Title:Effects of Cannabis Exposure on Adolescent Health and Development: A Narrative Review
Volume: 16
Author(s): Ruixuan Li and Feng Tao*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University School of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA
Keywords:
Adolescence, brain, cannabis, cannabinoid receptor, substance use, legalization.
Abstract: Adolescence is an immature but adventurous time period of exploration. Due to rapid
developments of the brain with unbalanced release of neurotransmitters, adolescents are prone
to impulsivity that may carry out potentially dangerous behaviors. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of high school students have reported the
use of cannabis or marijuana in 2019, and the trend has not declined since. Previous studies
have shown that cannabis not only affects cognitive and social behaviors, but also produces
psychological responses to stress. In this review, we have summarized recent studies on cannabis-
produced effects during the unique period of adolescent development, and we have also
briefly discussed the legalization of cannabis. Though there are slight differences between cannabis
and marijuana, the major active component of them is tetrahydrocannabinol. We have
used the term “cannabis” in this review. Cannabis use in adolescents causes structural and functional
changes in the brain, increasing the probability of depression, which is also associated
with other illicit substance use, and impairs education achievement. Given that cannabis use can
cause detrimental harm to adolescents, it is suggested that adolescents should generally avoid
using cannabis in a recreational manner. More preclinical and clinical studies are needed to
provide detailed information for evidence-based decisions.
