Teen Cannabis Use Tied to Slower Cognitive Development
Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP, Prevention Research Institute Executive Vice President
Published on April 20, 2026
New longitudinal data from the ABCD study found that teens who use THC show flattened cognitive development trajectories compared to controls.
In longitudinal analyses (n = 11,036) over 10 years that controlled for a large number of factors, compared to controls by age 17 any THC use was found to be related to:
• Working memory
• Processing speed
• Impulse control (pictured below)
• Verbal recall
• Visuospatial skills
“These results point to THC as a likely driver of the changes we’re seeing,” Wade said. “It also highlights how complicated cannabis products can be, especially since some products labeled as CBD may still contain THC.”
Medscape overview>>
Neuropsychopharmacology Article, April 20, 2026 >>
