Reference: Sultan RS, Zhang AW, Olfson M, Kwizera MH, Levin FR. Nondisordered Cannabis Use Among US Adolescents. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(5):e2311294. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.11294 As states legalize cannabis, adolescent cannabis use is concerning. CDC 2022 reports 31% of 12th graders reported using marijuana in the past year, and 6% reported using marijuana daily in the past 30 days.1 Recent youth studies showed the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive deficits and brain changes,2 mental health issues, poor academic performance, and delinquent behavior. Psychology and Medical researchers during 2015-2019 examined a national sample of nearly 70 thousand US adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years. Based on adolescents’ self-report of their cannabis use, 2.5% met criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder (using more cannabis than intended plus difficulty reducing their use), 10% did not meet Cannabis Use Disorder criteria, 87% were non-cannabis users. Compared to non-users, all cannabis-user adolescents were at greater risk for experiencing various psychosocial problems, such as major depression, suicidal thoughts, cognitive issues, truancy, lower academic performance, and even arrests. Those with cannabis use disorder had the greatest risk. Young people! Recognize dangers and reduce all cannabis use, as early as possible. Safeguard your well-being and academic success! Parents! Educate and take preventative steps to reduce youth cannabis use, likely leading to mental health and academic problems.

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.