Teens who use weed before age 15 have more trouble later, a study finds
Summary
A study in JAMA Network Open found that teens who start using cannabis before age 15 are more likely to use it often later in life and have increased mental and physical health problems in young adulthood. The research followed over 1,500 individuals from birth to young adulthood to examine how early cannabis use impacts long-term health.Key Facts
- The study involved more than 1,500 participants from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development.
- Researchers tracked cannabis use among participants aged 12 to 17.
- 60% of the teens did not use cannabis during adolescence.
- Among the 40% who did use cannabis, half started in their late teens and used it less than once a month.
- 20% began using cannabis before age 15 and used it at least once a month by age 17.
- Early cannabis users had a 51% higher chance of seeking mental health care in young adulthood.
- These early users also had an 86% higher chance of needing physical health care.
- The study controlled for factors like bullying, parental involvement, and social skills.
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