A narrative review found that cannabis poses the greatest neurological risks during prenatal development and adolescence, while rising use among older adults introduces a different set of health concerns.
Public health professionals, policymakers crafting age-specific cannabis regulations, clinicians counseling patients across age groups.
Older adults now show the fastest-rising cannabis use rates with the lowest risk perception
What the researchers found
Recent epidemiological data suggest a potential reversal in escalating cannabis use rates among pregnant women and adolescents, but use among older adults continues to climb with low risk perception. Preclinical and clinical evidence supports high risk during prenatal and adolescent brain development.
Why it matters
As cannabis access expands, understanding age-specific risks is critical for tailored public health messaging. The finding that older adults now represent the fastest-growing user group with the lowest risk perception is a relatively new concern.
The numbers in context
NSDUH data from 2002-2023 analyzed; three life stages examined: in utero, adolescence, and late adulthood; data collected during 2020 and since 2021 used different methods than earlier years.
How the study worked
Narrative review synthesizing preclinical and clinical studies across three life stages (in utero, adolescence, late adulthood), supplemented with updated NSDUH data from 2002-2023 on cannabis use rates and risk perceptions.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review methodology is less rigorous than systematic review. NSDUH data collection changed in 2020-2021, limiting direct comparisons across years. Much of the prenatal and adolescent evidence comes from preclinical models.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: Synthesizes a broad body of preclinical and clinical evidence with updated national survey data, though the narrative review format involves less systematic methodology.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 with NSDUH data through 2023.
The bigger picture
This review connects the dots between developmental neuroscience, changing cannabis policies, and shifting demographics of cannabis use. The trend of declining youth use alongside rising senior use represents a demographic shift that public health systems need to track.
Questions still open
- Are the declining use trends among pregnant women and adolescents sustained or temporary? What specific risks do older adults face from cannabis use that differ from younger populations? How should public health messaging differ by age group?
Common questions
Which age group is most at risk from cannabis use?
Why are older adults a growing concern?
Read the original research
Age-Related Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids on Brain and Behavior.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
Citation
Murray, Conor H; Cassarino, Joshua; Cooper, Ziva D. (2025). Age-Related Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids on Brain and Behavior.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1177/25785125251372061
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