Decline in IQ linked to frequent or dependent use of cannabis use in youth
vixen99
13 points
12 comments
June 27, 2026
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Discussion Highlights (5 comments)
u1hcw9nx
Cohen's d=-0.132 is considered a very small effect size. In other words: The effect is statistically reliable, significant, and disagreements between studies are very low, but not that big. >The approximately 2-point decline in IQ in adolescent-onset frequent cannabis users is not to be clinically significant In a population level this might be part of the explanation, but we would have to know the correlation between prevalence of use of cannabis and IQ decline in the population. In developed nations there is trend where IQ drops 0.2 points per year (2-points per decade) since mid 1990s. In developing countries IQ increases 3-points per decade as Flynn-Effect still works there.
metalman
Rastas say that "cannabis" isn't for stupid people, which is an observational conclusion. There are other sometimes profound and imediate negative effects cannabis consumption
damnesian
Like any tool, it depends on how you use it. As a teenager, I used it to paint and write. It opened many doors. I found inner expression that was not possible otherwise. The measures used in the study are not absolutes and only a fragment of what constitutes human intelligence.
pixel_popping
Cannabis is better enjoyed as a late adult, maybe >25 years old, as almost any drugs. I wouldn't advise it to the youth, it can really ruin your concentration years later.
johnea
The fear surrounding cannabis is astrological, and also astronomical. Compared to either alcohol or tobacco, the risks are minimal. The petro mafia is preventing a transition away from oil, the alcohol and tobacco mafia are fighting the use of cannabis. Anyone who doesn't like the effects, or has any other reason, shouldn't use it. It certainly does much less damage to the teenage brain than instagram and the other faceplant products. All through the 60's and 70's when cannabis use was increasing, we were still seeing a steady increase in US educational outcomes. Ever since the iPhone and friends, and associated online shitpost websites, proliferated, we've seen a steady decline in education.