Teen cannabis use linked with psychiatric problems

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-02-21 03:00

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US scientists say teens who use cannabis are more likely than those who don't to develop psychiatric disorders, especially bipolar disorder and psychosis. The team studied 463,396 US adolescents aged between 13 and 17 who were screened for cannabis use. They found having used cannabis in the past year was linked with an increased risk of psychosis, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders by the age of 26. Teens who started using cannabis earlier in life were at the greatest risk, particularly of depression and anxiety disorders, they say. The findings highlight the importance of early prevention programs, effective public health messaging, and policies that limit young people's exposure to cannabis, the authors conclude.

News release

From: JAMA

Adolescent Cannabis Use and Risk of Psychotic, Bipolar, Depressive, and Anxiety Disorders

About The Study: This cohort study found that adolescent cannabis use was associated with increased risk of incident psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic and bipolar disorders. These results could inform the development of clinical and educational interventions for parents, adolescents, and clinicians, as well as protective policies to prevent or delay adolescent cannabis use in the context of expanding cannabis legalization.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Health Forum

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Kaiser Permanente Northern California, USA

Funder: This study was supported by grant R01 DA0531920 from the NIH/NIDA.

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