The findings of a major new study are raising concerns about the mental health effects of cannabis use among adolescents, suggesting that teenagers who use cannabis face a significantly increased risk of developing serious psychiatric disorders by early adulthood.
The research, published in JAMA Health Forum, found that cannabis use within the previous year during adolescence was associated with more than double the risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders, while the risks of depression and anxiety were also elevated.
The study analysed data from 463,396 adolescents aged 13 to 17 who underwent routine cannabis-use screening as part of paediatric care. Researchers then tracked their mental health outcomes through to age 26 using electronic health records, making it one of the largest longitudinal studies of its kind.
According to the findings, adolescents who reported cannabis use in the previous year had:
- A 2.19-times higher risk of developing a psychotic disorder
- A 2.01-times higher risk of developing bipolar disorder
- A 34% higher risk of depression
- A 24% higher risk of an anxiety disorder
compared with those who did not use cannabis.
The associations remained significant even after adjusting for factors such as sex, alcohol or other substance use, and a history of mental health disorders.
Commenting on the findings, researchers involved in the study said the results add to growing evidence that cannabis use during adolescence is linked to a significantly increased risk of serious psychiatric conditions. In a statement issued by the Public Health Institute, co-author Lynn Silver described psychotic and bipolar disorders as "two of the most serious mental health conditions" and said the findings highlight the need for stronger prevention efforts and measures to limit young people's exposure to cannabis.
Another finding that drew researchers' attention was that cannabis use generally preceded the diagnosis of mental health disorders by an average of 1.7 to 2.3 years. While this does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it strengthens concerns that cannabis exposure during adolescence may be an important risk factor for later psychiatric illness.
The authors stress that this was an observational study rather than a clinical trial and therefore cannot prove that cannabis causes these disorders. However, they note that the findings reinforce the need for early prevention, better awareness among parents and adolescents, and policies aimed at limiting minors' exposure to cannabis, particularly at a time when its use is becoming increasingly accepted in many countries.
Researchers also pointed to broader trends that make the findings particularly relevant, including rising cannabis potency and persistent use among teenagers. They argue that the results support stronger public health measures aimed at reducing youth exposure and improving awareness of the potential mental health risks associated with cannabis use.
Source: ygeiamou.gr
