Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2023 Jan;32(1):21-42. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.002. Epub 2022 Oct 22.

Abstract

Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.

Keywords: Adolescence; Brain development; Cannabis; Marijuana; Memory; Neuropsychological functioning.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Cannabis* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies