Medical research warns of cannabis risks to adolescent brain development

Scientific research highlights significant risks associated with cannabis use during adolescence, a period of intense brain development. In Argentina, data from the University of Buenos Aires indicates that approximately 269 million people globally have used cannabis, with 27.5% of the Argentine population reporting use and an average starting age of 19.

Medical experts warn that THC, the primary psychoactive component, interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates memory, movement, appetite, sleep, and mood. Consumption can impair attention, coordination, and academic performance.

A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that adolescents under 17 with a cannabis use disorder have three times the risk of developing other mental health disorders compared to those using alcohol or other drugs. Psychiatrists emphasize that despite the perception of cannabis as a harmless natural substance, it possesses high psychotropic properties that can lead to serious emotional and mental health issues.