Teen cannabis use linked to slower gains in memory and focus

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. NewsHealthTeen cannabis use linked to slower gains in memory and focusThe brain is only about 80% developed in adolescenceJulia Musto in New York Tuesday 21 April 2026 01:23 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2961322","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/teen-cannabis-brain-health-memory-b2961322.html","title":"Teen cannabis use linked to slower gains in memory and focus"}}CloseTrump Reclassifies CannabisSign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in healthGet our free Health Check emailGet our free Health Check emailEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Health_Newsletter","regTitle":"Health Check","subscriptionGroup":"health","subscriptionGroupId":"a476a40b-80d6-475e-83ee-36e2c8c6dcb9","type":"health","pathPrefix":["/news/health","/news/science"],"associatedAuthors":["Rebecca Thomas"],"title":"Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health","mobileTitle":"Get our free Health Check email","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/healthCheck1_1.png","description":"Behind the headline review on the week in health","label":"I would like to receive morning headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts by email","newsletterKey":"receiveIndyHealthNews","regSourceSection":"Health","regSourceMethod":"NSCs"},"isClimate":false}It’s 4/20 - but U.S. teens should avoid cannabis unless they want to stunt their brai...