Weed can blunt teenagers’ brain development across a range of skills. This includes attention, language, memory, and processing pace, a new study reveals.
In a recent press release published by the University of California-San Diego on April 15, 2026, the researchers mentioned that teens who began using weed had slower gains and memory skills. The main reason, as per the experts, is the chemical reaction from an overdose of weed intake.Â
Adolescence is a critical phase for brain development. What the experts noticed while investigating the issue is that teenagers who begin using cannabis failed to improve at the same rate as their peers. In the study, experts tracked more than 11,000 children aged 9 to 10 until they were 16 and 17. They followed their brain development patterns and their substance use. The experts also tracked weed use not only through children’s self-reports, but by examining samples of hair, saliva, and urine.
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It was observed that the teen users of weed showed signs of limited development as they advanced through time.
Some of these people scored equal to, or even better than, others during their youth, but lagged with age. Their improvement stalled, while others kept getting better over time.
Additionally, it was determined that increased THC content among teens led to poorer memory formation, but CBD did not show similar effects on the same group of people. THC is the psychoactive component in marijuana, while CBD is one of its non-psychoactive components.
The team will continue tracking participants into young adulthood to understand better the long-term effects of cannabis use.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.