Title:Marijuana Use in Young Adults: What Do We Know?
Volume: 9
Author(s): Michael Wenzinger*Fayola Fears
Affiliation:
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO,United States
Keywords:
Cannabidiol (CBD), cannabis, college mental health, marijuana, psychosis, young adults, Δ9-
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Abstract: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Over the
past decade its use has increased, with young adults/college aged individuals having the
highest proportion of users compared to any other age group. Given the high rates of usage
in this age group, cannabis use is an important aspect of mental and physical health in collegeaged
adults. Current evidence indicates that marijuana use, especially early and dosedependent
use, can have significant negative ramifications on general functioning, academic
performance, psychiatric wellness, and may be causally related to development of other
substance use disorders and risky behaviors. No strong evidence supports marijuana as a
beneficial treatment for any psychiatric indication, however there is evidence supporting
the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in illnesses such as epilepsy. Providers must be well apprised
of the current evidence base for both detecting and treating marijuana use disorder given its
increasing prevalence and decreasing perception of risk. Screening of cannabis use disorder
and treatment with appropriate therapy is highly important for college mental health.
