# Teen Marijuana Use Doubles Chances of Future Psychotic Disorders, Study Finds > **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-use-psychotic-risk-study/ > **Published:** 2026-02-25T22:39:53-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:14:00-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore how adolescent cannabis use psychotic risk doubles chances of future psychotic disorders and the importance of delaying cannabis initiation. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance#78 Strong Clinical RelevanceHigh-quality evidence with meaningful patient or clinical significance. Mental HealthPediatricsResearchSafetyTHC Why This MattersParents and adolescent patients should understand that the psychiatric risks associated with [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) before age 18 are biologically distinct from adult-onset use, and delaying initiation until adulthood is one of the most evidence-supported [harm reduction](https://cedclinic.com/can-you-mix-weed-and-alcohol/) strategies available. Clinical Summary Research examining [adolescent cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) has consistently identified a meaningful association between early initiation and elevated risk for psychotic spectrum disorders in adulthood, with the biological vulnerability of the developing adolescent brain playing a central role in this relationship. The [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) undergoes significant maturation throughout adolescence, and exogenous cannabinoids introduced during this window appear to disrupt neurodevelopmental trajectories in ways that can have lasting psychiatric consequences. Potency of the cannabis product matters considerably here, as contemporary high-THC formulations represent a substantially different exposure profile than products studied in earlier decades. Dr. Caplan’s Take“The science on adolescent [cannabis and psychosis](https://cedclinic.com/association-cannabis-glutamate-early-psychosis/) risk has been accumulating for two decades, and at this point dismissing the association requires more motivated reasoning than accepting it.” Clinical Perspective This study adds to existing literature demonstrating that adolescent cannabis use carries meaningful psychiatric risks, particularly regarding psychotic spectrum disorders. The doubling of psychotic disorder risk is noteworthy and warrants honest conversations with teen patients and families about developmental vulnerability during critical brain maturation periods. ️ While cannabis may have legitimate therapeutic applications in adults, the evidence consistently shows adolescent brains respond differently, and clinicians should exercise particular caution in this population. Risk stratification based on personal and family psychiatric history becomes especially important when discussing cannabis use with younger patients. 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+Teen+%3Cb%3EMarijuana%3C%2Fb%3E+Use+Doubles+Chances+of+Future+Psychotic+Disorders%2C+%3Cb%3EStudy%3C%2Fb%3E+Finds+%40drcaplan&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwashingtonstand.com%2Farticle%2Fteen-marijuana-use-doubles-chances-of-future-psychotic-disorders-study-finds-) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwashingtonstand.com%2Farticle%2Fteen-marijuana-use-doubles-chances-of-future-psychotic-disorders-study-finds-) [🦅 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just+read+this%3A+Teen+%3Cb%3EMarijuana%3C%2Fb%3E+Use+Doubles+Chances+of+Future+Psychotic+Disorders%2C+%3Cb%3EStudy%3C%2Fb%3E+Finds+%E2%80%94+via+%40drcaplan.bsky.social+https%3A%2F%2Fwashingtonstand.com%2Farticle%2Fteen-marijuana-use-doubles-chances-of-future-psychotic-disorders-study-finds-) [📷 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://washingtonstand.com/article/teen-marijuana-use-doubles-chances-of-future-psychotic-disorders-study-finds-](https://washingtonstand.com/article/teen-marijuana-use-doubles-chances-of-future-psychotic-disorders-study-finds-) [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 [Teen Cannabis Use Tied to Increase in Serious Mental Illness – Medscape](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-psychotic-disorders-risk/) This article explores the link between teen cannabis use and the rise in serious mental illnesses, highlighting clinical findings and implications. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-psychotic-disorders-risk/) [Teens Who Use Cannabis Face Higher Risk Of Mental Disorders, Study Finds – Forbes](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-study/) Forbes reports on studies showing increased mental disorder risks among teens who use cannabis, emphasizing the importance of awareness. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-study/) [A huge study finds a link between cannabis use in teens and psychosis later – WBAA](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-youth-psychosis-risk-study-insights/) WBAA covers a major study linking adolescent cannabis use to later development of psychosis, providing critical insights for clinicians. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-youth-psychosis-risk-study-insights/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), 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).