Furthermore, early exposure can impair inhibitory control, meaning cannabis can lead a user to develop other addictions. According to the co-author of the study and Ph.D. student Jean-François Morin:
"Cannabis use was associated with lasting effects on a measure of inhibitory control, which is a risk factor for other addictive behaviors, and might explain why early-onset cannabis use is a risk factor for other addictions."
Cannabis has been labeled as a 'gateway-drug' by multiple opposing bodies. Perhaps this rings true in teenagers, but don't we set age limits for a reason?
There is also a reason why we set age-limits on driving, for example.
Cannabis for Teens? Wait Until You Are Older
Issues arise when cannabis use begins earlier in adolescence. So researchers at the University of Montreal suggest discouraging teens from trying the drug at all for as long as possible.
The study followed over 3,800 Canadian teens over four years. The aim was to connect the dots between alcohol use, cannabis use, and cognitive development.
The teenagers gave details of their drug and alcohol use once a year. They also underwent cognitive brain tests.
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The results showed that cognitive development was indeed impaired by the substances but that problems increased more when cannabis use increased. It also showed that the effects lasted longer when cannabis was taken, unlike those caused by drinking alcohol.
"Further increases in cannabis use, but not alcohol consumption, showed additional concurrent and lagged effects on cognitive functions, such as perceptual reasoning, memory recall, working memory and inhibitory control," said Dr. Patricia Conrod.
So, teenagers trying cannabis is not the best thing to encourage. I think that's a given though, right?
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