UC San Diego study finds early cannabis use slows teen cognitive development

11 articles · Updated · Bored Panda · Apr 27

Researchers tracked 11,036 US adolescents aged 9–17, using self-reports and toxicological samples to assess cannabis use and cognitive skills.
Teens who used cannabis, especially products containing THC, showed slower gains in memory, attention, and thinking compared to non-users, with effects accumulating over time.
The study highlights adolescence as a critical period for brain development and urges delaying cannabis initiation, noting that nearly 31% of US 12th graders reported cannabis use in 2022.

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