How does cannabis affect adolescent brains?

Cannabis has significant and concerning effects on the adolescent brain. Andrew Huberman discusses these impacts extensively, emphasizing that cannabis use during adolescence can lead to accelerated thinning of the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is crucial for planning, emotional regulation, and executive function. As adolescents' brains are still developing, typically until around age 25, the effects of cannabis can be particularly detrimental 1.

This cortical thinning accelerates with frequent cannabis use, and it's linked to increased risks of developing serious mental health conditions, such as major depression, anxiety, and even psychotic disorders like schizophrenia later in life. The risk is particularly pronounced for those with a genetic predisposition to such disorders 2. Additionally, early initiation of cannabis use, particularly between ages 14 and 25, correlates with a higher probability of developing these conditions 3.

While cannabis is sometimes considered less harmful than substances like alcohol, studies show that its use during these formative years adversely impacts brain development and function, making it a particularly risky endeavor for younger users 1 2.