# The Cannabis Authority: Why Children and Sports Do Not Mix > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/youth-cannabis-use-neurodevelopment-risks/ > **Published:** 2026-04-05T16:02:35-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:29:57-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore youth cannabis use neurodevelopment risks and why cannabis and sports do not mix for children and adolescents. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance  #70Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. ⚒ Cannabis News  |  CED Clinic Adolescent MedicineNeurodevelopment[Athletic Performance](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-pre-workout-routine-benefits-tips/)Youth Prevention[Cognitive Function](https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/) Why This Matters Youth [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) during critical neurodevelopmental periods poses documented risks to [cognitive function](https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/), motivation, and academic performance. For clinicians treating adolescent patients, understanding these risks is essential for informed counseling and intervention strategies. Clinical Summary The commentary addresses concerns about [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) among young athletes and students. Adolescent brains undergo critical development until approximately age 25, with the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) playing key roles in neuroplasticity and cognitive maturation. Regular cannabis use during this period has been associated with attention deficits, memory impairment, and reduced motivation in longitudinal studies. The combination of [athletic performance](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-pre-workout-routine-benefits-tips/) demands and academic requirements makes this population particularly vulnerable to cannabis-related functional impairments. Dr. Caplan’s Take “I consistently counsel young patients and their families that cannabis use before age 25 carries real neurological risks that we’re still quantifying. The developing brain deserves our most conservative approach.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should routinely screen adolescent patients for cannabis use and provide evidence-based counseling about neurodevelopmental risks. Parents and coaches need clear, non-judgmental information about how cannabis affects motivation, coordination, and academic performance during these critical years. 💬 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%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20The%20cannabis%20authority%2C%20children%20and%20sports%20do%20not%20mix.%20This%20is%20why.%20-%20MaltaToda...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opinions/140771/the_cannabis_authority_children_and_sports_do_not_mix_this_is_why_)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opinions/140771/the_cannabis_authority_children_and_sports_do_not_mix_this_is_why_)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20The%20cannabis%20authority%2C%20children%20and%20sports%20do%20not%20mix.%20This%20is%20why.%20-%20MaltaToda...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opinions/140771/the_cannabis_authority_children_and_sports_do_not_mix_this_is_why_)[📷 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.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opinions/140771/the_cannabis_authority_children_and_sports_do_not_mix_this_is_why_](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opinions/140771/the_cannabis_authority_children_and_sports_do_not_mix_this_is_why_) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is the clinical relevance rating for this cannabis research?](#What_is_the_clinical_relevance_rating_for_this_cannabis_research) - [Which medical specialties should pay attention to this research?](#Which_medical_specialties_should_pay_attention_to_this_research) - [How does this research relate to athletic performance?](#How_does_this_research_relate_to_athletic_performance) - [Why is neurodevelopment a concern in cannabis research involving youth?](#Why_is_neurodevelopment_a_concern_in_cannabis_research_involving_youth) - [What makes this cannabis research clinically significant for prevention efforts?](#What_makes_this_cannabis_research_clinically_significant_for_prevention_efforts) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is the clinical relevance rating for this cannabis research? This study has been assigned CED Clinical Relevance #70, indicating “Notable Clinical Interest.” This rating suggests the findings represent emerging developments or policy changes that healthcare providers should monitor closely. #### Which medical specialties should pay attention to this research? This research is particularly relevant for adolescent medicine specialists and healthcare providers working with young patients. The findings also have implications for practitioners involved in neurodevelopmental assessments and youth prevention programs. #### How does this research relate to athletic performance? The study includes athletic performance as a key focus area, suggesting the research examines how cannabis use may impact physical performance in young athletes. This information could be valuable for sports medicine practitioners and athletic trainers working with adolescent athletes. #### Why is neurodevelopment a concern in cannabis research involving youth? Cannabis use during adolescence can potentially affect brain development, as the adolescent brain continues developing until the mid-20s. This research likely examines how cannabis exposure might impact cognitive function, learning, and other neurodevelopmental processes in young people. #### What makes this cannabis research clinically significant for prevention efforts? The study’s focus on youth prevention suggests it provides evidence-based insights that can inform prevention strategies and educational programs. Healthcare providers can use these findings to better counsel adolescent patients and their families about cannabis-related risks and benefits. [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 [Cannabis affects childhood brain development, is 'real risk' for teens, UCSD finds in long-term study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-affects-childhood-brain-development-is-real-risk-for-teens-ucsd-finds-in-long-term-study/) A long-term study by UCSD highlights the real risks cannabis poses to childhood brain development and adolescent cognitive health. [Read the study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-affects-childhood-brain-development-is-real-risk-for-teens-ucsd-finds-in-long-term-study/) [UC San Diego Research Explores Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Cognitive Development](https://cedclinic.com/uc-san-diego-research-explores-impact-of-adolescent-cannabis-use-on-cognitive-development/) Explore detailed research from UC San Diego on how [adolescent cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) affects cognitive development and brain function. [Explore research](https://cedclinic.com/uc-san-diego-research-explores-impact-of-adolescent-cannabis-use-on-cognitive-development/) [New UC San Diego research links teen cannabis use to slower cognitive development](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-exposure-neurodevelopment-impact/) New findings reveal that teens who use cannabis show slower cognitive progress, emphasizing the importance of prevention. [Learn more](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-exposure-neurodevelopment-impact/) ### 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).