A review investigating the relationship between cannabis use and adolescent cognitive functioning

• Published in: Current opinion in psychology 2021-04, Vol.38, p.38-48
• Main Authors: Cyrus, Elena, Coudray, Makella S, Kiplagat, Sandra, Mariano, Yandra, Noel, Ines, Galea, Jerome T, Hadley, Dexter, Dévieux, Jessy G, Wagner, Eric
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2352-250X; 2352-250X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.07.006

•Early age of onset of cannabis use among adolescents is associated with increased likelihood of poor cognitive function and mental health.•Persistent cannabis use is associated with decreased academic performance scores.•Racial disparities exist among adolescent cannabis users as well as the negative sequalae associated with cannabis use in this group.•Adolescents from states with medical marijuana laws were less likely to use marijuana in the past 30 days.•Mitigation methods associated with COVID-19 could directly impact cannabis use and mental health among adolescents. Given varying state-level laws regarding cannabis use, the objective of the review was to summarize contemporary literature on the relationship between adolescent cognitive function and academic performance with cannabis use. Frequency and quantity of cannabis use were associated with decreased functional connectivity of the brain. Earlier age at cannabis initiation and more frequent use was associated with poorer executive control and academic performance. Social determinants such as minimal parental monitoring, peer use and low social cohesion were associated with more frequent adolescent use. Race/ethnicity and residence were other factors influencing cannabis use. To prevent cannabis use disorders among adolescents, interventions should aim to prevent early initiation that can lead to chronic use in youth who may be more at risk.