Even monthly cannabis use was linked to worse academic performance and self-regulation in a study of over 162,000 US teens

Compared to non-users, even noncurrent and monthly cannabis users had greater odds of poor academic performance (aOR 1.30-2.20), poor impulsivity and self-regulation (aOR 1.26-2.19), and adverse emotional states (aOR 1.1-1.42). A consistent dose-response trend was observed across all adverse categories except low social engagement. Younger users (<16) showed greater susceptibility.

Cross-sectional analysis of 162,532 respondents from the 2018-2022 Monitoring the Future surveys (US nationally representative 8th, 10th, and 12th graders). Cannabis use frequency categorized as nonuse, noncurrent, monthly, weekly, and near-daily. Demographically adjusted odds ratios calculated for cognitive, social, and emotional indicators.

Published in Pediatrics, this study challenges the notion that occasional cannabis use is harmless for teens. The dose-response pattern starting at monthly use and the heightened vulnerability of younger adolescents strengthen the case for early prevention.

This is one of the largest studies examining dose-dependent cannabis effects in adolescents. The finding that even low-frequency use is associated with measurable differences, combined with greater vulnerability in younger teens, supports age-based prevention messaging.

Cross-sectional design cannot establish causality. Associations may reflect pre-existing differences between users and non-users. Self-reported cannabis use may be underreported. Effect sizes were small to moderate. Survey cannot capture cannabis potency or product type.