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Genetic risk for cannabis use disorder linked to brain differences in youth

A new genetic study reveals that youth with a higher inherited risk for cannabis addiction show altered frontal brain structure. The variations appear even in teenagers who have never used marijuana, offering new insigh…

Genetic risk for cannabis use disorder linked to brain differences in youth
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A new genetic study reveals that youth with a higher inherited risk for cannabis addiction show altered frontal brain structure. The variations appear even in teenagers who have never used marijuana, offering new insights into adolescent brain development.

A person’s genetic risk for developing a cannabis addiction is associated with structural brain differences during adolescence, even in individuals who have never struggled with substance abuse. The finding indicates that some brain variations previously attributed to marijuana use might partly originate from an inherited biological predisposition. The study was published in the

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Journal of Psychopharmacology . Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with the condition experience intense emotional states known as mood episodes, which can include periods of extreme elation or irritability, known as mania, and periods of deep sadness, known as depression. The condition often emerges during the teenage years and is a leading cause of functional disability among youth globally. Teenagers with bipolar disorder frequently face additional psychiatric challenges throughout their schooling and home lives. Research shows that about 30 percent of youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. Cannabis use disorder ranks as the most common addiction in this specific clinical group. Youth with bipolar disorder use cannabis at higher rates than...

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Published
Jul 16, 2026
Updated
Jul 16, 2026
Source
Psypost - Psychology News
Category
Top
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6 min
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SourcePsypost - Psychology News
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PublishedJul 16, 2026
UpdatedJul 16, 2026

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PublishedJul 16, 2026, 11:00 AMThis story was published by BC Post.
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Psypost - Psychology News Published Jul 16, 2026 Imported Jul 16, 2026
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Psypost - Psychology News Jul 16, 2026
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