Teen Cannabis Use Linked to Mental Health Disorders

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente in California have identified links between adolescent cannabis use and an increased risk of developing serious psychiatric disorders.

Teens who used marijuana had a significantly greater chance of developing psychosis and bipolar disorder. They also saw a modest increase in anxiety and depression diagnoses.

Large Study Examines Teen Cannabis and Mental Health

Dr. Kelly C. Young-Wolff and her team reviewed health records for 463,396 teens aged 13-17.

Participants completed confidential cannabis screenings during routine pediatric visits between 2016 and 2023.

With an even cohort of females (49.4%) and males (50.5%), researchers followed participants through age 25.

At the start of the study, 5.7% of participants reported cannabis use. Over 4,000 teens were diagnosed with bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders.

Depressive and anxiety disorders were also diagnosed in tens of thousands of participants. Similar patterns were observed among teens who reported marijuana use, regardless of frequency. 

Dr. Young-Wolff reported her findings as “consistent with cannabis being a risk factor for or exacerbating the risk of psychiatric disorders rather than only resulting from preexisting psychiatric conditions.”

Cannabis Legalization and Teen Mental Health Risks

As of 2026, nearly half of the U.S. states have legalized recreational marijuana use while 38 states allow medical marijuana.

As legalization expands the study suggests policymakers should increase prevention efforts, increase parent and teen education and inform clinical guidance as legalization expands. 

Teens and families affected by cannabis use and mental health symptoms can take steps toward treatment and recovery.

Treatmentcentersdirectory.com offers a searchable directory of mental health and addiction treatment centers near you.

Various options are available for individuals to find a location tailored to their needs. You can also call 800-908-4823 (Sponsored) for additional support.

Author

Mariah Bourne, M.A.

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Mariah Bourne received her Master of Arts in Community Social Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She later served as a Research Associate in many studies focused on education, addiction, and treatment, including one examining the efficacy of an LED treatment device in reducing opioid cravings. Currently, she works as a freelance writer and is dedicated to providing helpful information to those seeking recovery from substance abuse.

Editor

Eric Owens

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Eric Owens has been a writer and editor for various businesses as well as his own successful websites. He has extensive experience creating content in the health and wellness space and the sustainability space. He holds a bachelor degree in Philosophy which helped him with presenting complex information in a simple way that all audiences can understand.