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Adolescent cannabis use may sharply increase the chances of developing severe mental health disorders in early adulthood, according to a large new study published in JAMA Health Forum. Researchers found that teens who reported using cannabis faced about twice the risk of developing psychotic or bipolar disorders by their mid-20s.
The findings add to growing concern among doctors and parents as adolescent cannabis use becomes more common and products become stronger. Importantly, the study shows that even occasional use during the teen years may carry long-term mental health risks.

What the Study Looked At

The research followed 463,396 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 and tracked their health until age 26. Scientists reviewed electronic health records from routine pediatric visits collected between 2016 and 2023.
The study involved researchers from Kaiser Permanente, the Public Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, and University of Southern California.
During regular checkups, teens were asked whether they had used cannabis in the past year. This approach allowed researchers to study real-world use rather than only heavy use or diagnosed addiction.

Key Mental Health Findings

The results were clear and concerning. Adolescents who used cannabis showed a significantly higher risk of developing several psychiatric conditions later on.

Risk of psychotic disorders doubled
Risk of bipolar disorder doubled
The risk of depression and anxiety also increased

On average, mental health diagnoses appeared about two years after cannabis use was reported. This timing strengthens the evidence that adolescent cannabis use may contribute to later mental illness rather than simply occurring alongside it.

Why Potency Matters More Than Ever

At the same time that adolescent cannabis use continues, the strength of cannabis products has risen sharply. In California, average THC levels in cannabis flower now exceed 20 per cent. Concentrates can reach over 90 per cent THC.
According to Dr Lynn Silver of the Public Health Institute, stronger products and increased marketing may place teens at greater risk during a critical period of brain development. She emphasised that adolescent cannabis use should not be viewed as harmless behaviour.

A Broader Public Health Concern

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit drug among teenagers in the United States. National data show that use increases with age, from about 8 per cent in eighth grade to more than one in four students by twelfth grade.
The study also found higher rates of adolescent cannabis use among teens enrolled in Medicaid and those living in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This raises concerns that expanding cannabis markets could worsen existing mental health inequalities.

What Parents and Teens Should Know

Even after researchers accounted for previous mental health issues and use of alcohol or other substances, the link between adolescent cannabis use and later psychiatric illness remained strong.
Lead author Dr Kelly Young Wolff noted that families need clear and trustworthy information. She stressed that adolescent cannabis use may have lasting effects that extend well beyond the teen years.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the need for stronger prevention efforts, limits on youth exposure, and honest conversations between parents, teens, and healthcare providers. As evidence continues to grow, adolescent cannabis use deserves serious attention as a public health issue, not something to dismiss or overlook.

Understanding the risks early may help protect young minds during one of the most important stages of brain development.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.