# New Concerns on Adolescent Cannabis Neurodevelopmental Risk > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-neurodevelopmental-risk-teens/ > **Published:** 2026-02-25T17:59:03-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:14:06-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore adolescent cannabis neurodevelopmental risk and its impact on teen mental health and brain development in this clinical overview. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance#82 Strong Clinical RelevanceHigh-quality evidence with meaningful patient or clinical significance. Mental HealthPediatricsResearchSafetyTHC Why This MattersFor parents and adolescents, this research reinforces that cannabis is not a low-risk substance during the teenage years, and decisions about use should be made with full awareness of the potential for lasting mental health consequences. Clinical Summary Research continues to build a concerning picture around [adolescent cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) and its association with elevated risk for psychiatric conditions, including psychosis, depression, and [anxiety disorders](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-anxiety-treatment-benefits/). The developing brain, particularly during the teenage years, appears to be especially vulnerable to the neurochemical disruptions that cannabinoids can produce, with THC’s interaction with the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) potentially altering normal neurodevelopmental trajectories. Clinicians and public health researchers are increasingly calling for clearer communication about these risks, particularly as cannabis potency has risen substantially and cultural perception of harm has declined among younger populations. Dr. Caplan’s Take“Potency has tripled, the adolescent brain has not changed, and yet somehow we are still having a debate about whether teen [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) carries serious psychiatric risk.” Clinical Perspective [Adolescent cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) remains a critical public health concern, particularly given the ongoing neurodevelopmental changes occurring through the early twenties. While individual studies provide important data points, clinical decision-making must consider the full body of evidence, including dose, frequency, cannabinoid profile, and individual vulnerability factors. ⚠️ Physicians discussing cannabis with teen patients and families should acknowledge both potential risks and the clinical contexts where cannabis may be considered, always prioritizing evidence-based harm reduction strategies. Early intervention and education about developmental vulnerability to cannabis effects remain essential components of [adolescent health](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-sexual-behavior-study/) care. Want the full critical read? Dr Caplan’s review of the JAMA Health Forum paper, including what the methods do and do not allow us to conclude: [Adolescent Cannabis Use and Psychosis Risk – Study Review](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-psychiatric-outcomes-2026-digest/)   💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just+read+this+on+CEDclinic.com%3A+Scientists+are+raising+new+concerns+about+%3Cb%3Emarijuana%3C%2Fb%3E+use+in+teens+-+KPBS+%40drcaplan&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kpbs.org%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2F2026%2F02%2F25%2Fscientists-are-raising-new-concerns-about-marijuana-use-in-teens) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kpbs.org%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2F2026%2F02%2F25%2Fscientists-are-raising-new-concerns-about-marijuana-use-in-teens) [🦅 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just+read+this%3A+Scientists+are+raising+new+concerns+about+%3Cb%3Emarijuana%3C%2Fb%3E+use+in+teens+-+KPBS+%E2%80%94+via+%40drcaplan.bsky.social+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kpbs.org%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2F2026%2F02%2F25%2Fscientists-are-raising-new-concerns-about-marijuana-use-in-teens) [📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/) [📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved) [🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://www.kpbs.org/news/health/2026/02/25/scientists-are-raising-new-concerns-about-marijuana-use-in-teens](https://www.kpbs.org/news/health/2026/02/25/scientists-are-raising-new-concerns-about-marijuana-use-in-teens) Further Reading CED Clinic Blog[Why Cannabis Works](https://cedclinic.com/why-cannabis-works/) Evidence Watch[Cannabis and Heart Health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-study/) CED Clinic Blog[Cannabis for Sleep](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-for-sleep/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Teens Who Use Cannabis Face Higher Risk Of Mental Disorders, Study Finds – Forbes](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-study/) This article discusses the increased mental health risks associated with [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) among teenagers, highlighting recent research findings. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-study/) [Teen Cannabis Use Tied to Increase in Serious Mental Illness – Medscape](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-psychotic-disorders-risk/) Explore the link between teen cannabis use and the rise in serious mental illnesses, with expert clinical perspectives. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-psychotic-disorders-risk/) [Teen Marijuana Use Doubles Chances of Future Psychotic Disorders, Study Finds](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-psychotic-risk-study/) A study revealing how marijuana use in adolescence significantly increases the risk of developing psychotic disorders later in life. [Discover Insights](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-psychotic-risk-study/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).