        model.load_state_dict(torch.load(model_path, device))
+        model.load_state_dict(torch.load(model_path, device, weights_only=True))
         model = torch.nn.DataParallel(model)
     except:
         model = torch.nn.DataParallel(model)
-        model.load_state_dict(torch.load(model_path, device))
+        model.load_state_dict(torch.load(model_path, device, weights_only=True))
     model.to(device)
     return model
 
+
+def load_model(model_path):
+    try:
+        model = load_model_weights_only(model_path)
+    except:
+        model = UNetGNRes()
+        try:
+            model.load_state_dict(torch.load(model_path, device))
+            model = torch.nn.DataParallel(model)
+        except:
+            model = torch.nn.DataParallel(model)
+            model.load_state_dict(torch.load(model_path, device))
+        model.to(device)
+    return model
+
 def create_first_model_with_random_weights(model_dir):
     # used when no model was specified on project creation.
     model_num = 1