What is the increased risk of mental disorders for teens using cannabis?

Adolescent cannabis use is associated with double the risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders, and significantly higher risks for depressive and anxiety issues by young adulthood.

Which age groups were included in the adolescent cannabis study?

The American study followed adolescents aged 13 to 17 through to age 26, analyzing their electronic health record data.

What is the link between cannabis potency and adolescent mental health?

As cannabis becomes more potent and aggressively marketed, studies indicate that adolescent use is associated with a doubled risk of serious mental health conditions like psychotic and bipolar disorders.

Home / Health / Teen Cannabis Use Doubles Psychosis Risk

Teen Cannabis Use Doubles Psychosis Risk

21 Feb

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Summary

Adolescent cannabis users face double the risk of psychotic disorders.
Study links teen pot use to higher rates of bipolar and anxiety issues.
Cannabis use is more prevalent in poorer communities among teens.

Teen Cannabis Use Doubles Psychosis Risk

Adolescent cannabis use is associated with a doubled risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders, according to a recent American study. The research, published in JAMA Health Forum, tracked 463,396 individuals aged 13 to 17, finding that past-year cannabis use significantly increased the likelihood of serious psychiatric problems by age 26.

Beyond psychotic and bipolar disorders, the study revealed a substantially higher risk for depressive and anxiety issues among teen users. Electronic health records from routine pediatric visits between 2016 and 2023 showed cannabis use preceding psychiatric diagnoses by an average of 1.7 to 2.3 years.