Cannabis use disorder (CUD), marked by problematic use, is linked to psychiatric comorbidities, cognitive dysfunction, respiratory complications, and immune system dysregulation. Given that cancer outcomes depend on both biological and behavioral factors, understanding whether CUD modifies survival outcomes is of substantial clinical importance.

Emerging evidence suggests that cannabis may exert immunosuppressive effects, particularly through the modulation of T-cell function, which plays a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance. The endocannabinoid system may also promote tumor progression, especially in gastrointestinal malignancies 

The results of this study indicate that a history of cannabis use disorder prior to colon cancer diagnosis is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality, even after adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. These results suggest that pre-existing CUD may have a negative prognostic impact on cancer outcomes, warranting further investigation into potential biological, behavioral, and healthcare-related mechanisms.

Findings on the relationship between cannabis and cancer outcomes remain mixed and may depend heavily on patterns of use. While some preclinical studies suggest anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids such as THC , others associate chronic or high-intensity cannabis exposure with tumor progression, particularly in gastrointestinal malignancies. The endocannabinoid system is known to modulate inflammation and immune function, and cannabinoids may impair anti-tumor immunity by inhibiting T-cell proliferation, suppressing antigen presentation, and altering cytokine signaling

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Cannabis Use Associated with Poor Academic Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults

Cannabis has detrimental effects on brain development, cognition, memory, and attention in youth. This systematic review examined the association between cannabis use and academic achievement in adolescents and young adults ≤24 years old (63 studies with 438,329 individuals).

• Moderate-certainty evidence indicated that cannabis use in youth was associated with decreases in the following measures: school grades (odds ratio [OR], 0.61), likelihood of high school completion (OR, 0.50), university enrollment (OR, 0.72), and postsecondary degree attainment (OR, 0.69). Cannabis use in youth was associated with increases in school dropout rate (OR, 2.19) and school absenteeism (OR, 2.31).
• Low-certainty evidence suggests that cannabis use may be associated with increased unemployment.
• Subgroup analyses demonstrated worse academic outcomes for youth who initiated cannabis use at a younger age (≤16 years old) and with greater frequency (weekly or daily).

Comments: This systematic review strengthens the association between cannabis use and poor academic outcomes in youth. It remains unclear whether cannabis use is a cause, correlate, or consequence of suboptimal academic achievement. Future studies could help clarify this dynamic and drive the development of interventional strategies, particularly as cannabis potency and legalization are on the rise and perceived risk is dropping in youth.

Emily Nields, DO

Reference: Chan O, Daudi A, Ji D, et al. Cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood and academic achievement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(12):1280–1289.

The impact of using cannabis during pregnancy on the infant and mother: An overview of systematic reviews, evidence map, targeted updates, and de novo synthesis

Results: There were 89 studies/reviews eligible for inclusion in this review. There was a potentially harmful impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on all fetal growth and development outcomes, some neonatal outcomes, some later-life outcomes, and some maternal outcomes. The evidence regarding other neonatal conditions, later-life, and maternal outcomes was mixed.

Conclusions: The evidence suggests cannabis should be avoided during pregnancy.

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Also see

• The Truth About Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Mental Health
• Cannabis – Mitochondria I.E.D? (Cannabis and Pregnancy is a Bad Combination)

Cannabis use and its effects on mental health have become a growing area of concern, especially when it comes to psychosis. Research suggests there is a strong link between cannabis use, psychosis symptoms, and the dopamine system in the brain. This article will explain how cannabis may affect the risk of psychosis by changing dopamine activity, focusing on cannabis and psychosis on the dopamine system and related mechanisms. If you’re worried about cannabis use or want to understand the science behind it, this guide will provide clear and useful information for you.

A recent study led by researchers at McGill University and Western University has brought some real answers to light.

Main Results

1. Cannabis Use Disorder Raises Dopamine Activity

People with CUD had clearly higher neuromelanin-MRI signals in the ventral SN/VTA areas of the brain. This means more long-term dopamine activity. These areas are heavily linked to how severe a person’s psychosis symptoms are.

2. Cannabis and Schizophrenia Together Don’t Just Add Up

Interestingly, those with both CUD and schizophrenia didn’t show a simple doubling of dopamine. The effect of CUD was still clear, but schizophrenia didn’t seem to add much extra. This suggests a more complicated relationship, possibly even that the brain “plates out” on dopamine activity at a particular point.

3. Long-lasting Brain Changes

Even after one year, people with CUD still had higher dopamine activity in key brain regions. This suggests brain changes from cannabis are not just a one-time spike but may last a long time, especially with ongoing use.

4. Nicotine Was Not to Blame

Though people with CUD were also more likely to smoke tobacco, the researchers checked and confirmed nicotine wasn’t causing the dopamine spike. The effect was clearly linked to cannabis use.

5. Severity Matters

The higher the neuromelanin-MRI signal, the more severe the cannabis use. This supports a “dose-response” effect, showing that heavier or more regular cannabis use has a bigger impact on the brain’s dopamine system and, in turn, the risk of psychosis.

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Recent studies have uncovered concerning links between the impact of cannabis on young brains and severe mental health challenges. These findings urge greater awareness and call for stronger prevention efforts.

How Cannabis Alters Developing Brains

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Palaniyappan and her team examined how cannabis use disorder affects the brain. Using advanced imaging techniques, they identified increased markers of dopamine activity in specific brain regions, similar to those observed in psychosis. This research underscores the troubling effects of cannabis on youth, linking substance use to changes in critical brain pathways.

Psychiatrist Dr. Julie Richard highlights the problem, stating, “Exposure to cannabis is changing young people’s brains… young people as young as 13 are presenting with a psychotic episode associated with recent cannabis use.” This stark reality demonstrates how cannabis use during adolescence can heighten the risk of psychosis and other mental health disorders. 

Alarmingly, an increasing number of teenagers, some as young as 12 or 13, are presenting with psychotic episodes linked to recent cannabis use. These episodes highlight the immediate risks cannabis poses to mental well-being. Young users often experience more severe and frequent symptoms, which can upend their academic, social, and personal lives.

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