Cannabis Use Among Teens Linked to Poor Academic and Mental Health Outcomes
A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics underscores the correlation between cannabis use among adolescents and adverse outcomes in both academic performance and mental health. The research, which analyzed data collected from surveys of tens of thousands of eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders between 2018 and 2022, offers significant insights into this pressing issue affecting youth.
According to the study, conducted by Dr. Ryan Sultan, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Columbia University, approximately 74% of the surveyed teens reported abstaining from cannabis use. However, the data revealed that about 26% acknowledged having used cannabis at least once. Notably, only 8% indicated frequent usage, defined as weekly or more. Despite the majority remaining cannabis-free, the study accentuates the challenges faced by the minority of users.
Dr. Sultan highlighted that even among those categorized as low-frequency users, academic struggles were evident, manifesting in lower GPAs and increased truancy. Additionally, this subgroup was significantly less likely to express plans for higher education, with many exhibiting symptoms of emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, compared to their non-using peers.
Krista Lisdahl, a psychologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee who specializes in adolescent substance use but was not involved in the study, reinforced the findings. She emphasized that a dose-dependent relationship exists, indicating that the frequency of cannabis use correlates with increasing difficulties in both academic and emotional domains. Lisdahl also pointed to imaging studies that reveal structural differences in the brains of teens who use cannabis, particularly in areas responsible for executive functioning, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities.
These neurological changes suggest that teenagers who engage in cannabis use may require greater cognitive effort to accomplish the same tasks as their non-using peers. Such findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that calls for increased caution regarding cannabis use during teenage years, a critical period for brain development that extends into the mid-20s.
Advocates for youth health and well-being, including Lisdahl, emphasize the importance of delaying cannabis use, given the potential risks associated with early consumption. While the study does not definitively prove causation between cannabis use and academic or emotional difficulties, the implications for adolescent health are substantial.
The findings of this study serve as a crucial reminder for parents, educators, and policymakers to foster environments conducive to making informed decisions about substance use among adolescents. By promoting awareness and education on the potential risks associated with cannabis, stakeholders can better equip teens to navigate the complexities of substance use in today’s society.
