Cannabis Use During Adolescence and Young Adulthood: What Are the Consequences?

Cannabis users have worse consequences and later life outcomes than non-users, according to the results of recent study.

The researchers conducted a 10-wave prospective cohort longitudinal study to examine the impact of initiating cannabis use in young adulthood after high school, or in adolescence. A total of 1792 individuals in Victoria, Australia participated in study, which took place over 20 years and followed the participants from 15 to 35 years. 

Primary outcomes included alcohol use, smoking, drug use, relationship status, financial hardship, depression, anxiety, and employment status.

The results indicated that a significantly larger number of participants began regular use of cannabis in young adulthood (13.6%) compared with in adolescence (7.7%). This ratio resulted in a higher proportion of adverse consequences for the young adult-onset group than the adolescent-onset group.

In comparison to minimal/non-users, both young adult and adolescent-onset users were more likely to have used other illegal drugs, be a high-risk alcohol drinker, and smoke daily by their mid-30s. These regular users were also less likely to be in relationships.

“Cannabis users who began regular use in their teens had poorer later life outcomes than non‐using peers. The larger group who began regular cannabis use after leaving high school accounted for most cannabis‐related harms in adulthood,” the researchers concluded. “Given the legalization of cannabis use in an increasing number of jurisdictions, we should increasingly expect harms from cannabis use to lie in those commencing use in young adulthood.”

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Chan GCK, Becker D, Butterworth P, et al. Young-adult compared to adolescent onset of regular cannabis use: A 20-year prospective cohort study of later consequences. Published online January 26, 2021. Accessed January 28, 2021. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.13239