Rationale: Evidence suggests that chronic cannabis users likely exhibit poor decision-making and impulse control (Fridberg, 2010). However, as the availability of cannabis has risen, more young people believe that weed is harmless. (Miech, 2020). Early exposure to cannabis may harm decision-making, therefore increasing the risk for Cannabis Use Disorder. This study analyzed the connection between adolescent exposure to cannabis and decision-making ability.

Method: This study experimentally used rats to test the effects of cannabis on decision-making. Rats were given either a placebo or THC during adolescence and were re-exposed to slight doses of THC (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg) to assess their gambling and decision tactics in adulthood. To make the connection between rats and humans, researchers evaluated previous studies of 22 cannabis users and 15 non-users to evaluate their sensitivity to reward and risk using the Iowa Gambling Task. Both rats and humans were tested on their reward and punishment learning rates, decision-making, and impulse control.

Results: More exposure to THC resulted in slower and worse decision-making skills. Re-exposure to THC in adulthood, for both humans and rats, led them to act on immediate benefit rather than long-term gain. Limited or no exposure to THC resulted in faster decision-making after adolescent exposure. Similar results from human and rat brains indicate that THC likely changes the way your brain processes information, which can result in cognitive impairments down the line.

Meaning: Cannabis exposure during adolescence can permanently modify decision-making skills, directing priorities toward immediate satisfaction over long-term gains. Reaching for a quick fix is common among drug users and may increase the risk of addiction. To develop healthy decision-making processes, staying away from cannabis during adolescence could be beneficial.