CUD-PRS: Predicting Cannabis Use and Neurostructural Impacts in Adolescents

With recreational cannabis use rising globally, understanding and preventing cannabis use disorders (CUD) has become increasingly important. Cupertino et al.'s recent study (2025) sheds light on the development mechanism of CUD. Our commentary briefly highlights their key findings and the clinical significance of their work: genetic vulnerability influences early cannabis use, and adolescence is a crucial period when this risk is most likely to emerge. We believe their work suggests that identifying individuals with high genetic risk early on could help shape targeted prevention strategies. Notably, white matter integrity and impulsive behavior appear to mediate the link between genetic risk and cannabis use. Based on this, we propose screening of adolescents for genetic susceptibility or white matter abnormalities in the future, followed by targeted behavioral, cognitive, or neuromodulation interventions to strengthen white matter integrity and potentially reduce the risk of CUD development.