Frequent cannabis use in adolescence linked to decline in IQ
Declines of approximately two IQ points over time in those who used cannabis frequently
Adolescents who use cannabis frequently may experience a decline in intelligence quotient (IQ) over time, according to an Irish-led study.
The findings of the research provide further insight into the harmful neurological and cognitive effects of frequent cannabis use on young people.
The study, led by researchers at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, was published in the January 2021 edition of the journal
Psychological Medicine (
PM).
The results revealed that there were declines of approximately two IQ points over time in those who used cannabis frequently compared to those who didn’t use cannabis.