Huge study finds a link between cannabis use in teens and psychosis later

3 days ago

A new longitudinal study links cannabis use in teens to increased risks of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, anxiety, and depression later in life.
The study analyzed health data from 460,000 teens in Northern California, tracking them until age 25, excluding those with prior mental health symptoms.
Teens using cannabis had twice the risk of developing bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia compared to non-users.
Cannabis use also increased the risk of depression by about a third and anxiety by about a quarter, with stronger effects in younger teens.
The study suggests a causal link between cannabis use and later mental health diagnoses, emphasizing the sensitivity of developing brains to cannabis.
Researchers warn that cannabis is not as safe as perceived, especially with increasing legalization and societal acceptance.
Mental health professionals observe worsening symptoms in teens using cannabis, with severe conditions like psychosis and bipolar disorder being particularly concerning.
The societal cost of mental health disorders linked to cannabis use, such as schizophrenia, is estimated at $350 billion annually, potentially outweighing the cannabis market's value.

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