Teen cannabis use linked to slower memory and thinking growth

New research shows that teenagers who use cannabis experience slower development in memory, attention, language, and processing speed compared to their non-using peers. While their cognitive abilities initially develop normally, they begin to plateau while non-users continue improving. THC, the active compound in cannabis, appears to be the primary driver of these cognitive delays, particularly affecting memory function. This finding highlights the importance of preventing cannabis use during critical brain development years, as the teenage brain continues maturing into the mid-20s. Healthcare providers and parents should be aware of these potential cognitive consequences when counseling adolescents about substance use.