Double the risk
Adolescents who reported using cannabis in the past year had about twice the risk of being diagnosed with psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder compared to non-users, even after accounting for prior mental health conditions and other substance use. The findings held across demographic groups.
A growing concern as cannabis gets stronger
'As cannabis becomes more potent and aggressively marketed, this study indicates that adolescent cannabis use is associated with double the risk of incident psychotic and bipolar disorders — two of the most serious mental health conditions,' said study co-author Dr. Lynn Silver of the Public Health Institute. Over 10% of U.S. teens ages 12-17 reported using cannabis in the previous year, according to federal survey data.
Implications for policy and prevention
The study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, adds to a growing body of evidence linking adolescent cannabis use to lasting psychiatric harm. Researchers say the findings support stronger age restrictions, public education campaigns, and routine screening for cannabis use in adolescent healthcare settings.