Researchers at the University of California San Diego found that teenagers who start using cannabis may experience slower growth in key cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and processing speed compared to their peers who do not use the drug. This study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, analyzed data from over 11,000 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the largest long-term investigation of brain development in young people in the U.S. The findings suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, a critical period for brain development, could lead to lasting impacts on learning and everyday functioning.

For those concerned about healthy aging and cognitive health, these results highlight the potential risks of early cannabis use. Teens who used cannabis showed a plateau in cognitive development, while non-users continued to improve. This decline was particularly associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in cannabis, which appeared to negatively affect memory performance. Although the differences in cognitive abilities may seem small, they could significantly impact academic performance and daily life.

The study is based on a large cohort and provides strong evidence, but it does not definitively prove that cannabis use directly causes slower cognitive growth. Other factors, such as environmental influences and personality traits, could also play a role. The researchers plan to continue following these participants into adulthood to better understand the long-term effects of cannabis use on brain development. They emphasize that delaying cannabis use can support healthier brain development, especially as cannabis becomes more accessible.

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