Effects of Cannabis Use in Adolescence 

Presenter

Jeanna Marie Serafino

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C39, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 4 (C31-C40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Cannabis has more than a hundred chemicals called cannabinoids which have medicinal and psychoactive properties. The National Institute of Drug Abuse warns that marijuana use has increased and that it affects both the body and mind. In the mind Marijuana use affects learning, attention span, coordination and movements, and reaction time. Physiologically it increases your heart rate and associate risk of heart diseases. Its use is varied among different cultures, communities, age, accessibility, and awareness of associated risk. Hence the objective of my study is to examine the effects of marijuana use on cognitive function and psychological health in adolescents. The methodology I used was reviewing recent peer-reviewed scientific articles and case studies. My findings indicate that marijuana use in adolescents increases the risk of cognitive function and mental illness compared to adults. Clinical studies indicate cellular disruptions in two critical aspects of brain development: white matter development and synaptic pruning that leads to emotional and cognitive impairments. It also affects microglia and astrocytes cells to produce inflammatory cytokines in the brain. This warns us of the vulnerability of adolescents to the negative impacts of its use on cognitive function and behavior. So there is an urgent need to create awareness in our communities and protect our teenagers. We also have to educate the parents and caregivers about these dangers to avoid potential harm and safeguarding the well-being of adolescents in our communities.

Keywords

cannabis, adolescence, cognitive development, young adult, education

Research Area

Clinical and Developmental Psychology

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