How cannabis puts teen brains at risk

Published Feb 25, 2014

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London - Teenagers who smoke cannabis are at much greater risk of addiction and psychosis than adults who take up the drug, scientists say.

According to their study, it is particularly damaging to youngsters as their brain is still developing. Researchers reviewed more than 120 studies on cannabis and the adolescent brain, genetic influences and environmental factors.

Professor Didier Jutras-Aswad, co-author of the University of Montreal and New York’s Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai study, said: “Of the illicit drugs, cannabis is most used by teenagers since it is perceived by many to be of little harm.”

But he said studies show an association between cannabis use and later addiction to heavy drugs, and psychosis. As the structure of the brain changes rapidly during adolescence, before settling in adulthood, scientists believe that the cannabis consumption at this time can greatly influence the way the user’s personality develops. It can make some users aggressive and impulsive.

Writing in the journal Neuropharma- cology, Professor Jutras-Aswad concluded: “It is now clear that cannabis is not harmless to the adolescent brain, specifically those who are most vulnerable from a genetic or psychological standpoint.” - Daily Mail

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