Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Mental Health Research / 22.02.2026

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72552" align="alignleft" width="200"]Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPHLicensed clinical psychologist and Research Scientist Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Associate Professor, Psychiatry School of Medicine UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences Dr. Young-Wolff[/caption] Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH Licensed clinical psychologist and Research Scientist Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Associate Professor, Psychiatry School of Medicine UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis is widely used by adolescents, and it’s often first used during the same developmental window when many psychiatric disorders begin to emerge. At the same time, cannabis has become more accessible and more socially accepted. While prior studies have linked adolescent cannabis use to mental health symptoms, fewer large studies have examined whether it’s associated with later clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders. We wanted to address that gap.