Cannabis Use in Adolescents.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cannabis, derived from the cannabis plant, contains psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is available in various formulations.
• While recreational cannabis is legal in many US states, youth cannabis use has declined.
• Increased adult use and higher THC concentrations in products warrant greater pediatrician knowledge regarding pediatric cannabis exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance pediatrician knowledge of cannabis and its health effects on children and adolescents.
• To describe clinical syndromes, screening tools, and treatment modalities for pediatric cannabis exposure.
• To highlight the role of pediatricians in preventive counseling and reducing youth cannabis use.

Main Methods:

• Review of longitudinal epidemiological studies on youth cannabis use.
• Analysis of clinical syndromes associated with cannabis exposure in pediatric populations.
• Description of evidence-based screening tools and treatment options for cannabis use in youth.

Main Results:

• Longitudinal studies show less than 20% of youth currently use cannabis, with decreased lifetime use over decades.
• Increasing availability of high-THC cannabis products and rising adult use present potential risks to children and adolescents.
• Pediatricians require updated knowledge on acute and chronic health effects, clinical presentations, and management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Despite declining youth use rates, the evolving cannabis landscape necessitates enhanced pediatrician preparedness.
• Pediatricians are vital in identifying and managing cannabis-related health issues in children and adolescents.
• Effective preventive counseling and intervention strategies by pediatricians can mitigate the impact of cannabis on youth health.