# Major UC San Diego Study Links Marijuana Use to Slower Cognitive Development in Teens > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/marijuana-use-cognitive-development-teens-study/ > **Published:** 2026-04-21T05:03:04-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:16:25-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** This UCSD study links marijuana use cognitive development teens, showing slower cognitive growth in adolescent cannabis users. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance  #80High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. ⚒ Cannabis News  |  CED Clinic [Adolescent Health](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-sexual-behavior-study/)Neurodevelopment[Cognitive Function](https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/)ThcPediatrics Why This Matters This UCSD study provides important evidence for clinicians counseling adolescent patients and families about cannabis risks during critical neurodevelopmental periods. The findings support existing recommendations against [adolescent cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) and reinforce the need for targeted screening and intervention strategies in this vulnerable population. Clinical Summary The UCSD research demonstrates measurable impacts of marijuana use on cognitive development trajectories in teenagers, likely related to cannabis effects on the still-maturing adolescent brain. The [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) plays crucial roles in neurodevelopment, and external cannabinoid exposure during this period may disrupt normal cognitive maturation processes. This adds to growing evidence that [adolescent cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) carries distinct risks compared to adult use, particularly for executive function and learning capacity. Dr. Caplan’s Take “I counsel families that the adolescent brain isn’t just a smaller adult brain—it’s fundamentally different and more vulnerable to cannabis effects. This study reinforces why age matters so much in [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/); what may be therapeutic for a 40-year-old could be developmentally harmful for a 16-year-old.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should incorporate these findings into routine [adolescent health](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-sexual-behavior-study/) discussions, emphasizing that cannabis risks are age-dependent rather than categorical. For families considering medical cannabis for adolescent patients, the risk-benefit calculation must explicitly account for potential cognitive development impacts. This evidence supports delaying cannabis use until neurodevelopment is complete, typically in the early twenties. 💬 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/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Major%20UC%20San%20Diego%20study%20links%20marijuana%20use%20to%20slower%20cognitive%20development%20in%20...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/uc-san-diego-study-links-marijuana-use-to-slower-cognitive-development-in-teens/509-289289a1-323e-473a-9fae-2d1113ff5fa9)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/uc-san-diego-study-links-marijuana-use-to-slower-cognitive-development-in-teens/509-289289a1-323e-473a-9fae-2d1113ff5fa9)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Major%20UC%20San%20Diego%20study%20links%20marijuana%20use%20to%20slower%20cognitive%20development%20in%20...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/uc-san-diego-study-links-marijuana-use-to-slower-cognitive-development-in-teens/509-289289a1-323e-473a-9fae-2d1113ff5fa9)[📷 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.cbs8.com/article/news/local/uc-san-diego-study-links-marijuana-use-to-slower-cognitive-development-in-teens/509-289289a1-323e-473a-9fae-2d1113ff5fa9](https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/uc-san-diego-study-links-marijuana-use-to-slower-cognitive-development-in-teens/509-289289a1-323e-473a-9fae-2d1113ff5fa9) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What age group is most at risk for cannabis-related cognitive effects?](#What_age_group_is_most_at_risk_for_cannabis-related_cognitive_effects) - [How does THC affect neurodevelopment in young people?](#How_does_THC_affect_neurodevelopment_in_young_people) - [What specific cognitive functions are impacted by adolescent cannabis use?](#What_specific_cognitive_functions_are_impacted_by_adolescent_cannabis_use) - [Are the cognitive effects of adolescent cannabis use permanent?](#Are_the_cognitive_effects_of_adolescent_cannabis_use_permanent) - [Why is this research clinically relevant for healthcare providers?](#Why_is_this_research_clinically_relevant_for_healthcare_providers) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What age group is most at risk for cannabis-related cognitive effects? Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to cannabis effects on brain development. The adolescent brain continues developing until the mid-20s, making it more susceptible to THC’s impact on [cognitive function](https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/). #### How does THC affect neurodevelopment in young people? THC can interfere with normal brain maturation processes during adolescence. This disruption may lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for learning and memory. #### What specific cognitive functions are impacted by adolescent cannabis use? Cannabis use during adolescence can affect attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed. These cognitive domains are crucial for academic performance and daily functioning. #### Are the cognitive effects of adolescent cannabis use permanent? Research suggests some cognitive effects may persist into adulthood, even after cannabis use stops. However, the extent and permanence of these effects can vary based on frequency of use and individual factors. #### Why is this research clinically relevant for healthcare providers? This information helps clinicians counsel adolescent patients and their families about cannabis risks. Understanding these effects is essential for making informed decisions about cannabis use during critical developmental periods. [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 [UC San Diego study: Marijuana use affects teen brains](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-brain-development-cannabis-risks-ucsd-study/) Explore detailed findings on how marijuana use impacts adolescent brain development from UC San Diego research. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-brain-development-cannabis-risks-ucsd-study/) [New UC San Diego research links teen cannabis use to slower cognitive development](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-exposure-neurodevelopment-impact/) Discover new insights from UCSD on the cognitive risks of cannabis use during adolescence. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-exposure-neurodevelopment-impact/) [Study of 11000 US Teens Links Cannabis Use to Slower Brain Development](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-brain-development-risks/) A large-scale study connecting cannabis use with delayed brain development in US teenagers. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-brain-development-risks/) ### 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).