WHY IT MATTERS: If you are a parent or caregiver of a teen, or a young person using cannabis yourself, this research reinforces that delaying use until the brain is more fully developed, typically into the mid-20s, is one of the most important harm reduction strategies available. CLINICAL OVERVIEW: Emerging research continues to reinforce what clinicians have observed for years: adolescent cannabis use, particularly during critical neurodevelopmental windows, is associated with a meaningful increase in risk for serious psychiatric conditions including psychotic and bipolar disorders. The developing brain remains uniquely vulnerable to exogenous cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system plays a central role in synaptic pruning and neural circuit maturation during the teenage years.
Teenage Cannabis Users Twice as Likely as Non-Users to Develop Psychosis
A large study found that moderate cannabis use in adults over 40 was linked to larger brain volumes and better cognitive function, though experts caution more research is needed before drawing conclusions. A landmark longitudinal study published in JAMA Health Forum followed 463,396 adolescents ages 13-17 through age 26. Past-year cannabis use during adolescence was associated with a doubled risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders, plus elevated risks for depression and anxiety.
Satiety Bypass: How Cannabis Overrides the Brain’s ‘I’m Full’ Signal
A massive study tracking over 460,000 teens found that cannabis use during adolescence doubled the risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders, underscoring why age restrictions and youth prevention are critical. Neuroscience News deep-dive into the WSU/Calgary PNAS study on cannabis-induced appetite. THC activates CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus to override natural satiety signals, creating a feeling of starvation even in recently fed subjects.