A Young Person’s Perspective on Latest Cannabis Research Findings

A new study published in the JAMA health review found that cannabis use doubles adolescents’ risk of bipolar and psychotic disorders, and significantly increases their risk of developing anxiety and depression. 

It’s no secret that teens in Marin County use cannabis at an alarming rate. I should know, years ago I was one of them. I was crowding in school bathrooms and public parks to take turns with someone's “cart,” or THC pen for those not so in-the-know. 22% of 11th graders reported they had used it in the last month, compared to 6% statewide.

Not only do Marin teens use cannabis much more than those in other counties, they are also less likely to perceive cannabis use as risky. In other words, Marin teens don’t think it’s really so bad for you. 

This study, which coincidentally examined Northern California teens, provides strong evidence against that dangerous myth. For seven years, researchers from Kaiser Permanente collected data from self-reporting questionnaires on 463,598 adolescents, aged 13 to 17. Teens answered the questionnaires at routine medical visits. 

The study associated cannabis use with around a 2.2x higher risk of developing psychotic disorders, 2x higher risk of developing bipolar disorder, and a 24-34% higher chance of developing depression or anxiety. Researchers also found that the association for depression and anxiety strongly declined as teens got older, however, the risk remained more or less the same for psychotic and bipolar disorders. 

Few previous studies have followed such a large and diverse group of teens over time while examining multiple psychiatric outcomes. The structure of the study allowed researchers to determine not only the link between use and these disorders but to see how age affects outcomes. 

That young teens are so much more vulnerable is further evidence to support delaying cannabis use as much as possible. The longer we can delay, the better the outcomes for brain development and mental health. 

Because the study found that the association between use and bipolar and psychotic disorders remained consistent over time, we need to look towards other protective measures. This can include encouraging teens to develop and strengthen healthy habits and remain in social circles that don’t encourage heavy use even into adulthood. 

To parents, connection is prevention. It may seem out of your control and, in many ways, it is. Parents can’t protect their teens from every risk out there but that doesn’t mean they can’t do anything to stop their teens from engaging in risky behaviors. When parents keep conversation open with their teens, it can be easier for their teens to come to them for help. Here are some resources and tips for speaking with your teen about cannabis. 

To teens, I understand. I was a young person in Marin County smoking weed with a group of friends that did the same. It was easy to ignore the warnings when it seemed that everyone around me did. However, once the smoke cleared (literally and figuratively) those same problems I was masking with weed became much easier to face. Looking back, I feel profoundly lucky that I got out of it without developing bipolar disorder or psychosis. 

Your brain is everything, your brain is the rest of your life, your brain is you. It’s just not worth the risk, to leverage these things for a temporary high, maybe short-lived teenage social acceptance. Especially not worth it to calm feelings of anxiety and depression when it will only make them come back stronger. I was lucky but out of the 463,598 teens, thousands were not. 

Savannah Behr is a Marin native and student at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she covers student health and safety for the CUIndependent. A Tam High alum, Savy brings lived experience with teen cannabis addiction and a passion for helping youth and parents better understand the real impact of underage substance use. Through her writing, research, and peer connection, she aims to support informed, prevention-focused conversations in the Marin community.