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Cannabis use and psychosocial functioning: evidence from prospective longitudinal studies
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|August 1, 2020
Summary
Cannabis legalization may increase compulsive use, impacting psychosocial functioning. Chronic adult use, regardless of onset, is linked to poorer outcomes, suggesting social rather than neurotoxic causes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cannabis legalization may lead to increased use and associated psychosocial problems.
- Previous reviews have not consistently differentiated between adolescent and adult-onset cannabis use.
- Understanding the long-term impact of cannabis on psychosocial functioning is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent longitudinal studies on cannabis use and psychosocial functioning.
- To examine evidence for causal links between cannabis use and psychosocial outcomes.
- To differentiate effects based on age of onset and duration of use.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of prospective longitudinal studies.
- Separate analysis of studies focusing on adolescents/emerging adults versus those following individuals into adulthood.
- Assessment of associations and evidence for causation.
Main Results:
- Infrequent adolescent cannabis use is linked to some poorer psychosocial functioning in emerging adulthood.
- Chronic, frequent adult cannabis use (regardless of onset) is associated with widespread poorer psychosocial functioning.
- Evidence suggests both causal and non-causal factors contribute to these associations.
Conclusions:
- Cannabis use, particularly chronic adult use, is associated with significant psychosocial impairments.
- Causal mechanisms appear to be primarily social, not neurotoxic.
- Policy and intervention strategies should consider age-related vulnerabilities and patterns of use.
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