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Review
. 2014 Aug;26(4):420-7.
doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000114.

Youth marijuana use: state of the science for the practicing clinician

Scott E Hadland  1 , Sion K Harris
Affiliations
Review

Youth marijuana use: state of the science for the practicing clinician

Scott E Hadland et al. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2014 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Despite widespread marijuana use among adolescents, accurate information on known health effects is poorly disseminated to clinicians and their patients. Amidst rapidly evolving drug policy in the United States and elsewhere, it is imperative that providers understand the short-term and long-term consequences of marijuana use.

Recent findings: Research on regular marijuana use highlights a unique susceptibility of the developing adolescent brain to adverse neurocognitive and psychiatric outcomes. Although studies have not firmly established causality, onset of regular marijuana use in adolescence is associated with later decline in cognitive function, as well as with adult onset of psychosis and anxiety. Educational and employment outcomes may be poorer among regular marijuana-using adolescents. A number of other adverse respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and gastrointestinal associations with regular marijuana use have also been established. Good screening tools and promising brief intervention and behavioral treatment programs are available to clinicians, who are in a position to identify problematic marijuana use among adolescents.

Summary: A common misperception among youth is that marijuana use is without harm. However, adolescent marijuana use may have measurable, durable, and potentially irreversible effects on later cognitive function and mental health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Features of the cannabis withdrawal syndrome*.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
The CRAFFT screen for assessing marijuana use among adolescents.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Sample statements of brief advice on marijuana reduction and cessation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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