Does cannabis harm the young brain?

Cannabis can harm the young brain, especially during the developmental phase. The Bundesinstitut für Öffentliche Gesundheit (BIÖG) describes the young brain as an organ in an important phase of development that can be influenced by use. The damage is not the same for every person. This article explains which consequences are described as documented, why development is so sensitive and what you can take from this.

Why the young brain is particularly sensitive

Drugcom describes that the brain matures from childhood into young adulthood. Above all in puberty, extensive remodelling takes place: new connections are formed and surplus nerve cells are broken down. BIÖG writes that a constant “flooding” with THC disrupts these maturation processes.

Use in adolescence is therefore considered particularly risky. According to drugcom, whether THC actually causes the observed changes is not yet fully clarified, although animal experiments point in this direction. For this reason, drugcom recommends that young people avoid cannabis completely.

Which consequences for memory and school are described

BIÖG names memory as an area that can be impaired. In the worst case, the school or vocational qualification is at risk, because memory works markedly worse. This can become noticeable especially in training, when learning material piles up.

BIÖG also describes that everyday cannabis use leads to disturbances of concentration, and that tasks and appointments are easily forgotten. The article on memory and school qualifications deepens this point.

Cognitive performance and early start

Drugcom writes that there is convincing evidence that an early start in use has lasting impairments on cognitive performance. Cognitive performance includes concentration, learning, planning and retaining information. Such abilities are central at school and at work.

In a study reported by drugcom with more than 1,000 people, an IQ decline of up to eight points was seen in people who began using before the age of 18 and became dependent on cannabis. Critics argue that environmental factors were not sufficiently taken into account. The article on the consequences of an early start explains this in more detail.

Psychosis and mood

According to BIÖG, people who use cannabis get psychosis more often than people who do not. This is a serious risk, even though not every user is affected. According to BIÖG, in a psychosis a person temporarily loses touch with reality, with hallucinations and delusions. The link is thus described statistically, and causation has not been proven.

If you notice such changes in yourself or someone close to you, see a doctor promptly. The article on warning signs of psychosis explains the warning signs.

Dependence in adolescence

According to BIÖG, roughly one in eight people who use cannabis becomes dependent. The risk rises if you use once or several times a week. Drugcom notes that psychological dependence can develop with long-term use. BIÖG describes (almost) daily use as much more harmful for young people than for adults.

How dependence can be recognised is described in the article on warning signs of cannabis dependence.

Which factors influence the harm

• Age at initiation: the younger you are, the more dangerous it becomes, according to BIÖG.
• Frequency and duration: the longer and more often you use, the greater the health risk.
• THC content: the higher the THC content, the more dangerous, according to BIÖG.
• Disposition and childhood experiences: according to BIÖG, genes and experiences in childhood play an important role in personality development.

The harm therefore cannot be pinned down by quantity alone.

What research has shown so far

The findings on cannabis and the brain come from different investigations. Some findings are clear, while others describe associations whose cause is still open. Anyone seeking information should therefore pay attention to the kind of statement and distinguish observation from established findings.

BIÖG summarises: the longer and more often you use, and the younger you are, the greater the health risk.

Why use and learning are connected

Drugcom describes that the maturation of the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for higher tasks such as judgement and complex thinking, appears altered in young users. In adolescents, studies show weaker cognitive performance, for example poorer memory, according to drugcom. This can affect school or vocational performance.

Anyone who regularly keeps an eye on learning progress and concentration may notice changes earlier.

Why breaks can help development

Drugcom writes that it has not yet been conclusively established whether the brain of young people can recover. There are first indications of a possible recovery of cognitive performance, but the earlier someone started and the more intensive the use, the weaker it turns out. There is no guarantee.

Anyone who notices changes early can take targeted action with teachers, family or a counselling service. The offers under Prevention show which support is available. Anyone who seeks advice early can clarify questions before problems become entrenched.

What you can do

• Drugcom recommends that young people avoid cannabis completely. Under 18, cannabis is in any case not permitted.
• Pay attention to changes in concentration, sleep, mood and performance, in yourself and in others.
• Talk early with a trusted person, a doctor or a counselling service.
• Use the offers under Prevention to inform yourself further.

Prevention: protecting development

Parents, school and friends can support by enabling conversations and providing factual information.

For a confidential conversation, you can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 (calls are charged, daily from 8 am to midnight). Parents can find help through the Elterntelefon of the Nummer gegen Kummer.

Where to read further

An overview of the consequences is in the article on the health consequences of cannabis overall. The areas for youth protection and prevention can be found on the page Youth protection.