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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
Cannabis as a Gateway Drug for Opioid Use Disorder
1Arthur Robin Williams, M.D., M.B.E., is an Assistant Professor, Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry and a Research Scientist, New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Abstract:
Cannabis use in some individuals can meaningfully introduce de novo risk for the initiation of opioid use and development of opioid use disorder. These risks may be particularly high during adolescence when cannabis use may disrupt critical periods of neurodevelopment. Current research studying the combination of genetic and environmental factors involved in substance use disorders is poorly understood. More research is needed, particularly to identify which adolescents are most at risk and to develop effective interventions addressing contributing factors such as trauma and psychiatric comorbidity.
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