Weed is harming teens’ brain development, largest US study warns
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- A UC San Diego study tracking over 11,000 children aged 9 to 17 found that teenage cannabis use is linked to slower development in memory, attention, language, and processing speed during critical brain growth years.
- Teens who used cannabis showed stagnation in cognitive skills compared to non-users, with THC exposure particularly associated with worsened memory over time, while CBD did not show the same negative effects.
- Although the cognitive differences observed were modest, researchers emphasize their potential cumulative impact on learning and everyday functioning during adolescence.
- The study does not establish a direct causal link between cannabis use and cognitive impairment, acknowledging other factors like environment and personality may contribute.
- Rising marijuana poisoning cases among New Yorkers under 19, especially from edibles, highlight growing concerns as the study continues to explore long-term effects and suggests delaying cannabis use for healthier brain development.
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