Massive Study Confirms Cannabis Use in Teenage Years Linked to Severe Mental Illness
A groundbreaking study involving over 460,000 adolescents has found a significant link between occasional cannabis use during teenage years and a heightened risk of developing severe mental illnesses, such as psychotic and bipolar disorders. The research, which followed participants from age 13 to 26, revealed that those who used cannabis were twice as likely to develop these conditions.
The study, conducted by researchers from Kaiser Permanente, the Public Health Institute, the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Southern California, analyzed electronic health records from routine pediatric visits between 2016 and 2023. The findings suggest that even occasional cannabis use can increase the risk of mental illness, regardless of the individual’s prior mental health history or socioeconomic background.
The study found that the risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders remained significant even after adjusting for other substance use and pre-existing mental health conditions. The researchers also noted that cannabis use was more common among adolescents enrolled in Medicaid and those living in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods, raising concerns that expanding cannabis commercialization could exacerbate existing mental health disparities.
The study’s lead author, Kelly Young-Wolff, emphasized the importance of parents and children having accurate, trusted, and evidence-based information about the risks of adolescent cannabis use. “Even after accounting for prior mental health conditions and other substance use, adolescents who reported cannabis use had a substantially higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders – particularly psychotic and bipolar disorders,” she said.
The research highlights the growing concern about the potential long-term health effects of cannabis use during adolescence. As cannabis potency has increased, with flower exceeding 20% THC and concentrates reaching 95%, the study’s findings underscore the need for a public health response that prioritizes prevention, limits youth exposure, and treats adolescent cannabis use as a serious health issue.
The study’s authors are calling for a reduction in product potency, increased education about the risks of cannabis use, and a focus on addressing mental health disparities among vulnerable populations. As cannabis becomes increasingly accessible and socially accepted, the research underscores the importance of understanding the potential implications for adolescent mental health.
