Cannabis Use and the Adolescent Brain

Animal and human research suggests that adolescent exposure to cannabis carries a particularly high risk for a range of negative outcomes, including psychosis-related symptoms, cognitive impairment, and substance use problems1-5. Findings of heightened risk associated with adolescent cannabis use, coupled with research pointing to a role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating neurodevelopmental processes, have led to speculation that adolescent cannabis use may disrupt the normal course of neurodevelopmental processes and result in long-term changes in brain functioning6. Further, it appears there are a number of factors (e.g., female sex, early trauma experience, genetics) that may moderate the effects of adolescent cannabis use on brain development7.