International
Teens who start using cannabis before age 15 and use it frequently through their teens are more likely to need medical care for both mental and physical health problems into early adulthood, according to international research. The team compared healthcare records for 1591 teens who were surveyed at ages 12, 13, 15 and 17 about their cannabis use to see what care they needed for mental disorders and physical health problems until they turned 23. Compared to teens who reported no cannabis use, the researchers say early and frequent cannabis users had 51% higher odds of seeking care for a mental disorder and 86% higher odds of seeking care for a physical problem. Teens who started using cannabis after age 15 did not see the same mental health risks, but had increased physical health risks compared to non-users, the researchers add.
From:
About The Study: The findings of this birth cohort study indicated that early-onset and frequent cannabis use was associated with greater medical care utilization for both mental and physical health conditions in young adulthood. These findings support the relevance of delaying initiation and reducing intensity of cannabis use during adolescence.
Note: Not all attachments are visible to the general public. Research URLs will go live after the embargo ends.
Sign In
