Changes in Susceptibility to Cannabis Use From Late Childhood to Early Adolescence

Cannabis use during early adolescence can negatively affect brain development and increase the risk of adverse health. We aimed to examine trends and correlates of cannabis-use susceptibility, a psychosocial receptivity construct capturing openness to future use (i.e., absence of a firm commitment not to use, curiosity, and willingness to try if offered) among youth who have not initiated cannabis.

This study analyzed five waves of the adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD) study (11,868 unique participants; n = 33,181 person-wave observations) to estimate the prevalence of cannabis-use susceptibility from late childhood (ages 9-10, baseline) through early adolescence (ages 13-14, 4-year follow-up). We fit wave-specific weighted multivariable logistic regression models and a pooled generalized estimating equations logistic model across all five waves to examine associations of individual, non-cannabis substance use, psychosocial factors, family, school, and neighborhood environmental factors with cannabis-use susceptibility.

Among never-cannabis users, the prevalence of cannabis-use susceptibility increased from 5.8% at baseline (ages: 9-10 years) to 22.7% at the 4-year follow-up (aged:13-14 years). In the pooled generalized estimating equation model, later follow-up waves, economic hardship, prior non-cannabis substance use, parental substance use, and several impulsivity-related traits were associated with higher susceptibility. In contrast, higher parental monitoring, a favorable school environment, and positive child-perceived neighborhood safety were associated with lower susceptibility. Wave-specific models showed that the magnitude and statistical significance of some associations varied across developmental stages.

This study highlights the influence of behavioral and environmental factors on cannabis-use susceptibility. Early intervention efforts that enhance parental monitoring, school support, and community environments may help reduce risk.