Teen Cannabis Employ and Mental Health: A Growing Crisis
Novel research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a concerning link between adolescent cannabis use and an increased risk of serious mental health conditions. A study tracking nearly 500,000 teenagers aged 13 to 17 over eight years has identified significant associations, prompting experts to call for increased awareness and preventative measures.
Doubled Risk for Psychotic and Bipolar Disorders
The study, led by Kelly Young-Wolff of Kaiser Permanente, found that teens who use cannabis face approximately double the risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders. Importantly, cannabis use often preceded the mental health diagnosis by one to two years, suggesting a potential temporal relationship. Researchers accounted for other risk factors, including socioeconomic status, race, and other substance use, but the associations remained significant.
“The sequence, use first, diagnosis later, is concerning,” Young-Wolff stated. While the study doesn’t prove causation, the timing raises serious questions about the impact of cannabis on developing brains.
Emergency Room Visits Surge
The impact is already being felt in healthcare settings. Dr. Natalie Laub of Rady Children’s Hospital reports a dramatic increase in adolescents seeking emergency room treatment for cannabis-related issues. Prior to 2020, the hospital saw roughly 20-30 such cases annually. In 2025, that number soared to nearly 600.
This surge coincides with increased potency of cannabis products available today, compared to those of previous generations.
Disparities and Equity Concerns
The research also highlights existing health inequities. Teens on Medicaid and those from lower-income neighborhoods were found to be more likely to use cannabis, raising concerns that wider commercialization of the drug could exacerbate mental health disparities.
“We see this public health crisis emerging in children and young adolescents with early initiation of cannabis use,” Dr. Laub explained. “They think it’s cool, they think it’s safe… They start young, and then they develop these long-term consequences.”
The Role of Early Intervention and Parental Awareness
Experts emphasize the importance of early intervention and open communication between parents and children. Dr. Laub advises parents to begin discussing the risks of cannabis use sooner than they might think necessary.
“If you’re not talking about the dangers of cannabis until your child is 12, 13 or 14, it’s probably too late,” she said.
Future Research and the Evolving Landscape
More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis on the developing brain, particularly given its increasing availability and social acceptance. The study underscores the demand for continued monitoring and investigation as the legal and social landscape surrounding cannabis continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this study prove that cannabis *causes* mental health disorders?
A: No, the study does not prove causation. But, it demonstrates a strong association and a concerning sequence – cannabis use preceding mental health diagnoses.
Q: What age is considered “adolescent” in this study?
A: The study included teenagers aged 13 to 17.
Q: Are some mental health conditions more strongly linked to cannabis use than others?
A: Yes, the strongest associations were found for psychotic and bipolar disorders.
Q: Does prior mental health history affect the results?
A: Researchers accounted for prior psychiatric conditions, and the associations between cannabis use and later diagnoses remained significant.
Learn more about adolescent mental health resources at KPBS Health and explore additional research on PubMed.
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