Concerns Over Teen Marijuana Use and Mental Health Risks
Researchers are increasingly uneasy about recent findings linking marijuana use among teenagers to heightened mental health risks. A study released on Friday in the JAMA Health Forum highlights that young individuals who use marijuana exhibit a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with conditions such as psychosis, anxiety, and depression over time.
The report states, “This cohort study found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of incident mental illness, particularly psychotic and bipolar disorders. These findings could guide clinical and educational efforts for parents, adolescents, and healthcare providers, while also informing protective policies aimed at curbing youth cannabis use amid broader legalization trends.”
After reviewing the study, Dr. Ryan Sultan, a psychiatrist at Columbia University, expressed significant concern about the implications of these results.
Analyzing data from 460,000 teenagers in Northern California, researchers tracked these individuals until they turned 25, carefully excluding those who already showed mental illness symptoms prior to marijuana use.
Young people who reported marijuana use had a doubled chance of developing psychotic disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Interestingly, the study noted that only a small number—around 4,000—of participating teens were diagnosed with these disorders. Both conditions rank among the most severe and debilitating mental health issues.
Furthermore, the paper points out the considerable societal costs associated with these disorders, estimating that while the U.S. cannabis market thrives at tens of billions of dollars, the economic burden of schizophrenia reaches about $350 billion every year.
In addition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center reported in December that nearly 20% of high school students are using marijuana.
Scientists are particularly worried as contemporary cannabis products contain significantly higher levels of THC —two to three times more than in previous decades—making them more potent. Previous studies have also indicated that using cannabis during adolescence, a critical period for brain development, could lead to long-lasting cognitive impacts that affect academic performance.
Experts, according to the Associated Press, predict that by 2025, a larger number of Americans may develop marijuana addiction, although fewer will pursue treatment for it.
Back in 2014, Breitbart News revealed that George Soros contributed over $80 million to the marijuana legalization effort since 1994, alongside the late Peter B. Lewis, who added another $40 million to the cause.
