Neuroethics and cannabis use globally: Impact on adolescent cognition and wellbeing
A. Selamoglu, A. Malinowska, G. Savulich, B. Sahakian
2020 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-815063-4.00012-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | The authors report that adolescent cannabis use has consequences for brain development, cognition, and academic performance, and might be a risk factor for psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, depression, anxiety, and addiction. They argue that prevention and harm-reduction guidelines are needed to protect adolescent development. |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter reviews the literature on the effects of adolescent cannabis use on cognition, wellbeing and the neuroethical implications for societies across the globe. Given its widespread use and availability, cannabis use in adolescence may impact the developing brain, manifesting in cognitive, psychiatric, academic and social changes, thus raising neuroethical concerns. We review evidence that adolescent cannabis use has consequences for brain development, cognition and academic performance. Adolescent cannabis use might also be a risk factor for several psychiatric disorders, including psychosis, depression, anxiety and addiction. We further review variation in motivations for use, with enjoyment, conformity, experimentation and anxiety-reduction being the most common. Appropriate guidelines and recommendations for prevention and harm reduction strategies for adolescent cannabis use are needed to ensure the flourishing of adolescents in society.